Agriturismo Casale Villa Chiara is a charming agriturismo on the outskirts of Torgiano, one of the most beautiful villages of Italy, famous for the wine and the extra virgin olive oil.
Perfect for wine and oil lovers
If you’re wondering, Casale means farmhouse. The casale is perfectly restored with respect to its original structure. Wine lovers, you’re warned. Other than being located along two trails: the Cantico Wines Route and the Umbria Oil and Wine Route, Casale Villa Chiara owners produce both extra virgin olive oil and wine.
First impressions
When my nephew Filippo and I arrived by car, we drove among rolling hills, vineyard rows and a pleasant countryside, painted in autumn colours. Yes, this time I was with Filippo, so part of “Travels with my Aunt” series. 😉 You will also find a short video at the end of the post!
We were delighted by the stone walls Casale. Eight rooms, each with its ensuite bathroom, a big living room with fireplace and a pool table. My husband would have appreciated it, he’s good at billiard. In fact, when I got home he was a bit disappointed he had to stay home.
The garden and the view
Outside, a huge garden with pool, 5-a-side football pitch, olive grove, everything tidy and pleasant. But what took my breath away was the two terraces overlooking the valley and the village of Torgiano. I think I could stay there for hours admiring the view!
A little down the hill, the winery. Further down, another house with pool, overlooking the vineyards, beautifully gilded by Autumn’s shades. This house is to be rented to families or groups of friends that prefer to stay on their own and have a kitchen at their disposal.
A warm welcome
The thing that hit me the most was the warm welcome of Daniele and his family. I have to say, Umbria has a special place in my heart. And, even if I know that there are good and bad people everywhere, I must say I have never had a bad experience in this region. Never. I have always met lovely folks, deeply in love with their land, eager to show people its beauty and its products.
Passion and genuineness are always the key in my opinion. The key to a good work, the key to the affection of people, and also the key of personal satisfaction.
They were so kind to let us stay in the apartment and give us a room with private bathroom each. So that we had our privacy. They also provided us with local specialities dinner and breakfast. All was clean and tidy. Wi-Fi was free and perfectly working.
Pity we couldn’t use the pool, you know… November. But I can’t wait to come back again (I hope) during the warm season.
Tasting
Daniele was eager to present us his products, so he organized a tasting, that would have been enough for four people. 😀 Bruschette with their new extra virgin olive oil, white wine (Montespinello Bianco di Torgiano) with fresh pecorino cheese and honey, red wine (Montescosso Rosso di Torgiano doc) with cold cuts and finally Vin Santo with the local bundt cake. The tasting is offered to all the guests who desire to taste Casale Villa Chiara wines and oil. We appreciated everything, but Filippo fell in love with the oil. 😉
The village of Torgiano
Two minutes away, in the village of Torgiano you can find restaurants, cafés and shops. Due to its important agricultural production, the tiny burg has both a nice Wine Museum (Museo del Vino) and an Olive Museum (Museo dell’Olivo e dell’Olio) that can be interesting to visit. During that very weekend, the wine festival Versando Torgiano took place. Versando means Pouring. Workshops, lectures, tastings along the main street in a joyful atmosphere.
The highlight of the visit was the tiny ceramics shop L’Arte delle Terrecotte (The Art of Terracotta), along the main street. Very refined objects in all the shades of color. I personally bought a pendant with the Latin writing Omnia vincit Amor, Love conquers all, that I will soon show off. 😉 Another marvellous thing were the ceramic Christmas balls, decorated with snowflakes, angels and other festive subjects.
Wine-makers and Tavern-keepers Company
Saturday evening we attended the most curious event. The gala dinner of the Compagnia dei Vignaioli e Tavernieri di Torgiano, Torgiano wine-makers and tavern-keepers Company (founded in 1977). Its members are not actually all winemakers, but rather prominent people, interested in the promotion of Torgiano wines and territory.
Prior to the dinner, the admission ceremony of three new members, at the presence of the council, other members, families and delegations of other brotherhoods. One from Abruzzo, two from the Veneto and one from France.
It was very peculiar, with the council members dressed in medieval garments. The new members were first presented to the bystanders. Then “baptized” with a vines branch shaped scepter. Finally they had to drink a sip of Torgiano wine from a goblet. Very picturesque.
I have to thank Daniele and his family to have allowed us to be part of this. It was a unique occasion to attend a ceremony of the kind. And to share it with you now.
Why to choose Casale Villa Chiara
I recommend this Casale for your Umbrian vacations. With the family I felt immediately at ease; plus the agriturismo is nicely located, perfect to reach several destinations in a day trip. Umbria can offer an ideal set for quiet, romantic holidays. Little unspoilt burgs, excellent food, corners and alleys full of flowers and plants. I love this kind of slow pace visits! It can also be a place for sporty people (lake sports, cycling and trekking). The garden is pleasant, the pool is always a plus and the terrace a lovely spot where to relax admiring the sunset behind the village of Torgiano. Umbria is a region full of surprises.
Possible day-trips from Agriturismo Casale Villa Chiara:
Perugia (10km) is the capital city of Umbria, famous for its medieval architectures and of course for the Perugina Chocolate Factory (I think you know the famous Bacio praline).
Trasimeno Lake (about 30km) is the fourth biggest lake in Italy. Fine burgs, good lake fish, watersports are part of its highlights.
Lovely burgs like Gubbio, Spello, Deruta are quite close.
Filippo and I chose to visit Assisi (only 14 km). I had been there four times already. But my nephew had never visited it before and was very keen to see it. Assisi is a special place. I’m not religious. Even so, I can perceive a peaceful and peculiar atmosphere when in Assisi. Like an uncommon energy. I like to think that it depends on the people who visit and inhabit it. The highlight of Assisi is the San Francesco Basilica, with Giotto’s wonderful frescoes. He painted them before the ones in the Scrovegni Chapel of Padua, my city.
After a visit to the basilica, we wandered around the town center, taking pictures of the many spectacular corners of this enchanting burg. I hope to go back there again and again. There are still some corners and alleys to explore.
Finally, here’s the video of our experience:
Thanks to Daniele for supporting me on my visit. As always opinions are entirely my own.
Agriturismo Casale Villa Chiara
www.casalevillachiara.com
Via del Colle, 57, 06089 Torgiano PG
