Idyllic Italy - Agriturism Program

The Italian agriturism program promotes the sale of agricultural products directly to the public and supports the restoration of farmhouses for tourist accommodations in the form of apartments, cottages, and even B&B. The properties must meet certain criteria to participate in this program, which ensures a level of quality. Renting directly from an agriturism organization or from a property owner often means a savings over renting the same apartment from an apartment agency.


Belvedere Farmhouse, La Foce, in Chianciano, Tuscany	Photo by S. Kane

Some of the finest wine producers, such as Antinori, Castello di Volpaia, Villa Calcinaia, Fattoria Il Poggerino, and Fattoria Barbi participate in agriturism. Many of the vineyards that participate in the agriturism program provide a complimentary bottle or two of their wine in their apartments. The owners of Fattoria Il Poggerino in Radda-in-Chianti placed two bottles of their award-winning wine in the apartment we rented. That was our introduction to an agriturism property in 1994, and it set a standard for us.

The names of these agriturism properties frequently begin with Fattoria, Tenuta, Poggio, Podere, or Azienda Agraria (all signify a farm), or Castello or Villa. A castello or villa is often a grander structure with architectural and historical significance.