Fast Cars, Slow Stay: The Beauty of Agriturismo in the Emilia-Romagna Region

Visitors may flock to the Emilia Romagna because it’s the headquarters of many luxury, exotic  automobile manufacturer’s like Pagani, Maserati, Ducati, Ferrari and Lamborghini. Each manufacturer has a factory-musuem that can be toured with countless themed experiences to take in throughout the region. 

But a trip to Italy wouldn’t be complete without the tastes and smells of fresh Italian cuisine and the scenic views of the small, rural farms that dot the countryside. 

Agriturismo is a concept that’s gaining ground across the globe. But the original idea is unique to Italy, beginning after many Italians started to move to the cities after World War II. While a trip to a quaint local farm may not cruise at top speeds, it’s a casually luxurious experience that will undoubtedly enhance your trip to the birthplace of fast cars with sumptuous flavors, unforgettable aromas, and stunning views that you can only get in Italy.

What Is an Agriturismo?

The term agriturismo comes from the pairing of agriculture and tourism. Loosely translated, it’s a farm-stay. Usually, an agriturismo is a tiny hotel set up on a working farm, where most of the ingredients used for meals are gathered directly from the farm itself—the true definition of farm-to-table. Visitors can dine at an agriturismo, and some even opt to stay the night at their agriturismo.

Most of the time, the owners of the agriturismo are the farmers themselves. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the focus is delicious, home-crafted meals steeped in the flavors of Italian farmland. Since the best tastes of Italy come from the family kitchen instead of fancy restaurants, it’s the most authentic taste you could hope to get on a visit to the country, with a relaxing break from the faster pace of the city.

Agriturismos must serve food grown and harvested on-site, so whether that’s wine or olive oil that comes from the estate’s orchards and vineyards, fresh produce from the garden, or eggs laid that morning, many of the ingredients for your meal come from just steps away. Many agriturismi also pride themselves on fleshing out their menu with other locally sourced foods harvested and gathered just a short distance away. At an agriturismo, the menu is hyper-local, with seasonal offerings, all set against the backdrop of a rural, picturesque setting. 

The Origin of Agriturismo

Following World War II, small, family-run farms in Italy were struggling to stay afloat. Farmers were feeling the pull of Italy’s larger cities and were leaving their land to find jobs that fit with the thrill and excitement of city life. 

As years passed and this trend continued, many Italians feared that much of their beloved farmland would be lost to development—and in a small, mountainous country like Italy, this would mean that Italians would have to start importing most of their food. It would be a costly, inefficient endeavor. 

Plus, in a culture so centered around fresh flavors and the family dinner table, the idea of importing food just would not do. 

 In 1985, Italians passed a law establishing the idea of agriturismo. The goal was to keep farmers working on their farms. Farmers who converted part of their property into an agriturismo would get financial incentives from the government. It was a great way to preserve farmland, keep Italian food local, and aid struggling farmers all at once.

Since agriturismi are partially government-funded, each region in Italy has specific guidelines about how much of the food served comes from the property, how many days each agriturismo hosts guests, and how many years of experience a farmer must have to start their agriturismo. As a visitor, this means you get the most authentic experience possible.

Agriturismo in the Motor Valley and Emilia Romagna Region

The Emilia Romagna region is the perfect place to experience the best that agriturismos have to offer. After all, the region is known as the culinary capital of Italy. Italian cuisine may be renowned throughout the world, but the best of the best comes from Emilia Romana.  Pizza? Parma ham? Pasta? They all originated in Emilia Romagna.

Sitting down at a table at an agriturismo in Emilia Romagna means you’re sitting down to dine in the same region where Bologna sausage, Bolognese sauce, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, tortellini, and golden egg pasta were all created. There’s no better experience than tasting these delicacies in the home where they originated after a day spent touring the Lamborghini museum. 

The Emilia Romana region is home to some of the fastest, most beautiful cars on the planet. But it’s also home to some of the best flavors across the globe too. It’s both a haven for speed-demons and a foodie’s paradise. To embark on the adventures and savor the tastes, connect with Motorsport Lab today!

If you like this article and want to bump into famous celebrities as we visit the Italian Automakers of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, Maserati, and Ducati, please join the Motorsport Lab’s Cradle of Supercar’s Tour in Motor Valley, Italy.  Tour dates are September 1 – 9, 2022. Click here to learn more and get registered. 

Ray Chang