Video: A Sabina olive mill
I recently came across a treasure trove of promotional videos for the Sabine Hills, made by Viaggio in Sabina. Some really well made, (and subtitled in English!) videos showcasing the region, its sights, festivals and food.
With the olive oil harvest just about finishing up here in the Sabina I thought it would be a good moment to show how a typical olive farm and press works. The Sabina has been famous since Roman times for its olive oil and this is still the main agricultural production here. Sabina oil was the first olive oil in Italy to receive DOP status – meaning the name Sabina Olive Oil is protected and the production regulated to very high standards.
The olives are grown on small family farms scattered over the rolling hills. In November and December people get together for the olive harvest and then take the olives straight to local pressing mills.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Sabina olive oil why not take an olive oil tour with local expert Johnny Madge.
Villa degli Armeni – villa rental near Rome
Grotta di San Michele on Mount Tancia
I recently came across a treasure trove of promotional videos for the Sabine Hills, made by Viaggio in Sabina. Some really well made, (and subtitled in English!) videos showcasing the region, its sights, festivals and food. I’m going to be featuring some of them over the following weeks, and I thought I’d start with a place very close to Villa degli Armeni, and close to my heart too! The Grotta di San Michele on Mount Tancia.
Once sacred to the Sabine goddess of forests and crops, Vacuna, it was rededicated in medieval times to Saint Michael. Surrounded by legend, it’s still an evocative an mysterious place to visit.
From Villa degli Armeni just head straight up the mountain. After a pleasant 10 minute drive through the forest you come to a tiny bridge: park up and head up the path to the left. Follow the signs and you’ll reach the Grotta in about 20 minutes.
Villa degli Armeni – private rental villa near Rome
Autumn is my favourite time in the Sabina: the misty mornings, the colours, the smell of woodsmoke! It’s also a great time of year for walking, exploring the woods surrounding the villa, discovering the many medieval villages of the Sabina and some of their local festivals.
We think Villa degli Armeni makes a great base for exploring the Sabine Hills and Lazio, it’s warm enough during the day to enjoy lunch and the view on our porch, and cool enough in the evening for a snuggle in front of the fire. And to make it even more special the wine (and the logs!) are on us:
Make it yours with our autumn offers:
- Weekend offer: 2 nights + all day Sunday €170
- Autumn Week: 7 nights €500
**** Free bottle of wine! ****
Get in touch and book your autumn weekend
