Season’s Greetings from Umbria

These days you can find Ludo and I amidst the rolling hills of Italy: tasting our way through the region and befriending the local farmers.

At the end of September we packed up our life in Sydney and headed for greener pastures. Life was pretty great in the Southern Hemisphere, but we felt called to the region of Umbria in a way we couldn’t ignore. As hearty indulgers in life around the dinner table, we knew it was our duty to promote the region that we now call home.

Pictured above: Foggy views over Assisi, Umbria

There is a soulfulness about Umbria that will take you by surprise; A distinct wildness hard to find in the neighbouring region of Tuscany. Umbria is filled with captivating depths that will astound you and a familiar warmth no matter the season. Infinite rolling hills, cypress-filled vistas, and deeply regional dishes that date back before Roman times, when the Etruscans ruled these parts.

Referred to as the ‘Green Heart of Italy’, Umbria is the only region without a coastline or a border with another country. My father-in-law, Livio, often describes the region as the ‘Italy [he] knew as a boy; authentic and relatively undiscovered’. Visit the endless medieval villages and you will feel as though you have found the best kept secret in all of Italy. Peaceful cobblestoned streets, ethereal views ‘above the clouds’, and superb indigenous wine varietals that ignite the senses. These are some of the qualities that make Umbria feel so timeless…

and all of this can be found in just a 1.5 hour drive from Rome (south) and Florence (north-west).

Pictured above: Kaila amidst her olives

It was only one month into our new chapter and the time had come to harvest our centuries-old olive trees. We didn’t know where to start, but with the help of our neighbours we jumped right in. Umbria boasts some of the best olive oil in the world. Our surrounding area is immersed in olive groves and vineyards; untouched by pesticides for the entirety of their long lives.

The wines of Umbria are incredibly diverse. Starting with ‘the classics’ made true to style - all the way to the booming natural wine scene. Umbria was one of the very first regions in Italy to have pioneered the natural wine movement years ago, but more on that later. The majority of Umbrian reds labelled ‘Rosso’ are made using a blend of grapes, but will consist mostly of Sangiovese. Ask your local wine shop if they stock any Umbria ‘Rosso’s. These wines are approachable, great value, and fantastically food-friendly.

Ludo and I are thrilled to share our ‘intentional travel project’ with you. All will soon be revealed, but here’s a sneak peek: Food & Wine Experiences, curated boxes delivered to your door, the unveiling of our ‘Luxury Rentals’ brand…and so much more to come.

We wish you a safe and cozy Holiday Season xx

With lots of Love and Holiday Cheer, Kaila & Ludovico