Back To Wine Country--Orvieto and Piensa

A Brief Stop in Orvieto and A Cute Agriturismo Farmhouse

Orvieto Duomo

We visited Orvieto three years ago with Sean, and we just can’t pass it up on the autostrada.  It has its own exit, so it is easy to drive to.  As we are driving up the hill, we notice a new parking structure that has enclosed escalators within the cliffs —a nice touch and so much easier.  This town is very quaint and picturesque.  We find the wall that surrounds the town and then ask each other—which way now.  If Sean was here, he would know!  We eventually find the Duomo which is worth the visit in itself.  The façade is like no other.  Steve makes friends with a german shepherd while I shop for Orvieto Classico wine.  I hesitate not staying here; however, there are new adventures awaiting us.  Off to the autostrada.



Farmhouse at Agri. Torrenieri



Farmhouse Terrrace

We exit the autostrada and head towards the hilltown of Montelpulciano.  There are a lot of hotels at the exit (just for future info), however, we’re in search of an agriturismo in the hill country.  As we pass Montepulciano, I notice that it's very touristy, unlike Orvieto.  We decide not to stop and walk through this hilltown.  We continue towards Piensa and just past this town, known for its Pecorino cheese, we venture off onto a white road with several agriturismo signs.  We stop at one, at the same time as other American adventurers, but the owners are not present.  At our next stop, Agriturismo Torrenieri, we find Michella and her sister.  We decide to stay in the small, three room farmhouse that’s adjacent to the main house.  Michella rents out both properties, and lives in Piensa.  This seems to be the norm at some agri’s.  This small house has a large bedroom with a high, wood-beamed ceiling, a cute kitchen with a fireplace and a large bathroom (70 euros).   Michella gives us a basket with fresh eggs (from her chickens), breakfast pastries, and coffee for the espresso machine.  The espresso coffee maker really becomes an important feature. 

Our Kitchen w/Espresso Machine

 
Once settled into our “playhouse”, we get brushetta, pizza and pasta at a Pizzeria in Piensa.  The pizza is so thin that Steve literally cuts it with the scissors that the waiter gave him to use.  Back at our house, we sleep really well—no noise (unlike a hotel) and pitch black.  Just have to watch out for the Bugs!