Tuscan Green Acres

Podere Il Casale. Remember that name, amici, should you ever desire some peace and solitude away from the tourist centric hill towns of Tuscany. First, however, come to me for detailed instructions on how to get there, as we found it simply on instinct and the help of a very tan Senora who pulled up to us in her tiny red Peugoet and in a cloud of dust nodded her head 'si' when we asked for directions. I'm not sure exactly what she said, but her hands told us to take a left after we went down the next hill.

Podere Il Casale is an organic agriturismo farm run by a Swiss family for the last twenty-five years. Having once thought I would pick strawberries for a summer outside Sacramento - a dream, inspired by my first reading of "On The Road" at age ten, that has been left hanging in the valley breeze - the chance to stay on a working Tuscan farm was a dangling carrot. Granted I wouldn't be getting my hands dirty, unless you count our clothes washing expedition that day to Montepulciano, but I could soak in the spirit of the place nonetheless.

On this farm in particular you will find the following: a teenage peacock gang and their quarter of a century old patriach (bring earplugs for their bone chilling screams into the misty night air), fresh ricotta and pecorino cheese from their own sheep and goats, prosciutto of many varieties from their free range pigs (who have a million dollar hillside view), hee-hawing donkeys, crystalline artisan flower honey, friendly barn cats and giant dogs who show you their belly before they even get your name, an international crew of volunteers both young and old, places to park your Campervan as well as B&B rooms overlooking the olive tree carpeted countryside, and most deliciously, Sandra's homemade (and home harvested) dinner of penne pasta, spelt grain salad and bread, Casale wine and cheese with a rich, deep purple fig jam.

While all acres in Tuscany are green, Podere Il Casale's was perhaps the greenest.



The road less traveled... because there aren't sufficient signs.


Our first greeter at the farm.





The view a few steps from our van.


We get harassed by the peacock gang. Notice twenty-five year old Big Pappa on the right showing the younger boys with smaller plumage how to really get the ladies' attention.





My dessert.

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Location:Assisi, Italy