Looking Around

An Emilian Haven: Il Borgo del Balsamico

Rooted in the heart of Emilia-Romagna, Il Borgo del Balsamico is a living expression of Italian heritage, femininity, and timeless elegance. Founded by sisters Cristina and Silvia Crotti, this family estate unites the centuries-old tradition of balsamic vinegar making with a refined concept of hospitality: Le Dimore del Borgo, a collection of uniquely curated guest rooms that offer a sensorial escape into a world of history, design, and nature.

There are places in Italy where time doesn’t stop. It settles. At Il Borgo del Balsamico, nestled in the lush Emilian countryside, heritage is not only preserved; it is celebrated, lived, and reimagined with grace. Founded in 2004 by Cristina and Silvia Crotti, the company is an extension of an ancient family acetaia, patiently nurtured by their father since the 1970s. With quiet confidence and creative vision, the sisters have transformed the estate into a sanctuary of taste and hospitality.

Here, the artistry of traditional balsamic vinegar meets the elegance of a 19th-century noble villa, creating a seamless dialogue between food, design, and place. But Il Borgo del Balsamico is more than the sum of its offerings—it is a philosophy made tangible, where female intuition, aesthetic sensibility, and cultural reverence converge.

Ten years after founding the acetaia, Cristina and Silvia unveiled Le Dimore del Borgo, a refined hospitality project that reflects the same values of authenticity and elegance. Located within the historic family estate, the guesthouse comprises eight intimate rooms, each distinct in character, yet united by a common thread of curated beauty. The interiors, adorned with heirloom furniture, mid-century accents, and an eclectic sensibility drawn from the sisters’ lifelong love of art and fashion, create a layered, lived-in atmosphere where every object has a story.

The villa itself is a listed 18th-century residence, embraced by a sweeping park that tells its own tale of botanical splendor. Rare species such as sophoras and towering sequoias, planted in the mid-1800s, punctuate the landscape with poetic rhythm. In spring, antique rose varieties burst into bloom, transforming garden paths, pergolas, and espaliers into fragrant, restorative promenades.

A traditional Italian garden anchors the estate, unfolding toward a greenhouse and a secluded pool nestled among orchards of heritage fruit trees. It’s a setting where every detail seems to evoke the spirit of an older Italy, one of quiet luxury and refined rituals.

Whether visiting for a tasting of the estate’s celebrated balsamic vinegars or retreating to the serenity of Le Dimore del Borgo, guests are invited into a world where craftsmanship, memory, and hospitality are seamlessly entwined.