A beautifully restored farmhouse: sleeps up to 8 with full kitchen; dining room; sitting room; 2 bathrooms; natural swimming pond, garden shower, outside cooking, dining, lounging, grilling and children's play areas all set within an olive grove, grapevines and other fruit trees.
All 4 bedrooms are available as double or twin rooms, have beautiful views of the Sibillini mountains, the hilltop towns of Macerata, Colmurano and San Ginesio and the surrounding area and are full of character and original features. The kitchen is very well-equipped, dining facilities are great for larger groups and the sitting room has a wood burner, comfy seating for 8 people and plenty of cushions to snuggle with!We live here with our two daughters who go to school just across the valley in Colmurano. We moved here to take advantage of the beautiful peace and quiet that both this house and the surrounding area offers and to provide our children with a safe and yet also challenging place to grow up.
We live in this area of Italy mainly because of its similarities to Graham's home country of Ireland; from the landscape to the outlook of the local people.
We love everything that Le Marche and its people represent: the Marchigiani are hard-working yet have a relaxed approach to life, a deep-rooted sense of tradition and a strong community spirit. Above all, they are a warm and friendly people who love a story over
a glass or two!
The house dates back over 350 years and was originally a grain mill. “Cotto wine” - a delicious sweet wine of the region - was also made here. It’s a beautiful home with great character and many fascinating stories to tell. David Mari (the previous owner of the house) still tends his vineyards, olive groves and “orto’ (veggie patch) on the adjoining land and is there almost every day if you want to find out more. His family lived in this house since it was built in the 1800s and along with a local historian, can bring the history of the house to life with stories of his childhood and his ancestors.
Saranne and Graham offer unique artisan experiences to celebrate the wonders of Le Marche..........
The Macerata vineyards are an undiscovered joy, producing a wonderful range of unusual and extraordinary wines. Ribona, Passerina, Verdicchio and a host of traditional and international verieties all grow perfectly here. Traditional and down-to-earth cantinas (with grandma at the helm) still thrive in this region, alongside innovative and modern wineries. Our vineyard tours, led by professional wine expert Graham, give you a unique, “behind the scenes” opportunity to visit Artisan Le Marche wineries and discover the wonders of winemaking as well as experience a revelation of new flavours and varieties.
Our crafted Artisan wine tours are a must for any visitor to the Le Marche region of Italy. Following several years working alongside the very best winemakers, we can guarantee you an unforgettable experience. Many of the winemakers have become great friends, allowing us an even closer insight into their world and their working day.
All tours are fully focused on Le Marche, the indigenous varieties that are grown here and the traditional artisan wineries that produce these great wines. Don’t be surprised if, during a tour, you are invited to lunch or even dinner by the owners -when we visit a winery we become a part of their family!
These tours are open to all members of the public. Groups are welcome – the larger the group, the better the rate.
Please see the reviews section for comments from previous participants.
Our half day and full day wine tours are open to everybody - beginners, intermediate level or guests with advanced wine knowledge. After all, wine is for sharing! And for those who simply wish to have a great fun filled day, with over 20 years of wine experience behind us, we think we have all your needs covered.
On the tour you will observe the process of winemaking from start to finish - by walking through the grounds, vineyards and cellars and discussing with the winemakers themselves. Naturally, you will be able to sample the different wines offered in each cantina alongside local produce such as bread, cheeses, salumi and chocolate. Blind tastings are also possible, as well as an opportunity to learn about the art of blending your own wine.
Our xO extra virgin olive oil
Ever since starting our own Le Marche olive farm in 2006, our mission has been to specialize in making olive oils of the highest quality with as little impact on the environment as possible. Of course, to achieve this means a lot of hard work, patience, sacrifice, commitment and dedication but we believe that the end result is always worth the effort.
Nothing gets us more nervous and excited than choosing the right time of the season to pick the crop. There are so many things to consider and get in place before starting the process of harvesting. Making sure the fruit is at the right level of ripeness to produce the desired olive oil is just one of many factors to take into consideration. Much like an oenologist who knows when to harvest the vines for making fine wine, an olive oil producer must recognise the signs provided by mother nature and face the same difficult decision before making the final call to pick the fruit.
Once the first olives are picked, the nets begin to fill up steadily but surely. We must bring them to the olive press as quickly as possible to ensure freshness.
The wonderful aromatic scent of freshly-pressed olive oil, makes our full years work - including long hours of pruning, fertilizing, more pruning, constant checking of the fruit, and harvesting - all worth while. And then there's the final bottling - a mini-production line run by the whole family - where the long and hard hours of labour are appreciated and rewarded in the form of our own real extra virgin XO olive oil.
