World Picnic Day is among us and it only seems fair to share with you a few of our favourite locations to stop for a food filled wicker basket and blanket among the vineyards or countryside olive groves. So from the north of Italy in the region of Lombardy all the way down to the Apuglian countryside, here are seven places you’ll want to try. Ps. these places are couple friendly, family friendly and… friendly friendly?!
1
Bersi Serlini, Provaglio d’Iseo, lombardia
Located in Lombardy among the Franciacorta hills, Bersi Serlini is family run business that dates back to the medieval era and therefore winemaking has been passing through the veins from generation to generation. Today, there are numerous experiences you can book alongside wine cellar visits including the taste Franciacorta among the vineyards on a chequered blanket. There are two picnic experiences (and one alcohol free experience for little ones) that differ according to the Franciacorta selection and the included food. The “classic” is a lighter option and includes a cheese selection, salami, rice salad and frittatina with a bottle of Franciacorta Blanc de Blancs. The “gourmet” includes Franciacorta Cuvèe N°4 with Sardinian fregola salad, pappa al pomodoro, focaccia and other exquisite foods. For the ultimate experience, book the “sparkle retreat” which includes a beautiful bohemian set-up of cushions and candles to be paired with your picnic. WEBSITE
2
Puegnago sul garda, lombardia
Located in the province of Brescia, Conti Thun is a farmhouse that offers various experiences among its enchanting vineyards. Among these, there are two proposals for picnics in their vineyard that include wine tasting: a traditional picnic and a vegetarian picnic, both for €45 per person. The price includes a wicker basket that contains everything you need for a picnic for two whether lunch, snack or aperitivo, with both sweet and savoury options and a bottle of wine. There is also a third option for those travelling with young ones that includes the picnic basket minus the alcohol, and this is for a cost of €18 per person.After you have collected your baskets, you can choose whether to sit in the garden, at the vineyard or by the olive grove. WEBSITE
3
azienda agricola fratelli scotti, Cascina Pizzo, lombardia
Located around thirty minutes away from the centre of Milan, the Fratelli Scotti farmhouse at Cascina Pizzo is a modest location immersed among the most beautiful flowers and orchards. This summer you can book an aperitivo from Tuesdays to Sundays and select between three separate options that include the freshest, organic cuisine produced in this very farmhouse. Immagine your curated meat and cheese platters, organic tomatoes and seasonal fruit and vegetables. For 5€ extra per person you can also pick your own cherries. WEBSITE
4
Azienda Agricola Valtresinaro, viano, emilia romagna
Located in Viano in the Emilian Countryside in between Milan and Florence, Azienda Agricola Valtresinaro organises picnics among lavender fields. It is a unique experience in which you prebook your experience between Monday-Friday in the evening during the months of June and July and as you arrive, you’ll be handed over your picnic basket (welcome aperitif & dinner) and you’ll take a seat among these scented, purple herbs. All products are entirely organic and picked from the farm such as the lavender itself is used to flavour their craft beer Augusta (which you can try at the picnic) and the wine offered is in partnership with their neighbouring wine cellar Aljano. This is perhaps one of the most romantic and idyllic locations for a summer evening, candle lit, picnic with your other half or with your family. WEBSITE
5
Agriturismo La Nuova Fattoria, nettuno, lazio
Located in the Pontine countryside in the region of Lazio, Agriturismo La Nuova Fattoria is a family run farmhouse that offers extraordinary experiences in their vineyards. You can request an ‘aperitivo’ for two, or more people for the cost of €75 pp and this includes local delicacies from cheeses paired with homemade jams, crudités, cold cuts with homemade bread or breadsticks and other treats that vary according to the season. All is accompanied with a bottle of sparking wine produced in the region of Lazio. Ps. If you fancy staying the night you can also book to sleep in the ‘nest’, an intimate suite in the treehouse. WEBSITE
6
IL CASCINETTO, CREMA, LOMBARDIA
n the Pianura Padana not far from Crema you’ll find Il Cascinetto, a family run farmhouse and ostrich farm. It’s a curious, welcoming place that invites people to visit and taste some of the most fresh, organic produce grown on the farm within this unique atmosphere. From July, they shall inaugurate a picnic among the lavender fields where one can either order a box filled with delicious snacks or street food including burgers, hot dogs, focaccia and cured meats. Also kicking off in July is Cinema nights every Wednesday among the lavender fields. Make sure you book well in advance. WEBSITE
7
Masseria Montenapoleone, Fasano, Puglia
Alongside being one of the most fascinating and aesthetic locations in southern Italy, Masseria Montenapoleone boasts numerous activities that can be enjoyed by external guests as well. An idyllic setting sandwiched between the sea and the earth, the blue and the green, the Adriatic and the countryside. A blanket is placed in the garden amidst the olive groves and Italian tunes from the 80s are playing softly in the background. Two wicker baskets await, filled with warm focaccia, fresh salads and delicious biscuits prepared by Chef Domenico Consoli. There is an ice bucket, filled with water, juices and red wine produced at the Masseria. Sit back, relax and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere in the pristine surrounding nature. WEBSITE
