Agriturism has embedded itself as part of Italy’s tourism industry

Friday, 31 May, 2006 0

Bepi, in his sixties but with farmer’s strength, beams as he pours the wine. In front are the dreamy rolling hills of Tuscany with their natural spires of cipressi and carpets of vigneti. Behind is an old stone farmhouse, formed from local stone, large, strong, and displaying the full character of its 300 years of history. The day began with the sounds of the fattoria and new discoveries – milking a cow and drinking the milk, a breakfast of espresso, fresh bread, and homemade marmellata and burro, a leisurely bike ride around the campagna, lunch at the local village where a harpist played in the medaeval piazza. Back at the farm, a swim in the pool, sunbathing, and a chat with friends. The day fades into the golden Etruscan mists and Bepi passes another glass of local Chianti.

With Spring in the air and Easter on the way, thoughts turn to holidays. Italy is il bel paese and, increasingly, Italians escape from the business of the city to the calm and nature of the Italian countryside. They are not alone. Peace-seekers from all over the world, especially from Britain, will indulge this year in a relatively new addition to the Italian travel industry – agriturismo.

A cross between agricoltura and turismo, agriturismo began around 20 years ago; what it offers is centuries old. It is impossible to travel in Italy without being impressed by the proud display of regional life. An essential ingredient of this is the land, the produce from it, and, of course, the resulting recipes. With the increasing demand for these Italian products, the 1980s saw a move away from the small farmsteads as the primary source of production. With income falling and their livelihoods at risk, farmers began to look for other sources of income from their land.

Helped by European funds, many farmhouses and outhouses began a transformation into accommodation for tourists. The idea blossomed and tourists started seizing the opportunity to experience traditional, Italian rural life, maybe help out on the farm, learn how traditional dishes and local wines are made, and of course eat and drink them. While they are enjoying all of this, an ancient and valuable way of life is supported and preserved to continue making part of Italy’s magic.

Nowadays, agriturismo is ever present in holiday brochures and guidebooks. Thankfully, the value of the rural cultures and traditions is realized and they hold strong against overly-commercial aspirations which could change and ruin them. Long may we be able to escape from it all, sit in the Italian countryside with a fine wine, and chat with Bepi about life, the land, and what’s for dinner.