The Dark Heart of Umbria
Sagrantino, Stone Villages and the Red Soul of Central Italy | Fall 2026
With STEFANO BORELLI
Selected Weekend Departures
Thursday through Sunday programs.
Private departures and custom dates available upon request.
The Spirit of Sagrantino
A Journey Through Montefalco and the Red Soul of Umbria
Some places in Italy whisper. Others speak with depth, intensity and unmistakable character. The lands surrounding Montefalco belong to the latter.
This powerful and immersive journey through the heart of Umbria explores one of Italy’s most distinctive and uncompromising wine territories: the world of Sagrantino.
Among medieval hill towns, silent abbeys, endless vineyards and ancient olive groves, guests will discover a region where wine is deeply connected to spirituality, history, patience and the rhythms of the land itself.
Known for its extraordinary structure, longevity and personality, Sagrantino is not simply a wine to taste. It is a wine to experience, understand and remember.
Through carefully curated winery visits, exceptional food experiences and meaningful encounters with some of the region’s most important producers, guests will explore both the iconic names that shaped the identity of Montefalco and smaller realities that continue to push Umbrian wine toward new expressions.
Throughout the journey, certified sommelier and wine educator Stefano Borelli will guide guests through engaging daily wine sessions focused on terroir, vinification, aging, native varieties and the evolving identity of contemporary Umbrian wine.
This is not simply a wine tour.
It is a journey into the deep, earthy and authentic soul of Umbria.
The Dark Heart of Umbria: the highlights
The World of Sagrantino
Discover one of Italy’s most powerful and age-worthy native wines through guided tastings, winery visits and immersive wine sessions dedicated to the identity of Montefalco and its surrounding territories.
Monasteries, Stone Villages and Vineyards
Travel through a timeless Umbrian landscape shaped by abbeys, medieval towns, olive groves and endless rolling vineyards.
Flavors of Montefalco
Discover the rich gastronomic traditions of the area through handmade pastas, black truffles, aged pecorino, extra virgin olive oil: deeply authentic Umbrian cuisine perfectly paired with the powerful wines of the territory.
Slow Luxury in the Umbrian Countryside
Stay at the beautiful Abbazia di Collemedio, a former medieval monastery transformed into an elegant countryside retreat surrounded by vineyards and silence.
Program Overview: A tentative Daily Schedule
The following itinerary is designed as a flexible and carefully curated journey through Umbria and may be subject to minor adjustments depending on seasonal conditions, winery operations and harvest activities.
Day 1 – Arrival in Montefalco Country
The Spirit of Sagrantino
Arrival in Umbria and check-in at Abbazia di Collemedio, one of the region’s most atmospheric countryside properties. The journey begins with an introduction to the Montefalco territory and the unique identity of Sagrantino, a grape capable of producing some of Italy’s most profound and structured wines.
Visits and tastings:
- Tenuta Scacciadiavoli
Wine Session with Stefano Borelli:
Understanding Sagrantino
History, terroir, structure and the evolution of one of Italy’s most distinctive native grapes.
Highlights
Transfer from the airport
Wine Tastings
Welcome dinner in a traditional local restaurant.
Day 2 – Montefalco
Icons of Montefalco
A full immersion into the great names that helped shape the international reputation of Montefalco and Sagrantino over the past decades. Guests will discover different interpretations of the territory through architecture, philosophy, vinification and aging styles.
Visits and tastings:
- Arnaldo Caprai
- Carapace – Tenuta Castelbuono
Wine Session with Stefano Borelli:
Power and Elegance
How tannins, aging and terroir define the personality of Sagrantino.
Highlights
Wine Tastings
Wine session with Stefano Borelli
Dinner in the Langhe region.
Day 3 – Hidden Umbria
Hidden Expressions of Umbria
Today’s journey expands beyond Montefalco itself, exploring other remarkable realities of the Umbrian countryside and the diversity of styles found throughout the region.
Visits and tastings:
- Cantina Baldassarri (Collazzone)
- Lungarotti (Torgiano)
Wine Session with Stefano Borelli:
Beyond Montefalco
Monovarietals, blends and the contemporary evolution of Umbrian red wines.
