Between the Maiella and the Adriatic, a 17th-century baronial palace restored by the Masciarelli family has become one of Italy’s most charming wine resorts. Charming rooms, tastings, local cuisine and a busy calendar of events make Castello di Semivicoli an ideal destination for experiencing the most authentic soul of Abruzzo.
In the heart of the Theatine hills – amidst vineyards, olive groves and small villages overlooking the Maiella on one side and the Adriatic on the other – the Castello di Semivicoli represents one of the most successful expressions of Italian wine tourism. An elegant, charming relais of the Masciarelli family, this 17th-century baronial palace is a place where history, wine, hospitality and culture coexist in perfect balance.
From stately home to wine resort
The building belonged to the Perticone barons and for centuries was the center of agricultural life on the estate. It was a cought by Gianni Masciarelli in 2004 and, after his untimely death, underwent a thorough restoration completed in 2009 thanks to his wife Marina Cvetic. The castle has thus come back to life as a facility dedicated to hospitality and wine culture. The renovation has preserved the historic rooms-from the ancient oil mill to the cooperage, from the storerooms to the porticoes-while integrating them with contemporary furnishings.
The eleven rooms and suites are all different from each other and offer great views of the Abruzzo countryside. In particular, the expansive Superior Suite Granary, located on the top floor of the resort, has a 360-degree view thanks to its 17 windows and a very pleasant integration between modern design elements and the old structure. A truly spectacular room.
A place to experience slowly
Here, luxury is not ostentatious: it is made up of silence, space, authenticity, and that feeling of being away from everything while remaining just a few kilometers from the sea and the mountains.
Panoramic swimming pool, vineyard trails, cooking classes, yoga, picnics and itineraries to discover the area complete an offer designed for those seeking an immersive experience. It is not just a hotel among the vineyards, but a privileged gateway to get to know the most authentic Abruzzo, that of untouched landscapes, historic villages and a deeply rooted wine culture.
Wine at the center of the experience
It could not be otherwise for a structure that bears the signature of Masciarelli, a company that symbolizes Abruzzo’s viticultural renaissance. Le guided tastings allow guests to learn about the house’s most representative labels, from wines from the Marina Cvetic line to selections dedicated specifically to Castello di Semivicoli. Guests can also participate in visits to the vineyards and discover the work that accompanies grapes from the vineyard to the bottle.
La tasting room, carved out of the historic rooms of the estate, is the beating heart of the facility and hosts experiences ranging from guided tastings to meetings with producers, artists and protagonists of the wine world.
Gianni’s Table and events of the summer
The gastronomic proposal is entrusted to Gianni’s Table, the castle restaurant led by Pescara chef Mario Di Giovanni. In a short time he has turned the facility’s cuisine around by following one key word: simplicity. An essential and immediate cuisine that puts at the center of the raw material and the territory. The garden dictates the pace of the menu, while ingredients are processed as little as possible to preserve their authenticity and character.
With the arrival of the warm season, the spaces of the relais-from the gardens to the panoramic terraces and the vineyards surrounding the mansion-become the stage for a busy calendar of events dedicated to wine, gastronomy and conviviality.
The Monday Nights
Among the most anticipated initiatives are the return of the Monday Nights, thematic dinners organized every Monday night by Gianni’s Table. Open not only to guests of the relais but also to the outside public. Guided by Masciarelli’s chef and wine experts, guests can participate in ever-changing itineraries. From peasant dinners to blind tastings, from evenings dedicated to bubbles to pairings with great international wines from Champagne, Burgundy, Loire and Port.
A format that transforms the Castle into a meeting place where the story of the territory passes through food and wine.
From the vines to the stars
Summer programming also includes special events that further enrich the experience. These include celebrations dedicated to the historic labels Marina Cvetic, the atmospheric murder mystery dinners also organized in support of the AIRC Foundation. The always popular BBQ in the Vineyard, and the evenings of dinner under the stars accompanied by astronomical observation of the Abruzzo sky. Occasions that allow you to experience the Castle in an informal and authentic way.
In this way, Castello di Semivicoli confirms its vocation as a contemporary wine resort, capable of combining hospitality, wine culture and quality entertainment in one of the most fascinating areas of Abruzzo. Years after its rebirth, it continues to represent Gianni Masciarelli’s vision. Transform wine into a tale of the land and hospitality into an experience capable of leaving a mark.