Local, organic, seasonal, healthy and delicious!
We use only the freshest locally grown organic produce. We cook only in season and we guarantee a memorable lunch or evening while journeying into the past of this wonderful region.
We offer a 5 course lunch or dinner journey, each dish paired with a specially chosen wine from the immediate area. Each dish and wine is explained in full before service allowing the guest to fully appreciate the food and the wine. Poetry, storytelling and music have often found their way to the table, enhancing the experience even further and turning a great meal into a memorable experience.
As personal chefs, we could also come to your holiday home, cook in your kitchen and share our experiences with you.
We are available throughout the year. Please feel free to recommend our service to your holiday guests. Advance booking is highly recommended (2 weeks) We are very happy to cook for families with children, vegetarian, gluten intolerance and pescatarians!
Buon appetito!
If you want to learn more about wine, an evening with the entertaining Graham Herbert is just for you. In the beautiful surroundings of a local winery, you are taken on a short, illuminating journey, from the growing of grapes to the sampling of the wine. Initially from a tour of the vineyard, you gain an appreciation of what to expect from a wine, depending on which soil and in what location the grape is grown. Graham explains in simple language, laced with a great deal of humour, how to recognize and choose the right wine for any occasion. By equipping us with a set of simple techniques, we were able, very quickly, to make informed judgements as to colour, bouquet, taste and age of the various wines we sampled. Improving our overall enjoyment and appreciation of the wine. He also broke down myths and old wives tales regarding the mystic of wine in a humourous and intelligent way. An evening to be highly recommended and not to be missed.
Jean and Mike
Thanks for an awesome evening of wine tasting last week! It was brilliant to have you come to our rented farmhouse and host the event. Graham, you were a real star, our group really enjoyed the selection of wines ... and you gave us lots of great tips ("has it got legs? Are they far apart?") ! I think the 2 hour session drifted into a 5 hour session and there were a few sore heads the next morning..! A very memorable evening and would strongly recommend it! Maybe catch you next year. Cheers!
Lucia and Rich
Recently, I had a very enjoyable evening at a local Le Marche winery where I met Graham. Graham began by taking our group on a short tour of the estate, showing us the vineyards and explaining how the grapes were grown to the high standards of the winery. Following our tour, we tasted the wines. Graham dispensed wine, wit and wisdom in equal measure. He explained to us how to savour the bouquet of the wines, and how the shape of the glass was so important in retaining the bouquet. After we had tasted each wine, Graham encouraged us to ask him questions which he answered with humour whilst displaying his obvious knowledge on the subject. He is an excellent speaker, comfortable with his subject and very easy to listen to. It was the most delightful way to spend an evening: beautiful surroundings; delicious wine, and a speaker who could educate and amuse. Thank you.
Ron
I have recently returned to Engand having spent 4 months in Le Marche, Italy. During my stay, one of the highlights was a visit a local
winery, hosted by Graham Herbert. The winery is in a beautiful area, and we sat in the shade overlooking a vista of vines with the foothills of
the Sibillini Mountains in the distance. Graham started us off with an excellent sparkling wine made from the local verdicchio grape. Whilst we
sipped, Graham explained how to recognise a good sparkling wine; I had no idea that the bubbles could be so significant! The wine was so
good, we opened and enjoyed a second bottle.
Following such a promising start, Graham took us to see the 'workshops' of the winery and showed us the process of the wine making
from grape to glass. Until he explained the process, particularly the adjustment of the wine to produce the best possible taste, I had no idea
that wine making was such an exacting art.
Having learnt the method by which the wine is produced, we returned to the tasting table and enjoyed sampling 4 delicious white wines
and 3 tasty reds. All helped along by the addition of large plates piled with Italian meats, cheeses and bread drizzled with olive oil. Whilst we
tasted the wines, Graham explained why the bouquet and taste of wines often remind us of fruit. As a fun learning aid, he produced a variety
of fresh fruits so that we could compare the scents. What better way to spend ones time than sitting in the Italian sunshine, enjoying wonderful
wines, discussing their merits and learning more about their production.
I have been spending summers in Le Marche for the past 11 years and I usually buy wines from around Italy to bring back to England.
This time, it was very different. Graham has introduced me to the wines of Le Marche and, for me, they have become my Italian wines of
preference. This year, I have brought home solely wines from Le Marche and I am looking foward to enjoying them with my friends. I also look
forward to next year when I hope to sample more of the same!
