SUSTAINABILITY: TOSCANA RESORT CASTELFALFI LAUNCHES SERIES OF ECO-CONSCIOUS CULINARY EXPERIENCES SHOWCASING CASTELFALFI'S RICH AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE (Italy)
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, situated in the Tuscan village of Castelfalfi amidst 2,700 acres of protected countryside, has launched a series of nature-forward and organic foodie experiences, available to guests this summer and through year end.
SUSTAINABILITY: TOSCANA RESORT CASTELFALFI LAUNCHES SERIES OF ECO-CONSCIOUS CULINARY EXPERIENCES SHOWCASING CASTELFALFI'S RICH AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE (Italy)
Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, situated in the Tuscan village of Castelfalfi amidst 2,700 acres of protected countryside, has launched a series of nature-forward and organic foodie experiences, available to guests this summer and through year end.
Recognized for its eco-conscious luxury hotel and villa rental offering, the newly reopened resort is part of an estate, home to diverse agriculture and wine production, that is committed to supporting the local economy and resident community through sustainable values and practices.
In an effort to connect travelers with the land’s deep rural roots and unique agricultural heritage, these new experiences showcase the ingredients and craftsmanship that go into creating some of Tuscany’s famed cuisine and popular dishes, taking guests on an immersive gastronomic journey throughout their stay.
Also known as Tenuta di Castelfalfi, the estate is emblematic of the region’s rich farming traditions, which stretch back over thousands of years and, to this day, shape the landscape and its cultivation practices, specifically the vineyards, olive groves, and crop fields, resulting in quality produce that reflects the uniqueness of the land.
In seeking to share this special part of the estate, guest experiences have been expanded to include vineyard tours and tastings, plein air cooking classes, guided truffle hunting, and small group visits through Castelfalfi’s fruit and vegetable garden.
Highlights include:
Fine Wine and Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tastings
The estate maintains an organic production process that ensures an inimitable flavor for its six certified wine labels and nearly 3,500 liters of extra-virgin olive oil produced each year.
Alongside local farmers, guests can learn more about the ancient art of winemaking through bespoke tours of the estate’s vineyards and distinctive tasting experiences in the Barriccaia Wine Cellar.
Here, visitors observe first-hand the beauty of Tuscany’s agricultural offering, tasting their way through the different wine labels produced by the estate in addition to recently introduced artisanal spirits produced by local distillers that include a vermouth and a brand-new gin, both made with botanicals grown on property.
Rosso Toscano Cooking School Classes
Located in the village’s restored medieval castle, the Rosso Toscano Cooking School provides educational and hands-on classes that introduce the inner workings of Tuscan cuisine and the different styles within the region.
Ideal for expert and aspirational chefs alike, each cooking course is customized for up to five participants, ranging from classic fresh pasta dishes to the most creative provincial fare.
The classes take place in different food and beverage outlets and areas of the estate based on guest preference and the preparation required.
For sweet treats, guests can immerse themselves into the world of cocoa by trying their hand at chocolate making with professional chocolatiers onsite.
Truffle Hunting Tours with Local ‘Tartufaios’
For visitors to Toscana Resort Castelfalfi, there is the opportunity to experience the art of truffle hunting with an experienced local ‘Tartufaio’ (expert truffle hunter) and his trusty canine companion.
Venturing through the woodland to discover either white or black truffles, depending on the season, guests will see how dogs are trained to sniff out the gourmet fungus and learn how to prepare it in various local dishes.
One of the most significant elements of truffle hunting is the unique bond between Tartufaio and their dogs, which start training from as young as 15 days old.
Following an afternoon hunting, guests can request and book a special cooking class using truffles foraged on the hunt.
Vegetable Garden Farm-to-Fork Experiences
Along with Executive Chef Francesco Ferretti and the estate’s horticulturist team, guests can explore the fruit and vegetable garden, which provides ingredients to Castelfalfi’s four restaurants and two bar lounges, through “The Savors of Castelfalfi’s Garden” experience.
This unique activity offers guests the opportunity to learn more about the cultivation process on property and the relationship between the estate and local farmers.
After an educational tour through the garden, guests are then invited to enjoy a three-course dinner comprising organic vegetables and aromatic herbs picked from the garden during the tour at La Via del Sale, one of the estate’s finest restaurants, where farm-to-table menus are varied and feature a wide selection of regional, national, and internationally inspired dishes.
Adopt a Vineyard and/or Olive Grove Initiative
· Unique to the estate, guests can become amateur farmers by adopting a row of vineyards or an olive grove to help preserve and support the estate’s eco-conscious production process.
Through Castelfalfi’s “Be a Farmer” project, guests learn how each grape and oil product is grown and cultivated, while also receiving discounts on future stays and gourmet products, along with 24 personalized bottles of wine or 15 organic olive oils sent to the guest’s address to enjoy at home.
In May 2021, Castelfalfi enhanced the project with the launch of the “Be a Farmer Bee Edition,” a beekeeping program that welcomes guests to adopt a queen bee and her family.
Through this experience, travelers receive a tailored visit to their beehive, a private tasting experience, and an immersive range of nature activities, along with an official adoption certificate and six pots of honey from the program.
With a castle, 15th century church, and a welcoming local community, Castelfalfi is a destination within itself, comprised of a five-star luxury hotel; apartments and villas to rent or buy; 27-hole golf course; an expansive wellness spa; and six restaurants specializing in local cuisine.
Within each dining establishment, the Castelfalfi team seeks out and sources ethical local suppliers to offer guests the most environmentally-friendly products.
Additional activities on the estate include hiking, biking, golf, tennis, horseback riding, swimming, and more.
Travelers looking to book a visit to Toscana Resort Castelfalfi can visit www.castelfalfi.com for more information. Rates start at US$350 per room, per night.
About Toscana Resort Castelfalfi:
Situated in the heart of the medieval village of Castelfalfi, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi sits amidst 2,700 acres of protected vineyards, olive groves, lakes, and a wildlife reserve. The resort, recently acquired by the S P Lohia family, is committed to providing an authentic and luxurious Tuscan experience that promotes eco-sustainability and supports the local community through hospitality and organic wine and olive oil production. Comprising luxury apartments, villas, and farmhouses to purchase and rent, and a luxury 5-star hotel that is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts L.V.X Collection featuring 151 rooms in the hotel’s main building or in the neighbouring historic accommodation set in a restored historic tobacco warehouse dating back to the beginning of the 20th century. Other highlights include the region’s largest championship golf course, a deluxe spa, restaurants, and bars, Toscana Resort Castelfalfi welcomes travellers and those seeking real estate opportunities to explore, experience, and dwell in its spectacular natural setting.
