Agritourism is a style of vacation which is normally based on farms. This may include the chance to help with farming tasks during the visit. Agritourism is often practiced in wine growing regions, as in Italy and Spain. In America, Agritourism is wide-spread and includes any farm open to the public at least part of the year. Tourists can pick fruits and vegetables, ride horses, taste honey, learn about wine and food, learning how to work clay, shop in farm gift shops and farm stands for local and regional produce or hand-crafted gifts, and much more.
Agriturismo in Italy
A combination of the two words "agriculture" and "tourism" in Italian - is a style of vacationing in farm house resorts introduced into the Italian law in 1985. An agriturismo vacation is suitable for the whole family and some places even be very romantic or luxurious.
An Italian agriturismo will usually serve foods to guests prepared from raw materials produced on the farm or at least locally. Some will allow the guest to actually participate in the activities surrounding the farm. Despite the rural nature of the lodging, one might expect a rustic experience; yet many agriturismi (the plural form of agriturismo) feature rather luxurious accommodation as well as swimming pools.
A Short History
Starting in the 1950s and continuing through the 1970s, small scale farming in Italy became less profitable, and, as one might predict, farmers abandoned many farms to search for work in larger towns. But Italians value highly the traditions and produce of small scale production of food, and by 1985 a law defined Agriturismo, and many abandoned buildings and estates were restored, some for vacation homes, and many for agritourismo. These agritourismi allowed the small farmer to augment the income from the farm, and for vacationers to sample the bounty of a rural life in Italy.
What to Expect
Having a vacation in an agriturismo, is a great way to have a holiday bound to relaxation, fun, activities and the exploration of beautiful areas and food and wine experiencing.
It is a completely new experience to enjoy the wonders of nature, local culture and typical cuisine, while riding horses, taking clay lessons, tasting home made food and wine, freshly picked from the private land, with olive groves, orchards and vineyards, while the kids can play safely around the farm and land of the property, or have fun while helping in the farming activity day, feeding and taking care of the animals, harvesting plants and crops, ready to be cooked in the Agriturismo restaurant kitchen.
It is a great way to get away from the noises of the big cities and enjoy the calm of nature, the fun of new culture and tradition, which the South of Italy surely does not lack in, the warmth of the local people always happy to accommodate and intrigue their guests in some new plate to taste at the court of the beautiful moon.
This is what the agriturismo gives to the holiday makers of the whole world... Passion, interest, pleasure, enjoyment, relaxation, all in one great location.