Andrea
"Le foglie ridenti - domain of joy" by Trixie T.
We arrived in the dark, snow on the verges and lights twinkling in all the little hillside villages, to be greeted by porcupines cavorting in our head lights. Our welcome was second to none with local wine and food at this warm and magical family home.
Waking at dawn, double thickness duvet, to views to die for of the snow covered Sibillini mountains and national park from one window, and Macerata and Colmurano from another... and olive groves and vineyards and a heavenly rural scene. The house occupies a vantage point hugging the hillside on three levels, traditionally restored to high standards by the owners and a team of dedicated local craftsmen with love and natural materials. Underfloor heating, you won't need your slippers, ensures no chilly mornings after your shower with endless hot water. Out every morning to visit cantinas to sample the local cotto wine and explore monastaries and Roman ruins, cathedrals and wonderful restaurants. Spent far too much money in the factory outlet shops at Civitanova where Russell and Bromley source their goods and walked on the breathtaking pebble beaches of the Adriatic coast, so close.
An unforgettable Christmas dinner, spent with our hosts, their two shining-faced daughters in their princess dresses, was only surpassed by the New Year fireworks viewed from the kitchen window, all the villages in the valley competing with each other.
Hosts, Saranne and Graham are full of local knowledge and belong to the fabric of this rural community with their roots firmly planted in the soil, growing organic grapes and olives and an extensive kitchen garden. We sampled their own olive oil and walnuts. Ferdinando, who helps with the olive harvest made us real pizza in the pizza oven, eaten with beer! It's hard to find fault here... after all it was our second honeymoon. Thank you Saranne and Graham. I will hold the memories of our special time with you close to my heart always and hope to return one day soon.
"My stay at Le foglie ridenti" by June L.
I fell in love with Le foglie ridenti before I even arrived at the farmhouse. Approaching down a winding “strada bianca” with an avenue of impressively ancient oak trees, we emerged at the house to confront one of the most breathtakingly beautiful rural views I have ever seen. The panorama is bestrewn with vines, olives, sunflowers, fields of corn, mysterious woods and secluded farmhouses while the outlines of church campanili rise above the villages perched on the hill tops. In the distance the Sibillini mountain range, with its beautiful lakes, beckons. The peace is absolute, broken only by the sound of birds and crickets, an occasional farmer with his tractor, a shepherd with his sheep, or the braying of a donkey – and, of course, on Sundays the distant sound of church bells.
The house stands proudly above a large olive grove nestling on the hillside, where one can escape to relax with a book, or paints, or simply to lie in the sun and dream. The farmhouse itself is very old with a long and interesting history but has been lovingly and sensitively renovated and converted into two self-contained homes that manage to retain the character and quirkiness of the old working farmhouse. Graham, Saranne and their family live in the lower house. They are enthusiastic, warm and welcoming hosts, keen to share their knowledge of the area and ready, with notice, to cook you a delicious meal with local wines. Within a short drive, surrounding towns also offer plenty of restaurants providing superb local dishes. The warm, blue sea of the Adriatic coast is visible from the hilltop and its beaches are only 30mins away. The villages have their own distinct treasures: Urbisaglia fascinates with its castle, two Roman amphitheatres and 12th century Cistercian Abbey, whilst two churches in San Ginesio contain 14th and 15th century frescoes, some from the school of Giotto. Throughout summer, villages compete fiercely to promote the best festivals including those celebrating theatre, food, music, dance and even honey. In July, the nearby village of Colmurano hosts a street festival, packing its squares with hundreds of happy families on four magical nights. Tolentino is c. 5 miles away and Macarata not much further: an old university town with an open air arena where every summer opera and ballet are performed at a prestigious Music Festival. With peace and quiet in abundance but entertainment to suit everyone I most highly recommend this farmhouse.
"Green, Peace, Friends, Earth" by Michael C.
Saranne and Graham are friends I`ve been planning to visit for some years. How great to find both brimming with enthusiasm for and love of the house and its wonderful setting - as described by others . And burning with a desire to share this with anyone looking for that off-the-beaten-path experience they can offer. Saranne will mainly introduce you to the culture of the area, as well as smoothing your path if your Italian isn`t up to s***f; Graham will fire you up with his passion for and deep knowledge of all aspects of viticulture, as well as his total commitment to green living and his projects to ensure green principles rule! (Le Marche is also stunningly green - the colour.)
If you have anything about you and you want to get out there and get involved, this is the place, these are the people for you!!
