Green travel

Ode's annual special report explores new trends for socially responsible tourists who still just want to have fun - and shows them how to check in to an exotic eco-lodge, kick back and join the "slow travel" movement or get their hands dirty at a cozy agritourism destination.

Ode Editors | March 2008 issue

Agritourism is also gaining popularity in California and Vermont, Philpott says. At the Chanticleer Vineyard in Paso Robles, visitors can wander among the Petit Syrah, Zinfandel and Syrah grape vines, go kayaking at nearby Pacific Ocean beaches, or hear the San Luis Obispo Symphony when it’s in town. In Vermont, check out The Orchards B and B at Pam and Ray Allen’s home on an island in Lake Champlain. “Breakfasting on hot apple pie à la mode in front of the Allens’ picture window, looking out over rows of spiky apple trees with Lake Champlain winking in the middle distance is spectacular,” according to their website.

Philpott’s own inspiration for Maverick Farms came from Italy, where he stayed and, in some cases, worked on a variety of farms. Vineyards there often include quaint inns offering hospitality to visitors who come to enjoy the country’s great wine and food. Over the past decade, the trend has become more established as organic farmers discovered the richness and profitability of agritourism.

My personal favourite is Fattoria San Martino, located on the outskirts of the walled Tuscan city of Montepulciano. It is a typical Italian agritourism operation. Within an hour’s drive of Florence, Siena, Assisi and some of Italy’s finest vineyards, the traditional farmhouse-turned-B and B includes four large rooms, each with a private bathroom. Owners Antonio Giorgini and Karin Lijftogt used all-natural building materials in the renovation of their biodynamic farm and buildings. The 10-acre site includes grapes, vegetables and grains, plus fall-blooming crocuses that yield savory saffron. The swimming pond is surrounded by olive trees and has a natural filtration system that keeps the water pristine. To find other agritourism destinations in Italy, click on agritourismitaly.com or agriturismo.it.

The United Kingdom and Germany also offer agritourism options. The website landtourismus.de connects tourists in Germany with farms across the country. In the UK, Muttonhunters B and B—a sheep farm in Scotland with dramatic views, luxury accommodations and access to a remote fishing loch—might be worth a look. I’m speculating that the local single malts are pretty luxurious too!

The agritourism experience isn’t limited to the U.S. and Europe. In Brazil, I stayed at Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza, a beautiful organic coffee plantation that also has mango, banana, papaya and dairy cattle. Visitors can swim in one of its big lakes, hike in virgin rainforest and stay in private cottages nestled in the trees. The hosts offer yoga retreats, craft-making seminars and other organized activities.

Though I’ve never visited, Paradise Farm in Sri Lanka sounds, well, like paradise. The farm grows spices, orchids, nuts, tea and rubber and is designed to teach villagers sustainable agriculture practises. In recent years, Paradise has added agritourism by renting a number of bungalows and guest rooms. If you’re looking for a more hands-on encounter, try World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, which links tourists with farms seeking people to work on them. In exchange for labour and a small fee, guests receive accommodation for a specific period.

Agritourism is a remarkable way to connect with the locals, the land and, of course, some amazing organic food. Just thinking about it makes me want to cook some puttanesca spaghetti sauce and open a bottle of Barolo. Ciao!

Find out more:

Maverick Farms: maverickfarms.org
Chanticleer Vineyard: chanticleervineyardbb.com
The Orchards B and B: allenholm.com/OrchardsBB.html
Fattoria San Martino: fattoriasanmartino.it
Muttonhunters B and B: muttonhunters.homestead.com/farm-bed-and-breakfast-scotland.html
Fazenda Ambiental Fortaleza: fafbrasil.com
Paradise Farm: i-escape.com/paradisefarm.php
World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms: wwoof.org

Jim Slama is the founder of FamilyFarmed.org, which promotes sustainable family farms in the U.S. Midwest.

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