Not long ago, I was fortunate to spend a month in Umbria. It gave me an incredible opportunity to see, taste, and smell this magnificent region in central Italy, not as a tourist, but as a true researcher diligently uncovering its treasures, and the green heart of Italy.

Villa Pambuffetti is a family run hotel run by Mrs. Pambuffetti Argantina and her daughter Alessandra with her husband Mauro. It was bought by the Pambuffetti family in 1940 and was completely restored in 1989 into a hotel.

The Villa is located outside the city walls close to Assisi and Spoleto just a short 2 minute walk from the medieval hill-top town of MONTEFALCO, known for its magnificent wines and frescoes by Gozzoli and Perugino.

The 200 year old villa is charming, quiet and surrounded by gigantic, antique oak trees. Their biological products enhance their food with the flavors of extra-virgin olive oil organically produced on the family’s farm. Luckily, I had the pleasure of enjoying the olive oil for several months in my own kitchen.

The restaurant serves excellent food and wine. Their specialty: Gnocchi di Patate - Potato Gnocchi and Bavarese di Gorgonzola – Bavarian Gorgonzola Cream. Under the guidance of Mauro, the menu is paired with superb MONTEFALCO ROSSO D.O.C. and SAGRATINO D.O.C.G., as the VILLA is right in the heart of the area of production of these prestigious wines.

An ideal outing is to visit one of the 40 wineries to taste the Sagrantino, or an olive press during a tranquil stroll. Mrs. Alessandra oversees the hotel kitchens, at Villa Pambuffetti, where she teaches traditional Umbrian culinary dishes.

The 15 rooms and suites blend in with the cozy warmth of the villas’s antique furniture, all face the park. Ask for a room on the top floor where you will have a room with a spectacular view looking over the valley of Perugia and Spoleto – for sure.