Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves Villa Medicea di Lilliano, conveniently situated at a stone’s throw from Florence, formed the perfect decor for last week’s harvest celebration.
The villa’s origins date back to the 11th century when it was merely a lookout tower on a hill overlooking the city. Four hundred years later it had become the property of the famous Medici family who turned it into a country home and farm. After the Medici dynasty had died out, the property was bought by the Malenchini family, who still own the villa today.
To celebrate a successful grape harvest, Diletta Malenchini was so kind to open up her home to a group of local influencers and treat us to a day filled with wine, delicious food, and excellent company. After days of wind and rain, we couldn’t have wished for better weather.
Upon arrival, we were welcomed by the ever so enthusiastic general-manager of Villa Medicea di Lilliano Eric Veroliemeulen. He showed us around the vineyard and olive groves, well, only a small part of it because the property is surrounded by no less than 70 hectares of land! Standing here in the Tuscan countryside it’s hard to believe that you’re only 11 kilometers away from downtown Florence. In fact, it’s so close by that you can see the cupola of the Duomo from the villa’s elevated terrace.
After a quick taste of the first batch of Malenchini organic Chianti wine in the new wine cellars, we made our way down to the old cellars for a pre-lunch aperitivo served by Catering Papaveri e Papere with of course a good glass of Malenchini wine.
Lunch was served in the orangery, a versatile space with endless possibilities for all kinds of parties, where more snacks awaited us.
The table setting and decorations, in warm autumn colors, were absolutely amazing and the bloggers swarmed around the room to photograph every detail from every possible angle.
After a vegetarian lunch by Ristorante Maggese, we followed the music into the garden where a lovely day came to an end with sweets served by Sugarcups Cake Design.
Villa Medicea di Lilliano is a top location on the rise. In merely three years time it has become a favorite spot for high-end private and corporate events and destination weddings. You can also spend a quiet vacation in one of the self-catered residences on the property, or enjoy a wine tasting or culinary tour.
But it doesn’t stop here. The big novelty for 2019 is the opening of the Palazzo Peruzzi suites in downtown Florence which is expected in March.
Villa Medicea di Lilliano
Via Lilliano e Meoli 82, Grassina
https://medicivilla.com
Special thanks to:
Styling and planning: My Tuscan Wedding
Catering: Papaveri e Papere
Light design and Entertainment: Alma Project 24/7
Florals: Verdissimo Fiori di Gabriele Barsotti
Wines: Malenchini
Photography: Studio Fotografico Righi
Cakes: Sugarcups Cake Design
Transfers and Vespa’s: Florence Town
Lunch: Ristorante Maggese
