12/11/2009 Patti from Montana, USA

We just returned from a wonderful 18 day vacation in Italy, and I have told many friends and family that one of the highlights of our trip was the time spent at Le Manzinaie. The moment we drove up to the iron gate we felt that we had arrived at what we had imagined an Italian villa should look like. The grounds are gorgeous and would be ideal for a family on a summer trip, as the swimming pool looked inviting even though we visited in the fall. This was the largest apartment we stayed in and one of the best values for the money we experienced. This very friendly family has created beautiful decor in the apartments, appointed them with all the necessities plus some nice touches such as food for your first meal and local maps and tourist information, and can arrange local tours and activities. Alice speaks excellent English and was extremely helpful. This is a great location for a base from which to make day trips to the surrounding hilltowns, wineries, and historic sites. We felt at home here and truly enjoyed our family dinner and the wine tour arranged by and hosted by Alice. We would recommend this as a destination for anyone traveling to this area of Tuscany.

23/07/2009 Dee and Rich from Mesa, Arizona, USA

We recently spent a week at Le Manzinaie and had an absolutely wonderful experience! We had devoted months researching properties in Tuscany in advance of our trip and it really paid off in locating this gem. The location was ideal for our purposes – we wanted a quiet, romantic setting from which to do day trips in Tuscany and Umbria. We were within an hour radius of Siena and Assisi. (Taking the train to Florence or Rome is more convenient than trying to drive in those cities and the train station is nearby with free parking.)
Le Manzinaie is an absolutely gorgeous property – more of a sanctuary – with the cypress-lined driveway, bountiful garden, fruit trees, flowers, well manicured lawn and swimming pool. Upon arrival there was a slight rain and Alice scurried for an umbrella to help us finish bringing in our luggage. Then we were greeted with a tray of wine and chips to unwind and settle in. Our refrigerator was stocked with provisions for breakfast for the next day which included prosciutto, eggs, milk, juice, coffee, bread and jam. There was also a bottle of wine, glasses and a cork screw nestled in a basket on the counter. We took advantage of the patio area each morning for breakfast and to enjoy a glass of wine at night.
We were provided with packets of customized itineraries of easy day trips, detailed instruction for places to buy groceries, where to do laundry, buy meat and find an ATM.
The Grassi family was incredibly warm, friendly and hospitable from arrival to departure and everywhere in between. They strike the perfect balance of providing access and availability while also respecting our privacy. Alice assisted us in booking tickets to museums in Florence, provided train schedules and detailed driving directions to the train station. She is a cross between the friendliest of neighbors and a concierge.
The evening of the cooking class/dinner was a night to remember! We have a pasta machine, but have never been able to master the “feel” for the perfect consistency of dough. Our training was definitely hands on and now we know exactly how easy it is to prepare. Making the dessert pastry was also fun and a learning experience. But nothing can top the hospitality and dinner that followed! This was a 3 ½ hour marathon progressive feast with progressive courses made from scratch by Fiore. He used many ingredients from the garden right down to the zucchini blossoms. We are foodies and this was like winning a gourmet vacation!
If you have time for the local excursions they offer they are worth it. We took advantage of both the winery and cheese tours that Alice arranged and accompanied us to as a translator. Both are small family-owned operations and were well worth the nominal fees. In each instance we were welcomed by the owners and provided leisurely tours, tastings and conversations. There was no pressure to buy, but we used it as a great opportunity to bring wine and vacuum packed cheeses back to the U.S. as gifts.
The Grassi’s are a genuinely warm family who welcome you not only onto their property, but into their dream! To paraphrase their choice of lifestyle ‘we could not see the world so we built this property to bring the world to us’.

11/07/2009 Georgette Leake & family from California and Arizona, USA

We were at the Villa Le Manzinaie on June 23, 2009. We arrived to a wonderful greeting from Marzia , Alice and Fiori. We had been there two other time and always had a fantastic time at this beautiful Italian Oasis. You enter the gate to a Cypress lined driveway. The garden has flowers, a wonderful vegetable garden and fruit trees. Our villa was newly constructed and beautifully decorated. The pool was wonderful to cool off in the Italian sun. My granddaughter loved to sneak up on the fish pond and see if she could see the frogs. This villa is a delight for all.
The night we had the of dinner where all the people who are there are invited. We were able to take part in the making of the pasta and the apple torte. My granddaughter had the best time kneading the dough and making recommend this beautiful place where you are treated like family. This was the very best part of our 20 day vacation. I am hoping to go again.

09/07/2009 Kathy and Josie from East Greenbush, NY, USA

We recently spent two weeks at Podere Le Manzinaie in Montepuliciano Stazione in Southern Tuscany. It was by far one of the best vacations we have ever experienced. All the reviews you have read are correct in the high praise they give Le Manzinaie.

We stayed in Girasole. It was a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment on one floor. The unit had a Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, fully equipped kitchen with all the pots and pans you would need to prepare a meal. The apartment was very clean with nice furnishings and beautiful art work done by Marzia.
We loved our apartment and felt very safe and comfortable staying in this unit.

The kitchen was stocked by the owners with jam, bread, juice, eggs, coffee, cheese, ham, crackers and water. The Grassi family made sure we had more than enough food until we could get to the food market. This was a very nice surprise.

Twice during our two week stay we were invited to dinner with all the other guests. At our first dinner Marzia taught us how to make homemade pasta. We also made a great raspberry cake for dessert. Our dinner was delicious we had bruschetta, pizza, pasta, turkey, zucchini, salad dessert wine, after dinner drinks and coffee. I’m sure I left something out.

We had such a great time with Fiore, Marzia and Alice. The dinners were my two favorite meals in Tuscany. They are wonderful hosts and you can tell that they love their work.

The property is well maintained, the flowers are beautiful and the area is very private. Everyone has space and you never feel like you are surrounded by people. They have a beautiful pool to enjoy after a day of visiting the different hilltowns.

On our visit we had the need to go to the local hospital. When I went to Marzia to get directions she insisted that Fiore go with us. He was wonderful getting us to the emergency room and helping with translation.

When we arrived at Le Manzinaie we were guests and when it was time to leave we left as another addition to their family. If you read the other reviews you will see that this is a special place and you have to experience it to get the full effect.

We are planning to return to Le Manzinaie next year because it’s the closest place to heaven we’ve ever been.

20/04/2009 Elenini - Cuneo

Sono andata per due anni di fila con il fidanzato ed una coppia di amici e spero di riuscire a tornare anche quest' anno. Peccato non riuscire mai a fare più di un week end.
Cosa dire, gli alloggi sono stupendi,ognuno con il nome di un fiore,molto curati e tutti con disegni fatti dalla proprietaria. Letti a baldacchino,bagni con idromassaggio...
Per non parlare dei proprietari,gentilissimi e disponibili per qualsiasi cosa, diciamo che è come andare a trovare degli amici, ti senti a casa tua.