A Wine Country Weekend Getaway from Milan Villa Sparina Resort in Piedmont
There are weekends that blend into the rhythm of everyday life, and then there are weekends that leave a mark — the kind you find yourself remembering in small details long after you’ve returned home. My family and I recently spent a few days at Villa Sparina Resort in Gavi, Piedmont, and I can honestly say it was one of those rare, unforgettable stays. Just 60 minutes from Milan, it felt like we had stepped into another world: one where vineyards stretch endlessly, the air smells of lavender and wild fennel, and every moment is savored.
A Farmhouse Reimagined
The family-run resort itself is a careful balance of past and present. Set in an 18th-century farmhouse, Villa Sparina has been restored with modern elegance while still keeping its roots firmly in Piedmontese tradition. From the moment we arrived, I noticed how the spaces were both stylish and warm — high-beamed ceilings, stone walls, antique furnishings, and yet everything felt light, fresh, and thoughtfully designed.
We were lucky enough to stay in a two-floor suite. It was spacious and luxurious, with a bedroom upstairs, a lounge below, and the kind of shower you never want to step out of — roomy, sleek, and indulgent. In the evening, the turndown service left little candies on our pillows, a detail so simple yet so thoughtful it made us smile every night.
Days in the Vineyards
Much of our stay centered on the vineyards. They aren’t just something you see from afar; they’re part of the experience! To reach the outdoor swimming pool, for example, you walk through rows of vines, sunlight filtering through the leaves. It makes something as ordinary as heading for a swim feel magical.
One afternoon we wandered through the vineyards together, stopping often to take photos, to admire the sunflower fields beyond, or to taste figs picked fresh from a tree. The children swung gently on a bed swing tucked into the garden, while I tried to capture the golden glow of the landscape with my camera. At sunset, we sat with an aperitivo in hand, watching as the hills shifted from gold to pink to blue. It’s one of those memories I know we’ll carry with us.
And there were scents everywhere: the heady sweetness of lavender in bloom, the sharp freshness of wild fennel, the earthy perfume of vines heavy with fruit. It was a reminder that travel isn’t just about sights, but about engaging all the senses.
A Taste of Villa Sparina
I’ll admit, I was hesitant to take the kids on what might seem like a wine and culinary-centered holiday. But they loved it. The atmosphere was relaxed, there was plenty of safe outdoor space for them to play, and the whole experience felt like a much-needed break from city life.
One of the highlights of our stay was a private bread-making class organized just for our family. In the villa’s beautiful, modern state-of-the-art kitchen, we rolled dough, shaped breadsticks, and learned the art of making focaccia. Each of us topped our creations with olives and tomatoes, laughing as flour dusted the table and our hands.
The chef leading the workshop was from nearby Genova, and as we worked she explained the deep history of focaccia. This beloved bread is part of Ligurian tradition — a region that borders Piedmont and has long influenced its cuisine. For centuries, Liguria and Piedmont were linked by trade routes that carried olive oil, seafood, and focaccia inland, while Piedmontese wines traveled toward the coast. She reminded us that focaccia isn’t just food; it’s heritage, once baked in the hearths of coastal villages and carried home from markets as part of daily life.
Adding to the fun was Villa Sparina’s Head Chef, Graziano Caccioppoli, originally from Vico Equense. He joked that as a Neapolitan, he had to taste tomatoes every day, which is why he loves to add them to focaccia. It was a lighthearted moment that reminded us how personal, playful, and rooted in tradition Italian cooking truly is. He was also kind enough to come out during our meals to check that everything was perfect, a gesture that made us feel both welcome and cared for.
The class left us with more than bread. It gave us a shared memory — one we’ve talked about often since. In fact, I left thinking I’d like to come back with my work team. The combination of hands-on activity, history, and hospitality would make a perfect team-building day.
Breakfast each day was equally memorable: baskets of warm pastries, buttery croissants, and tarts so delicate they seemed almost too pretty to eat. For those with dietary needs, there were also plenty of gluten-free options, thoughtfully prepared so no one felt left out of the indulgence.
For one meal, we organized a birthday lunch celebration and invited friends to join us. The staff set a long table for ten under a charming pergola, where grapevines hung overhead like a natural canopy. We shared typical regional dishes: delicate vitello tonnato, handmade ravioli filled with local flavors, and braised beef cheeks that melted in our mouths. It ended, delightfully, with a mountain of freshly made ice cream — a moment of joy for both the children and the adults.
Dinner at La Gallina, the Michelin-recognized restaurant, was equally special. We enjoyed four beautifully prepared courses, each paired with Villa Sparina’s wines. The sommelier guided us with warmth and expertise, helping us discover how each sip enhanced the flavors on the plate. It was a masterclass in how wine and food complement one another, and it made each evening feel like a celebration.
The Cellar Tour
A private tour of Villa Sparina’s historic cellars gave us a deeper appreciation for the estate. With an English-speaking guide, we walked past barrels resting in the cool air, listening to stories of tradition, terroir, and winemaking passed down through generations. It wasn’t just educational — it was deeply atmospheric, a reminder that every glass of wine here carries history in it.
The Service
What truly set Villa Sparina apart, though, was the people. The staff were attentive in ways that felt natural and genuine. They offered helpful suggestions, arranged special experiences, and always greeted us with kindness. From setting up our birthday lunch with such care to making sure the children felt welcome, their hospitality made the experience not just luxurious but personal.
A Place to Return To
Travel often leaves you with souvenirs, but the real treasures are memories. For us, Villa Sparina is now full of them: the taste of freshly picked figs, the laughter during bread-making, the smell of lavender, the glow of sunset over the vines.
As an expat living in Milan, I often crave weekends that allow me to step out of city life and into something more connected — to nature, to tradition, to family. Villa Sparina gave us exactly that. It’s a place where modern luxury meets rustic charm, where hospitality is heartfelt, and where every season has its own story to tell.
We left with full hearts (and full bellies), already talking about when we’d return. And that, perhaps, is the greatest testament of all.
Article by Easy Milano Editorial Staff
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