odemagazine.com: We all know Italy is a great place to visit for sunshine, romance and wine. But who could have guessed you can learn sustainable farming, and dine on great organic food, while indulging in many other pleasures?

Well it’s true, thanks to the burgeoning agriturismo movement. Small farmers have established charming bed-and-breakfast inns that let you soak in the beauty of the Italian countryside at the same time as you experience an authentic taste of farm life. For our group, the adventure began near the walled city of Ostuni in the Puglia region of Italy. We stayed La Masseria Il Frantoio, a fortified farmhouse built in the 17th century to protect residents from pirates who sailed in the nearby Adriatic Sea. A husband and wife team, Armando Balestrazzi and Rosalba Ciannamea, have transformed the farm into a stunning B&B with eight guest rooms. [ read more ]