Views! Poggio Etrusco, Organic Farmstay and Cooking School

You know you have entered an authentic paradise from the moment you pull into the drive and see the huge wine barrels, the small unobtrusive sign of Poggio Estruco and travel down the gravel path to be warmly greeted by the host and hostess, Pamela and Johnny and their wonderful dogs, Bella and Luis. The essence of all just takes your breath away, from the vines growing all over the beautiful stone villas, to the well manicured grounds that have lavender and rosemary growing abundantly to an herb and vegetable garden and even chickens! Then your eyes travel to the most incredible vista of Poggio Estruco’s grape vineyards, olive orchards, fig trees and outward to mountains and landscapes that embrace you. During our visit was time for the grape picking which was fun to watch.

My apartment was huge, immaculate and so well appointed. It had all and more of any of the accruements’ you could want if you chose to stay and cook on site. My bed was so comfortable after such a long trip it called my name. Also special was to wake and be greeted by one of Johnny’s large canvas paintings on the wall.

Never having been much of a breakfast snob it all changes when I travel. I found the morning offerings different and delectable. There was always a lovely variety to choose from with a fresh variety of fruit, Pamela’s scrumptious Olive Oil cake and her homemade plum preserves, yogurt, fresh eggs and pastries. Included was my staple of great coffee with my cream.

I was fortunate to attend Pamela’s cooking class. What a unique, educational and tasty experience. This is a lady who has written 17 cookbooks and has mastered the trade. Although everything was delicious I have to say my favorites were the figs wrapped in fig leaves and steamed along with the fried squash flowers and sage leaves!

Most of the guests were part of a wedding party that had the ceremony outside at Poggio Estruco. The weather was beautiful; the décor was classic and elegant. What a beautiful and romantic event. Not a “dry eye” in the house!

There are just too many treasures to find at Poggio Estruco to list but I must say you cannot leave there without trying their wine and to take home their olive oil, Pamela’s cookbooks and some of Johhny’s prints as a souvenir.

My husband and I stayed with another couple just this month. Our 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment with kitchen and common area was dark with minimal lighting. When a light bulb burnt out in our bedroom and there was no lighting above the stove my husband told Johnny and they were never replaced. There was no comfortable seating in the entire lodging. We were in a beautiful part of Tuscany with only the view of other guests walking past our apartment. The grounds have potential but are run down. Our first night there I came in with flea bites on my lower legs. Pamela is a well known author of Italian cookbooks and conducts cooking classes on the property. Every morning we were offered prepackaged yogurt and orange juice with do it yourself soft boiled eggs and store bought pastries. There was no variety. We were not expecting a gourmet breakfast, but surely a cookbook author could come up with something more inspiring!! The only way to access Wi-Fi is to be outside. One morning my husband and I asked Pamela for some sightseeing advice and she had to rush off for an incoming cooking class. While we were loading our van to leave Pamela chided us for leaving the gate open because of the 2dogs possibly getting out. We have stayed in quite a few B/B's during our travels this one was a huge disappointment. .

Thouroughly enjoyed our stay for 1 week at Poggio Etrusco.Our apt was perfect for us and we enjoyed breakfast there and also on occation in the breakfast room. Pamela is a very knowledgeable charming hostess and her husband Johnny's artwork adds to the overall atmosphere of the place. This is a lovely spot, a bit off the beaten track-but that's its charm. The night is quiet and there are millions of stars.Bring a flashlight it gets very dark walking from your car. highly recommended for those wanting to explore this part of Tuscany.The pets on the property are very friendly.

Three cheers to Pamela and Johny for providing us great accommodations and wonderful instructions during a world class cocking class. If you are looking for peace and quit, this is the place. The owner's are attentive but understand you are looking for space. The visit is so much more than a simple bed and breakfast. It is an experience in growing olives, grapes, herbs and organize vegetables. I cannot wait for a return trip. These folks have a perspicacious understanding of how to make others feel welcome!

Pamela and Johny, great hosts, have developed a wonderful property that provides a genuine Tuscan country experience. Their comfortably renovated farmhouse with all modern amenities, sits in an idyllic setting among olive trees, grape vines and horses. The property is located within easy driving distance of many scenic Tuscan villages. Pamela and Johny are generous with ideas for places to visit, places to eat and doable day trips (We did one to Florence by train, but Rome would be equally easy.) You will enjoy a great vacation here. We did!