Highlights
Wine Tastings
Wine session with Stefano Borelli
Dinner in the Langhe region.
Day 4 – Montefalco
Montefalco and Departure
A final morning dedicated to the atmosphere and beauty of Montefalco itself, with time to enjoy the village, local products and the extraordinary Umbrian landscape before departure. Plus another hidden gem along the way back to the airport.
Visits and tastings:
- Tenuta Castello di Sobrano (Massa Martana, Todi)
Final tasting experience depending on seasonal opportunities and program flow.
Highlights
Wine Tastings
Local experience and departure
Transfer to the airport
Wine shipping service: Bringing Umbria Home
No need to travel with bottles. We will take care of everything for you.
Fell in love with a Sagrantino, a Rubesco or a Grechetto di Todi during the journey?
Guests are warmly welcome to purchase wines directly from the wineries visited during the program. Through our partner VINESSANCE, all wine orders from one case upwards can be professionally shipped directly to your home address within the Netherlands and Belgium.
This allows guests to fully enjoy the experience without worrying about transporting bottles during the journey. We will take care of all logistics and coordination.
What’s Included
Transfer from and to the airport
3 nights accommodation with breakfast
All winery visits and guided tastings
Daily wine sessions with Stefano Borelli
Local transportation during the program
Welcome dinner and daily dinners
Tasting lunches during winery visits
Full program coordination and assistance
Small-group experience
What’s Not Included
Airfares
Flights to and from Italy are not covered.
Independent Lunches and Dinners
Any meals not specified in the program or indicated as “independent” are at your own discretion.
Transfers to and from the Meeting Point
Transport from the airport or train station to the initial agreed meeting point, and from the agreed final drop-off point to any other destinations, are not included.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is highly recommended. Participants are responsible for securing their own coverage to protect against unforeseen circumstances, including trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or delayed baggage.
Pricing
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€ 2.650 per person for a single room
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€ 500 deposit at booking
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Balance due 30 days before departure date
Cancellation Policy
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Full refund minus 10% fee if canceled more than 30 days before the tour
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50% refund if canceled 15-29 days before the tour
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No refund if canceled 14 days or less before the tour
For full terms, visit our Cancellation Policy and General Terms.
A Journey Into the Red Soul of Umbria
Powerful wines. Timeless villages. Deep landscapes. Discover the world of Sagrantino through a carefully curated experience designed for travelers who believe that wine is not only something to drink, but a way to understand culture, territory and identity.
Contact us for upcoming departures and private group requests!
Meet Stefano Borelli
Born, raised, and based in Rome, Stefano Borelli holds a degree in Sociology and is a seasoned science journalist. He has worked for years as a television anchor and has contributed extensively as a writer to a variety of publications. A passionate traveler above all else, his interests span antiquities, art, history, music, and culture in its broadest sense. In recent years, Stefano has immersed himself in the world of wine, becoming a certified sommelier and earning a seat on the regional council of FISAR, one of Italy’s leading sommelier associations. His deep knowledge and appreciation of Italy’s cultural and enological heritage have naturally evolved into tourism. As a Licensed Italian Tour Leader, Stefano co-founded Faery Snail Tours together with his lifelong friend Enrico Cioccolini, leading immersive retreats and workshops across Italy that celebrate the country’s art, wine, and living traditions.
Meet Faery Snail Tours
Faery Snail Tours offers immersive, slow-travel experiences that combine art, wine, culture, and lifestyle. Our programs are carefully crafted to allow you to connect deeply with the heart of Italy, savoring its beauty and traditions while engaging in creative workshops and curated wine tastings. We specialize in small groups, bespoke itineraries, and meaningful connections with the land, its people, and its stories. Enrico and Stefano are the visionaries behind Faery Snail Tours, a project born from their shared passion for art, wine, and immersive travel experiences. With years of expertise in hospitality, cultural tours, and wine education, they’ve crafted unique journeys that go beyond sightseeing. Together, they create spaces where travelers can connect deeply with Italy’s rich heritage, indulge in its finest flavors, and embrace the magic of authentic, soulful adventures.