Earlier this week, something special unfolded in the heart of Italy. Under the inspiring theme “Demeter: The World as Home,” Demeter Italia hosted a press tour and series of conferences designed to shine a light on the next chapter in biodynamic agriculture—a chapter deeply rooted in sustainability, community, and the transformative power of agritourism.
🌱 From Soil to Soul: What Is Demeter Agritourism?
Agritourism is about so much more than a vacation in the countryside. It’s a conscious experience. It’s waking up on a working farm, walking through vineyards where biodiversity is thriving, tasting vegetables grown from healthy, living soil, and talking to the stewards of the land who treat farming as a regenerative and spiritual practice.
With the launch of a brand-new Demeter Agritourism initiative—complete with an interactive map and dedicated web portal—travelers will now be able to plan immersive visits to Demeter-certified farms across Italy. From the peaks of the Alps to the sun-soaked southern vineyards, guests can engage with the land through farm stays, biodynamic dining, and local experiences that reconnect us to nature and to each other.
🍷 Press Conferences in Rome and Milan: A Journey of Regeneration
The press tour began on July 15 in Rome, where the first conference was held at the Foreign Press Association. Here, Demeter presented its vision for the future of Italian biodynamic farming—not just as a leader in exports, but as a source of authentic regional experiences. The focus was on quality, provenance, and the transformative potential of taste-driven tourism.
Speakers like Enrico Amico (President of Demeter Italia), Giovanni Buccheri (Executive Director), and farmer-producers like Anna Federici (Boccea Farm) and Marco Marocco (Palazzo Tronconi) gave voice to the tangible efforts being made to invite travelers to “live” biodynamic agriculture, not just read about it.
The journey continued on July 17th in Milan, where the second press conference focused on youth engagement and education through WWOOFing (Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms). Holly Martin from the International Biodynamic Federation of Demeter presented unique and inspiring initiatives, examples showcasing the passion and innovation that younger farmers are bringing into viticulture and agriculture, as well as educational Demeter-led training camps around the world. With moving testimonies from volunteers and students, this event emphasized the power of hands-on learning and cultural exchange. Marco Paravicini (Vice President of Demeter Italia), Danila Mongardi (“Al di là del Fiume” farm), and a student from the Central European University shared how farming can be a gateway to understanding systems thinking, shared ownership, and responsible stewardship in the hope of lowering barriers for newcomers and better understanding towards Biodynamic Viticulture.
👩🌾 A Model for the Future: Holistic, Inclusive, Evolving
Demeter-certified agriculture is more than a label—it’s a movement. With roots going back to 1927, Demeter has always stood for closed-cycle, resource-respectful farming, where everything—animals, vines, vegetables, and people—is interconnected. The model supports circular farming, regenerative viticulture, and a philosophy of “doing less harm and more good.”
Perhaps most importantly, Demeter is now actively cultivating the next generation of farmers and ambassadors. Globally, there’s been a 57% increase in new certifications in the past decade. Through programs like WWOOF, international training, and research collaborations, Demeter is removing barriers for young people eager to enter agriculture in a meaningful way. The message is clear: this is your movement, too.
🍇 Why This Matters for Wine and Food Lovers
Let’s be real—Italy is already a dream destination for wine and food lovers. But Demeter is opening the door to a richer, more intentional way to explore the country. Imagine sipping biodynamic wine in a vineyard where you just helped harvest grapes, then sharing dinner with the winemaker and learning how the soil you stood on contributes to the character in your glass.
This is wine tourism that feeds your curiosity, your conscience, and your sense of connection.
Agrotourism is all about connecting people to the land through food, farming, and the stories of the people behind it all. It’s sustainable, it’s educational, and honestly, it’s just good for the soul. This press tour reminded us that tourism, when rooted in care, can be a powerful ally in creating a better future for the planet if the ideology doesn’t go so far as to forget basic hospitality or the end consumers’ perspective completely.
Thank you, Demeter Italy, for the opportunity to learn, explore, and taste our way through such a meaningful journey. Vineyards like Palazzo Tronconi in Arce and Al di là del Fiume in Marzobotto are paving the way. Still, you can find more biodynamic adventure at 👉 agriturismi.demeter.it
Stay curious, stay grounded—and maybe start packing your bags.
#DemeterItalia #Agrotourism #BiodynamicFarming #FarmToTable #RegenerativeAgriculture #WineTourism #SustainableTravel