Palazzo di Varignana: a landscape shaped by time, taste and intention

Some places don’t need to impress you. They simply welcome you — and then quietly reveal their depth.

During my recent visit to Palazzo di Varignana, nestled in the rolling hills just outside Bologna, I had the pleasure of meeting with Irene Lebanti and spending time immersed in a property that feels both expansive and deeply grounded. It is a place where landscape, food, wine and hospitality are not separate ideas, but part of a single, coherent way of life.

Palazzo di Varignana is not one hotel, but a world of its own. At its heart sits the resort, complete with a refined spa, multiple dining experiences and beautifully designed communal spaces. Surrounding it are five independent villas, each offering privacy, character and a strong sense of place — ideal for guests seeking seclusion without disconnection.

Irene Lebanti of Palazzo di Varignana and Micaela Giacobbe of Journeys

What truly defines the estate, however, is the land itself. Acres of cultivated countryside stretch across the hills, producing exceptional olive oil and wines that are a natural extension of the terroir. The philosophy here is zero kilometres, not as a trend, but as a lived commitment. Ingredients don’t travel far because they don’t need to. Everything begins just outside the door.

Lunch at Palazzo di Varignana, generously hosted by Irene, was a beautifully paced expression of the estate’s philosophy — thoughtful, seasonal and deeply rooted in the land.

The table opened with a dish that, for me, was a first and an immediate favourite: puntarelle romane with anchovies. Crisp and slightly bitter, the puntarelle were dressed with a light, confident hand, allowing the anchovies to bring depth and salinity without overpowering the freshness of the vegetables. Finished with pine nuts and the estate’s own extra virgin olive oil, it was honest, perfectly balanced and utterly delicious. I loved it.

The courses that followed continued in the same spirit. Another plate arrived as a study in colour and contrast — delicate, golden-filled parcels paired with deep green purées and vibrant accents that added freshness and depth to every bite. The presentation was elegant but never fussy, always allowing the ingredients to speak first.

A beautifully prepared beef tartare followed, precise and restrained, served with a rich golden cream and crisp elements that added contrast without overwhelming the meat. It was a dish that spoke clearly of confidence in sourcing and respect for simplicity.

Throughout the lunch, Palazzo di Varignana’s own olive oil played a quiet starring role, presented at the table and used with intention. Paired with the estate’s wines, the meal felt unhurried and generous, shaped as much by conversation as by cuisine. Being hosted by Irene added a personal dimension to the experience — her thoughtful choices and deep connection to the property made the lunch feel authentic rather than performative.

It was the kind of meal that stays with you — not because it tries to impress, but because it is honest, grounded and quietly exceptional.

The wine tasting added another layer of understanding. Experiencing the wines on site, with the vineyards visible and the cellar close by, reinforced how closely production and place are connected. These are wines that belong exactly where they are — authentic, expressive and quietly assured.

I was also hosted in one of Palazzo di Varignana’s finest suites, and I felt genuinely fortunate. Spacious, calm and beautifully considered, it offered the kind of understated luxury that allows you to fully exhale. Waking up there, surrounded by hills and light, made it very easy to understand why guests come — and why they return.

Much of what made this visit so meaningful was time spent with Irene Lebanti. Her insight into the property, its philosophy and its future added real depth to the experience. Irene will be participating in Journeys Italy 2026, and seeing Palazzo di Varignana through this lens only strengthened my conviction that this is exactly the kind of partner that belongs within the Journeys ecosystem.

Palazzo di Varignana is not about spectacle. It is about coherence. Land, hospitality, wellness, food and wine are all aligned around a single idea: living well, with intention and respect for place. That alignment is rare — and powerful.

As I continue my journey through Italy, meeting partners and exploring venues for Journeys Italy 2026, visits like this are a reminder of what we are truly curating. Not just locations, but philosophies. Not just experiences, but relationships built on trust, substance and long-term vision.

Palazzo di Varignana is a place that stays with you — quietly, confidently, and for all the right reasons.

Ciao ed a presto

Micaela and the Journeys Team