What is an agriturismo, anyway?

 

Sunday                                                                                        October 17, 2021

We love to stay in agriturismo locations when we travel to Italy and try to find them for some part of every vacation.  We've been doing so for the past 20 years, and have never been disappointed in our choices.  We do a fair amount of research to find the ones that fit our interests.

We like that it's associated with a farm, and that they offer products from their own work, including meals that feature their produce and/or meat production - and often their own wines.  The settings are rural - a recipe for peaceful reflection and good night sleeps.                                                                                                                                                                                          

Cortile San Mattia mailboxes

We've stayed in converted old stables, farm buildings and other interesting structures - all nicely updated.

The pastoral locations and being out in the countryside are part of the appeal.

Cortile San Mattia became the first agriturismo in the Verona area in the 1980s.  Here's what they say they need to achieve to be an approved agriturismo:

The Italian holiday farm law was first promulgated back in 1965.  The initial aim of these facilities was to supplement farmers' income.  Today one of the main purposes is to guarantee the protection and conservation of the rural landscape and thus combat the abandonment of the countryside.  In Veneto, each holiday farm can offer catering and hospitality services in relation to its agricultural activity according to regional guidelines.

Located on a small country road

Pretty restaurant, complete with terrace and fireplace

The breakfasts at agriturismos use their own local products - eggs, fruit and vegetables, cheese, jams...

The theme of this room appears to be chickens...

The following requirements must be met to qualify as an agriturismo:

• at least 65% of catering must be produced by the farm
• a maximum of 30% may come from other local farms or artisanal producers
• a maximum of 15% may be purchased on the free market

Corte San Mattia is a vineyard and makes 5 varieties of wine that guests can purchase to take home

They use these olive trees to produce their own olive oil

Lots of country hiking and biking available.  Here, an old overgrown farm trail.

A wall along the road

Can't beat the lovely sense of peace and relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.

What is a holiday farm

• at least 65% must be produced by the farm (of which a maximum 15% may come from other farms or artisan companies in Veneto, provided that they are organic or PDO/PGI)
• a maximum of 30% may come from other local farms or artisan companies
• a maximum of 15% may be purchased in the free market