Living in Harmony
The earth is a living library.
The Italian Renaissance, which lasted from the 14th to 17th centuries, is known as a time of intellectual transformation that shifted the focus from “divine” to “human.” Now, in the 21st century, we are entering an era where, in order to survive on our planet, we must transform our present focus on "human” towards one that integrates human and nature. Doing so requires a prioritization of the local economy—with a particular restructuring of our food systems. At Villa Meleto, we aim to play a role in this reinvention. We abide by a farm-to-table philosophy that not only nourishes the body with nutrients from the earth, but nourishes the soul with connection to the local community.
Villa Meleto is surrounded by 400 acres of land rich in olives, grapes, lavender, sunflowers, and truffles. We treasure our land, and we take care of it. Our farm, which is called Donna Gilda in remembrance of Carmencita’s grandmother, is run by local hands who tend to the livestock and plants. Our food and wine products are provincially sourced and made.
The restoration of Villa Meleto involves the spirit, the art, and the knowledge of the local community.
“Knowledge is like the ripples created in a lake by a stone thrown into its midst. They begin at a center and extend to the periphery, but they reach it more and more languidly the further they move from it. A book can radiate some light everywhere, but it will do little to dispel the darkness of error, especially in the countryside if it is not supported by practical example, by the effective applications of what it teaches. However, agricultural schools, model farms, and agricultural institutes do greater good they combine experience and practice with precept and theory..”
-Cosimo Ridolfi, Saggio di agrologia, 1865, pg. 12
