For the love of growing lavender

There is a rustic lavender farm found in a little village call Merana located in the Province of Alessandria, Piedmont Italy that started growing lavender for the love of it. The name of the farm is Agriturismo Verdita. It is owned by Natascha and her partner. They are from Belgium originally. Natascha and us met on Twitter. Talk about technology bringing people together. Everyday Natascha and us shares little snippets of our lives in Italy. Friendship grows and the rest is history as they say.

Agriturismo Verdita is designed as a destination to experience Italian farm holidays. Guests who head out to Agriturismo Verdita are looking for tranquility, peace with nature and the chance to dial-down on their daily lives. This part of Piedmont Italy is well-known for wine production notably our world award winning wines Barbera, Barolo and Barbaresco. Staying here you will have a chance to visit nearby vineyards to sample Piedmont Italy wines and witness first-hand how wines are made.

 

GROWING LAVENDER HIGHLIGHTS

Lavender are often grown for their many curative properties and beauty in gardens. Historically, lavender has been used to heal many ailments as well as culinary creation.

English lavender yields essential oil with sweet overtones thus it is used as main ingredients for balms, perfumes, cosmetic and other topical applications. In culinary use lavender lends a flora and slightly sweet flavor to dishes. For most cooking applications the dried buds are used, though some may prefer to use the leaves as well. Essential oil of lavender has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. This is the reason you find many disinfectant with lavender smell. Hanging bunches of lavender on your wall will repel insects. In modern times many spas use it to aid relaxation and sleep.

 

DISTILLING OIL FROM LAVENDER BUDS

It takes quite a lot of lavender buds to make a small amount of essential oils. Watch how distilling is done. Now that you know you can appreciate why essential oils are quite pricey.

 

NOTE: Looking to experience a lavender farm at full bloom beauty May, June, July are the best months to visit. July is the time lavender gets harvested and after you won't see flowers anymore. If you can't make it don't despair, you can still come and enjoy grape harvest autumn is grape season. Between September and November the entire region is busy with wines and truffle production.

ALESSANDRIA PROVINCE

Alessandria is world famous for another famous produce of Italy - Tartufo or translated in English Truffles. White truffle or tartufo bianco are sought after by gourmet kitchens all over the world. They are sold at premium prices sometimes even more than gold prices. Natascha has a friend in her village who is a truffle hunter and she often arrange for her guests to go truffle hunting as part of their Italian farm holiday itinerary

Highlights of living in a little village are the weekend events and festivals. There is always something happening somewhere and often in these festivals/events, history is reenacted. Everyone also take the opportunity to dress-up in the spirit of the theme. Events/festivals information are available to you upon request.

Agriturismo Verdita is also very near to the regional national park. You can enjoy breathtaking landscapes. You can borrow mountain bikes and explore nature on your own. If mountain bikes are not your thing there are horse-back riding or bicycling or you can do it the healthy way - walk. Whatever activities you may choose Natascha will be there to help you plan for a fun-filled holiday. She will be able to provide you valuable suggestions.

 

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PROXIMITY TO MAIN CITIES

Should you choose to land in Turin airport driving out to the lavender farm is only 1.5 hours. When you get there you can explore Acqui Terme an ancient thermal spa town, Asti and Alba quite easily they are all within 1.5 hrs drive away. Looking to go down to the beach? Head out to Genova 1 hour 15 mins drive away or head to the French Riviera less than 2 hours away or rub shoulder with the rich and famous down in Portofino also about 2 hours away. For those hiking enthusiast head for Cinque Terre a 2.5 hours drive. See proximity is everything because you do not wish to spend your holidays behind the wheels.

For those who love outlet shopping take note that driving up to Agriturismo Verdita you will pass one of Piedmont Italy best outlet shopping mall call Mondovicino.

You have a choice of airports to Piedmont Italy the other being Milan Malpensa Airport. Many tourists sometimes choose to come via Milan as there are more flights. Driving from Milan Malpensa Airport will take you approximately 2 hours 10 mins. If you can't drive Natascha can also provide airport transfer upon requests.

You are encourage to rent a car as this is an Italian farm holidays public transport is not convenient and farms are usually located away from main roads.

 

SPECIAL OFFERS FOR AMAZING NORTH ITALY

Rates for Agriturismo Verdita are found here. Often the lavender farm is fully-booked as it is very popular with European tourists. We advice you to book in advance to avoid disappointment. Prices are extremely reasonable. You can choose from either studio or one bedroom apartments.

 

Making your reservations between 8 October till 30 November you will receive a FREE truffle hunting adventure or a FREE dinner any night of your stay with one truffle main dish.

 

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