Click here for a conversation with Irene.

My name is Irene and I love wine and olive oil! When you come to Tuscany with A Season Away, whether in Florence, Chianti or Cortona - I will give you the chance to become as passionate about them as I am.

I grew up in Florence, surrounded by the Renaissance, but I am a country girl at heart. After university, I began working in my family’s wine and olive oil estate in Chianti. I have soaked up knowledge about winemaking and olive oil production like a sponge. I now know most of the key winemakers in the Chianti region.

(Even though a country girl at heart, I DID grow up in Florence and so know the best places to shop; I am friends with many artisans still producing hand-made pottery and crafts and even know ateliers producing fantastic jewelry.)

This may sound funny, but as a VillaHost I want to be your “guardian angel” during your stay with us, on the one hand showing off the people, land and culture of this amazing region and on the other hand being nearby in case you run into a problem at your villa, have a medical issue or need advice about what to do tomorrow or the name of a great restaurant.

I think a key element of truly getting to know a place is taking the time needed to fit into its lifestyle and schedule. Understand that the unhurried Italian life respects the “pausa” or mid-day break. I love the idea that A Season Away allows you the luxury of time to fall in love with Tuscany.

At the end of your stay, I’d love you to go home and say to your friends, “I knew Tuscany was a beautiful place but I got to know some of the people of Tuscany and their warmth was what made the difference in my A Season Away experience.”