target="_blank">You're Invited! Italy's Editor Hosts Wine and Ceramics This November at Fattoria del Gelso
a successful Italian gourmet and ceramics store in Bethesda, Maryland, Suzy and Bill Menard found themselves spending plenty of time in Umbria's ceramics capital, sourcing imports for their store. In time it made sense to look for an Umbrian villa to use as for both their own frequent visits and as the centerpiece for the travel services they hoped to add to their store's offerings. They settled on a former agriturismo on 90 acres in the town of the just a few minutes from For the Menards, its location and size were key selling points. While the fattoria is part of a small farm (growing the famous Cannara onions which are protected by the Slow Food organization), it is also within walking distance of the charming town center. Plus it is perfectly situated for an easy and quick drive to a number of towns including and more. On the first floor of Fattoria del Gelso, there's a large main living and dining room as well as a commercial kitchen, laundry facilities and a TV room. With eight bedrooms, this villa can easily accommodate 16 people, but the layout works well to give everyone privacy. Most of the bedrooms are upstairs via an outdoor staircase. This means that wine drinking and merriment can take place in the living room long into the night without disturbing anyone's sleep. While Fattoria del Gelso offers an ideal location and warm and welcoming décor (the Deruta ceramics throughout the house and around the pool are particularly lovely), even better, it comes with a network of wonderful people starting with its vivacious owners. For Suzy and Bill, introducing people to the wonders of target="_top">Umbria isn't a business, it truly is a passion. Through their vast network of Umbrian contacts, they can help their guests arrange every aspect of their visit from vineyard visits to restaurant reservations to private guides.
There's always someone available to call 24 hours a day and if guests would like meals prepared at the villa, for an additional fee, their incredible cook Teresa can whip up Umbrian meals not to be forgotten (in fact, guests should partake in at least one of Teresa's meals). Those who want a truly unforgettable Umbrian experience should join one of Suzy and Bill's small group tours which are based at Fattoria del Gelso. Their Umbria Jazz and Umbria Food and Wine tours are well-priced, packed with authentic regional experiences and lead by two of the most gracious hosts to be found in Umbria. THE DETAILS target="_blank"> Cannara (10 minutes from Assisi, 20 minutes from Perugia) (202) 957-3811 Rates: 2,500 to 4,000 euros per week, depending on the season. Features: Eight bedrooms, six full bathrooms, two half-bathrooms, screened windows, swimming pool, bicycles, washing machine, satellite television, desktop computer for guest use, free Wi-Fi. Umbria Jazz This tour focuses on the Umbrian music event of the year and includes four nights accommodations at Fattoria del Gelso, tickets to three concerts, transportation to concerts, two city tours, daily breakfast and either lunch or dinner daily. 1,500 euros per person, based on double occupancy July 10 to 15 or July 15 to 20, 2009 (2010 dates coming soon) Umbria Food and Wine This eating and drinking extravaganza includes six nights accommodations at Fattoria del Gelso, all meals and transportation. The itinerary includes visits to vineyards, an olive oil harvest, truffle hunting, a visit to Perugia's Eurochocolate festival, trip to Norcia and several cooking classes. Note that many of the restaurants and vineyards in this special report are featured in this tour. 1,500 euros per person, based on double occupancy October 24 to 30, 2009 blog comments powered by Disqus
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