A renowned winery devoted to hospitality and culinary experiences

S ituated in the Tenuta Castello di Morcote estate, Ristorante Vicania and the neighbouring Relais Castello di Morcote combine the tradition of a vineyard with outstanding local food and the warmest hospitality.

In the picturesque village of Vico Morcote, close to Lugano, the Relais Castello di Morcote is a charming and elegant boutique hotel with 12 unique bedrooms, all furnished with refined and natural materials. The patrician house, with its magical atmosphere, was originally built around 1600 and lies only a few steps away from the 172 hectares of the Tenuta Castello di Morcote, with its vineyards and breathtaking nature. The village itself is a beautiful and relaxing place with old stone houses, beautiful landscapes and Mediterranean vegetation. A spacious living room with fireplace and the intimate tearoom invite the guests of the Relais to enjoy a chat over a glass of wine that will have been produced just around the corner on the estate.

Relais: Breakfast with a view from a balcony.

A deep connection to wine production can be found at the estate’s Restaurant Vicania as well. “Open from the beginning of March to the end of December, our restaurant gives guests the chance to step deep into nature, while being only a few minutes away from the city,” says restaurant owner Gaby Gianini. Head Chef Francesco Sangalli creates dishes inspired by regional flavours and local produce – some of them, such as oil and honey, coming right from the estate. The Chef can often be seen strolling through it, looking for wild herbs and berries to bring an authentic taste to the table. Among the restaurant’s specialities are homemade stuffed ravioli, tasty pork cheeks and lake fish. “Pasta, bread and focacce are also homemade,” says Chef Francesco Sangalli.

All dishes are created with the estate’s wines in mind: the award-winning and certified organic Merlots grow on rare volcanic terraced soils at Lake Lugano and allow for perfect wine and food pairings.

Tenuta Castello di Morcote: a historic vineyard between lake and sky.

www.relaiscastellodimorcote.ch
www.ristorantevicania.ch
www.castellodimorcote.ch