Agriturismo alla Casa Rondini

10/20-21

Finally arrived at the fattoria (farm), which is something we had been looking forward to for months! Agriturismo was started in Italy in the 80's to dissuade small farmers from abandoning their farms. They are allowed to host guests, and so long as their farming income exceeds the revenue from hospitality, they retain agriculture status and taxation benefits. Franco Rondini built 4 lovely, modern apartments on his farm about 10 years ago, and while he manages his wine, olive and saffron farm, he also works together with his wife Bozena to accommodate guests. As you can see, this is an upscale location-at least for the guests.

Entry to Casa Rodini

Apartment building

Gary relaxes on our private terrace

Pool for the hot Umbrian summers

We are about 25 Km north of Orvieto in the Umbria region (southeast of Toscana). Umbria is called the "green heart of Italy", and the countryside abounds with vineyards and olive groves alternating with rich-hay fields and jagged hills.

Leaves on the vineyards are staring to turn color

The green heart of Italy!

Another bonus for us, especially at this point of our trip, is that this region is nearly tourist free (at least at this time of year). We rarely pass cars on the small country roads and are having fun exploring the area.

Cantina of farm fresh goods

Wine produced on-site as well as olive oil

Today's harvest

Life on the farm is slow and easy-at least for us! Franco showed us around the giardino where we can pick fresh vegetables for our own use. Bozena also provides a little cantina with her homemade preserves and sauce for us to use.

Farm-fresh eggs

After we explored the farm and settled into our new home for the next week, we made our way to the near-by town of Piegro for their annual chestnut festival. We were most definitely the only non-Italians there! We marveled at the roasting of the castagne (chestnuts), and enjoyed eating some along with the fresh mosto (fresh grape juice) from last week's pressing!

Roasting chestnuts in a barrel over the fire

Castegna cotto e mosto