Harvest Retreat Recap: A Week of Connection, Culture, and the Olive Harvest in Umbria
The Beginning of a New Tradition
Early November marked something special at Poggio Belvedere — our first-ever Olive Harvest Retreat, a week that brought together food, landscape, and friendship in celebration of Umbria’s most meaningful season.
Each year, as the air cools and the light softens, the region slows down for harvest. Families head into the groves to gather fruit, local kitchens come alive with new oil, and visitors get to see a side of Italy rarely experienced.
This retreat was our way of sharing that world — and it became so much more than we imagined.
“We booked the Olive Harvest Retreat and, simply put, it was one of our favorite vacations of all time.
We love Umbria and through this retreat, we were warmly welcomed into the local farming and harvest community. Poggio Belvedere itself is breathtakingly beautiful but what made the experience unique were all of the amazing people we met and connected with — all of whom respect the land, their craft and the ancient and modern traditions of growing food for fantastic meals.
We learned how to harvest olives, participated in the harvest (including a magical picnic in the grove with the harvesting team), watched our olives turned into liquid gold at a local olive mill, sampled incredible wine with the owners of a local vineyard, cooked under the instruction of a Michelin chef, and had perhaps our favorite meal and countless laughs with the delightful owners of Poggio Belvedere.
By the end of five days, we left with our bodies and souls fed and refreshed by this beautiful experience. We will be back next harvest, if not sooner.”
Day One — Arrival and Welcome
As the sun set over the valley, guests arrived to find their kitchens stocked with local breakfast essentials — fresh bread, yogurt, fruit, local delicacies, and coffee. After settling in, everyone gathered for an aperitivo hosted by Ludovico, followed by a quiet in-room dinner prepared by our friends at La Carneria Spina.
It was the perfect introduction to the week ahead: simple, local, and genuine.
Day Two — The First Harvest & Cooking with a Michelin Chef
Morning light poured across the hills as we began our first olive harvest, working alongside local professionals to experience the rhythm of the groves — the scent of the branches, the sound of olives dropping into the nets, and the quiet satisfaction of work shared.
After a homemade lunch at the villa and a restful afternoon, guests gathered for a hands-on cooking class with a Michelin-trained chef, turning local ingredients into an elegant multi-course dinner paired with Umbrian wines.
Day Three — Ceramics, Olive Oil & Cashmere
Tuesday began in Deruta, where guests toured Antica Fornace Deruta — one of Umbria’s most historic ceramic workshops — before enjoying coffee and time to explore the town’s artisan shops.
From there, we visited I Potti dei Fratini for an olive oil tour and tasting followed by a light lunch, before ending the afternoon with a private visit to a luxury cashmere factory in Ripabianca.
That evening, guests dined at Pochini Paola’s Tavern — our beloved local spot where warmth, laughter, and red wine flow easily.
Day Four — The Heart of the Harvest
Midweek took us deeper into Umbrian life. Guests began with a visit to Cantina Cenci, an organic winery, for a guided tasting among the vines before joining our harvest team for a picnic lunch in the olive grove.
After lunch came more harvesting — the simple, joyful rhythm of gathering olives side by side — followed by a visit to Centumbrie, one of Umbria’s most respected mills, for another tasting (and a few cocktails).
That evening ended on a high note: a pizza class and dinner with our friend Marco, Poggio Belvedere’s own pizzaiolo, who brought his wood-fired craft to life.
Day Five — Truffles, Wine, and the Umbrian Table
Thursday began with a truffle hunt through oak forests guided by the brothers of Seven Restaurant Café, followed by a long, relaxed truffle-infused lunch.
That evening, we gathered once more for a farewell dinner at Le Cerquelle, one of our favourite countryside restaurants, where we toasted to new friendships, laughter, and the promise of next year’s harvest.
Day Six — Arrivederci, Until Next Time
Friday was unhurried — a morning to rest, pack, and soak in one last view of the Umbrian hills before goodbyes.
It was the close of a week that reminded us all what Vero stands for: real experiences, authentic connections, and the quiet joy of living in the moment.
Looking Ahead — Harvest Retreat 2026
The response to our first retreat has been overwhelming, and our 2026 Olive Harvest Retreat already has a growing waitlist.
Official dates will be released mid November, with €150 off per person for early bookings.
Spaces are limited, and as our guests will tell you — this is an experience that stays with you long after you leave.
About Vero
Founded by Kaila and Ludovico Terraneo, Vero is about real Italy — connecting travellers to Umbria through slow travel, meaningful experiences, and warm hospitality.
Learn more about our upcoming retreats and bespoke travel experiences at veroinitaly.com/retreats.
