Enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Southern Italy with a "Real Farmers Lunch" experience at an olive farm nestled in the picturesque Italian countryside. This 4-hour tour offers a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on cooking, crafting fresh pasta and authentic regional dishes using organic ingredients sourced directly from the farm. As you savor a family-style meal accompanied by local wine, you’ll learn about sustainable farming practices and the time-honored techniques passed down through generations. It’s a chance to indulge your senses and uncover the essence of Italian cuisine, creating memories that will linger long after your visit.
This experience made our list of the 4 Best Shopping Tours In Matera.
Key Points
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Immersive hands-on cooking class to learn traditional Southern Italian farmhouse dishes using organic ingredients from the on-site olive farm.
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Guided tour of the olive farm to explore sustainable agricultural practices and gain insight into the production of extra virgin olive oil.
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Opportunity to interact with the farm’s multigenerational family and learn about their culinary traditions passed down through generations.
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Enjoy a family-style meal featuring the dishes prepared during the cooking class, accompanied by local wines in the picturesque farm setting.
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Small group experience (max 7 participants) with an English-speaking instructor, allowing for personalized attention and an intimate cultural exchange.
Overview of Experience
The article presents a real farmers’ lunch experience at an Italian olive farm in the countryside.
The tour lasts 4 hours and is limited to a small group of 7 participants. An English-speaking instructor leads the experience, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Priced from €145.00 per person, the activity offers a unique opportunity to take in the local cuisine and farming practices.
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Cooking Class Details
Participants are invited to engage in a traditional Italian cooking class during the experience.
They’ll learn to make fresh pasta and typical pasta sauce, as well as prepare two typical dishes from Matera. This provides an opportunity to experience authentic Southern Italian farmhouse cooking.
Plus, most organic products used come directly from the farm, ensuring the freshness and quality of the ingredients.
- Learn to make fresh pasta and typical pasta sauce
- Prepare two typical dishes from Matera
- Experience authentic Southern Italian farmhouse cooking
Farm Tour and Ingredients
Visitors to the olive farm will have the chance to tour the grounds and learn about the local food sources.
During the tour, you will be introduced to the farm’s biodiversity and the production of extra virgin olive oil.
They’ll also have the opportunity to pick and taste fresh fruit straight from the trees, providing a truly authentic farm-to-table experience.
The emphasis on understanding the origins of the ingredients used in the cooking class underscores the commitment to using the freshest, most sustainable products.
Family Involvement
One of the highlights of the Farmers Lunch experience is the opportunity to meet Silvia, the daughter of the family who’s over 20 years of cooking experience.
Participants may also have the chance to visit with Mamma, known for her traditional Matera cooking. This emphasis on family and authentic cooking techniques is a core aspect of the program, allowing guests to truly enjoy the culinary culture of the region.
The experience aims to create lasting memories through:
- Interacting with the family members who’ve dedicated their lives to preserving traditional Southern Italian cooking.
- Learning firsthand the techniques and recipes passed down through generations.
- Enjoying the fruits of their labor during the final dining experience.
Dining Experience
The food prepared during the class is then enjoyed with local wine and additional treats. Participants can savor the authentic flavors of Southern Italian farmhouse cooking, relishing the fruits of their labor.
This culinary experience aims to create lasting memories, transporting diners to the heart of the Italian countryside. The meal provides a well-rounded introduction to the region’s cuisine, showcasing the farm’s organic produce and the family’s traditional cooking techniques.
While the experience isn’t suitable for children under 10 years old, adults can indulge in this immersive gastronomic adventure, celebrating the joy of simple, wholesome fare.
What to Expect
Stepping onto the picturesque olive farm, participants embark on a culinary journey that immerses them in the heart of Southern Italian culture.
The experience offers a unique opportunity to learn traditional cooking techniques from a local family with over 20 years of experience. Guests can expect:
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A hands-on cooking class where they’ll prepare fresh pasta and typical pasta sauce, as well as two traditional dishes from Matera.
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A tour of the olive farm to understand the local food sources, including the production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and the chance to taste fresh fruit straight from the tree.
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A family-style dining experience where they’ll enjoy the dishes they’ve prepared, accompanied by local wine and other treats.
Participant Testimonials
Countless travelers have enthusiastically recounted their experiences at the Olive Farm’s farmers lunch, praising the immersive culinary adventure and the warm hospitality of the host family.
Participants describe the cooking class as a "highlight of their trip to Italy," with many noting the authentic, hands-on learning experience. Several guests mention the special opportunity to interact with the family and gain insights into their traditional cooking methods.
One reviewer raved about the picturesque farm setting, saying, "It felt like stepping into a dream."
Booking and Cancellation Policy
How can interested travelers book the Olive Farm’s farmers lunch experience?
The experience can be easily booked through the farm’s website or by contacting the family directly. The experience is priced at €145 per person and includes:
- A small group limited to 7 participants.
- An English-speaking instructor.
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Travelers can rest assured that their experience will be authentic, as the family uses mostly organic products from the farm.
With a focus on traditional Southern Italian cooking, this farmers lunch promises to be a memorable culinary adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?
There is no formal dress code specified for the cooking class. Casual, comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for the hands-on cooking activities and farm tour. The focus is on authenticity and experiencing traditional Italian culinary traditions.
Can Participants Bring Their Own Wine or Alcohol?
Participants are not allowed to bring their own wine or alcohol for the cooking class. The experience includes local wine served with the meal prepared during the class.
Is There a Vegetarian or Gluten-Free Option Available?
Yes, the cooking class offers vegetarian and gluten-free options. Participants should notify the instructor of any dietary restrictions when booking to ensure their needs are accommodated during the hands-on cooking and dining experience.
Can Participants Take Home the Dishes They Prepared?
Participants can take home the dishes they prepared during the cooking class. The farm provides take-home containers so guests can enjoy their creations once they return home.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Allergies to Be Aware Of?
The cooking class accommodates various dietary restrictions and allergies. Participants are encouraged to inform the instructor in advance so they can ensure the dishes prepared meet individual needs. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available upon request.
Recap
Enjoy the essence of Southern Italian cuisine with a Real Farmers Lunch at an olive farm in the picturesque Italian countryside. This unique experience allows you to create fresh pasta and traditional dishes using organic ingredients, while learning about sustainable farming practices and savoring authentic flavors in a family-style setting. It’s a memorable opportunity to connect with the rich culinary traditions of the region.
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