President's Day weekend in Tuscany at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

PHOTO: The pool at Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco courtesy of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

While the world's attention shifts to Washington, D.C. this week in preparation for the swearing-in of Donald John Trump as the 45th President of The United States, its time to start thinking about the national holiday of "President's Day." The weekend after Valentine's, on February 20th to be exact, is a great opportunity to embrace a unique holiday and get away from it all.

Now, while many east coast travelers might bop over to Miami or Charleston or even New York City, for those who are seeking something entirely different, Italy jumps to the front of my mind particularly Tuscany.

The Italian countryside is not just perfect for spring and summer. It's really a magical wintertime destination, coming particularly alive in February with vibrant seasonal activities and major events, including the annual release of the Tuscan vineyards’ new vintage of Brunello wine, the Brunello Crossing, and the Carnevale.

PHOTO: Exterior of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco courtesy of Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco

As a result of this activity, Massimo Ferragamo has opened his historic Tuscan resort, Rosewood Castiglion del Bosco in Montalcino, for the first time ever this winter. Through the new Winter Villa Escape package, guests can stay in the property’s ten luxury villas and enjoy in-villa spa treatments, yoga sessions, cooking classes, as well as excursions to nearby Tuscan towns and the surrounding countryside where they can participate in popular events and festivals.

High on the list of the festivals is the aforementioned one involving the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino.

Every year in February the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino organizes an event called “Benvenuto Brunello.” On this occasion the new wines on the market -- since the beginning or the new year -- are presented and the assignment of stars to the new vintage are announced. This two-day event takes place in Montalcino and includes guided tours of wineries where the new Brunello de Montalcino will be available before it is officially released to the market the following week.

Started by a group of sports enthusiasts and lovers of the Monalcino territory, the event also includes two competitive races as well as a non-competitive race and guided tour of wineries to highlight the connection between sport, territory, wine, and food.

Also, starting at the beginning of February, Carnevale or Italy’s version of Mardi Gras is a month-long celebration that includes masquerade balls, lively parades, traditional dishes and over-the-top gatherings. In Tuscany, Viareggio, Lucca, Arezzo and Florence are all known for their Carnevale festivities.