Agriturismo Ferdy

Saturday in the mountains with Ferdy and his dog, foraging and cooking, was a real highlight. He explained his philosophy, how it all began, and his hopes for the future, including his efforts to keep the village from disappearing as people sell up and move to big cities. We stayed three nights, which felt just right. The setting is incredible, and although parking is across the river, it’s easy to find and only a short walk over the bridge. They offered to collect our luggage, but we didn’t need that. There’s plenty of space, so the place felt family-friendly without being overwhelming. Even with a small baby in the next room, we heard nothing because the rooms are so well soundproofed. We felt at home from the start. Cinzia’s email communication was great, and the family and staff were lovely. Our room had beautiful decor, excellent linen, strong air conditioning, a powerful warm shower, and outdoor seating where we could relax and enjoy the surroundings. We also spent time at the baita, walked around to see the animals, and got a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen. Dinner was delicious both nights, once à la carte and once as an eight-course tasting menu, with a clear focus on local seasonal produce. The sommelier suggested wines we wouldn’t usually try, and they were delightful and reasonably priced. Breakfast was another treat, with eggs, pastries, juice, yoghurt, fruit, and cereal, all nicely prepared and served. The shop also sells cheese, salami, wine, and their own cosmetics. We first saw Agriturismo Ferdy on an Apple TV series and booked right away for a birthday. We admired what the family is doing, and can’t wait to come back.

The cheese with dandelion syrup, the pasta, and dessert were my favorites. My family and I had the traditional tasting menu, and it was all delicious. The setting is lovely, with a working farm, a nice restaurant, and ponies and dogs wandering around. Service was quick and attentive. Yum!

We spent one night at Ferdy Wilde for a girls’ weekend, after a relaxing day at San Pellegrino Terme, about 15 minutes to the south. The mountain views, green pastures, farm animals, and fresh air made for a lovely stay. It really felt farm to table, and we’re looking forward to returning.

The grounds are well kept, the surroundings are beautiful, and there are lots of animals. But we came expecting fine food and a memorable experience from a Michelin-starred restaurant, and got neither. The prices are high, while the quality fell short, especially compared with nearby places serving fresh, seasonal homemade food. Even asking for a simple tea at the bar didn’t work. We were told it was “only for hotel guests,” which came across as needlessly snobbish and unwelcoming. Nice location, but the food, service, and atmosphere didn’t meet our expectations. I wouldn’t recommend it.