Agritourism has steadily increased in popularity in recent years. It provides tourists with a unique opportunity to experience what it is like to live on a working farm, while simultaneously enabling farmers to diversify their income streams.
Agritourism is a fusion between agriculture and tourism. Commercial enterprises host visitors on their ranches, farms, or other agricultural business while providing guests with an off-the-grid escape from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives.
In this article, we look at five amazing farm stays around the world.
1. Agriturismo Forest, Iseo, Italy
Nestled on the hillside beside Lake Iseo, one of Italy’s larger northern lakes, Agriturismo Forest delights visitors with three-course meals prepared using fresh, seasonal produce. Meals are accompanied by the local wine, Franciacorta, which is made just down the road.
Providing modest lodging on a working farm, Agriturismo Forest’s rooms feature balconies with stunning scenic views of the Torbiere Nature Reserve. Wine, honey, oils, and jams are produced on-site and are all available for purchase.
The terrace boasts impressive views of the lake, as well as the nearby wetland reserve. It is the ultimate venue to enjoy a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the lake. The venue makes an excellent base for exploring Lake Iseo, with several walking trails starting nearby and bikes available free of charge.
2. Willow-Witt Ranch, Oregon, United States
Situated just outside of Ashland, Oregon in foothills of the Cascade Mountains, Willow-Witt Ranch provides guests a taste of life living off-the-grid, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.
Guests are invited to participate in all aspects of farm life, from tending the garden and gathering eggs to bottle-feeding baby goats. This 445-acre farm offers stunning views across the magical valley, boasting a restored forest and wetlands as well as a farm and ranch.
The property features a range of accommodation, from walk-in tents in the forest to lavishly finished wall tents incorporating a private deck, as well as farmhouse studios and spacious rooms in Meadow House. Committed to conservation, restoration, sustainable agriculture, and alternative agriculture, owners Suzanne Willow and Lanita Witt share their experience and knowledge with visitors.
In addition to welcoming overnight guests, Willow-Witt Ranch farm also hosts farm tours, barn days, dining and wine tasting experiences, goat hiking, and birding sessions with local guides.
3. Fu Wan Leisure Farm, Tainan, Taiwan
Incorporating around 200 ‘leisure farms’ across 31 designated rural areas, Taiwan shows vast potential in the agritourism sector. Taiwan’s fertile soil supports a variety of different agriculture, with sugar cane, tea, citrus fruit, pineapples, and asparagus generating significant export revenues.
Situated half an hour east of the historic city of Tainan, surrounded by temples, fortresses, and carefully manicured gardens, Fu Wan Leisure Farm is the perfect antidote to the urban rush of downtown Tainan.
Located on the southwest coast of the country, this venue boasts all of the creature comforts of a five-star hotel, including a pool and fine-dining restaurant serving delicious seafood dishes prepared by an award-winning chef. Chalets feature crisp, white bed linen and a huge wooden bathtub, with several larger villas available for hire in a quieter area on the other side of the farm.
4. Damali B&B, British Columbia, Canada
Located in Cowichan Valley in the heart of wine country on Vancouver Island, this French style farmhouse was originally a ship farm. Today, this vast estate incorporates acre upon acre of lavender fields, the farm growing more than 25 different varieties. Also incorporating a winery, the venue is renowned for its lavender-infused wines and lavender maze.
Committed to sustainable practices, Damali’s giftshop presents a bounty of culinary delights and natural products, presenting artisan items all made from produce grown on the farm. From May to October, Damali sells its lavender plants, with picking available from July to August.
The Damali vineyard was planted in 2006, with its first wines released in spring 2011. Varietals include Siegerrebe, Castel, Cabernet Libre, and Pinot Noir. In the orchards, Damali produces a selection of soft fruit for specialty wines, including raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, and rhubarb.
5. Farm Hotel Efstidalur, Golden Circle, Iceland
Located near the renowned Gulfoss waterway an hour’s drive from Reykjavik, Farm Hotel Efstidalur integrates luxury accommodation with a fully working farm. Owned by the same family since 1850, the farm breeds cows and Icelandic horses, providing the latter for hire, either for unaccompanied rides or guided treks.
Farm Hotel Efstidalur’s friendly owners are always happy to show guests around, offering tours of the dairy, which produces fresh ice cream, delicious cheeses, and a traditional Icelandic yoghurt called skyr.
Located a short car ride from Gulfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most famous natural attractions, Farm Hotel Efstidaluris ideally located for visitors seeking to explore the Golden Circle. Popular local attractions include the nearby hot springs, Strokkur Geysir, Slakki Petting Zoo and Family Park, and the geothermal Fontana Baths at Lake Laugarvatn.
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