Tenuta Monte Laura

As frequent travelers to Italy we have stayed in all types of lodging in many regions. The experience at Tenuta Monte Laura in Forino, Avellino, Campania was one of the best. Lello and Flavia along with their son and daughter are gracious hosts. The beauty of the property dotted with wonderful specimens of pine and fir with accents of exotic palm is luscious and regal. Great chestnut groves surround the property. The photos on the website are not manipulated, what you see is what you get. The majestic building has spacious, clean and comfortable rooms that provide a perfect base for exploring the riches of this land. Alone this would be a reason to stay here.

Then you add the food and wine. Lello  is a  certified member of the Italian Sommelier Association and Flavia is a recognized member of the Federation of Italian Cooks. Both are advocates of the Slow Food organization that originated in Italy. Lello arranged for us to visit Cantina del Barone a small family owned winery that specializes in Fiano di Avellino the local varietal recognized as DOCG, then a private tasting and a walk in the vineyard with the sons of the family, perfetto.

The evening meals are fixed menu reflecting the countryside. What is available or in season is what appears on the plate. We were given a choice of eating family style with the other guests and family or at a single table, we chose family style.

Our first evening meal was cured meat, cheese, pasta (all homemade) and thinly sliced grilled pork with salad. Local wine, great food, good conversation, Italy personified. Everything was simple, clean and absolutely delicious.

Just when we thought it could not get better, dinner #2. We had spent some time talking about food and Flavia went out of her way to prepare some dishes that were typical but probably reserved for special occasions, and to Americans not usual. Antipasti we named, pasta figole alla Forino, homemade pasta with black beans and pork. Pasta with rabbit broth and tomato. Braised rabbit with an egg and cheese mixture stuffed under the skin and braised with tomatoes. I cannot describe how good this is. Sheep liver wrapped in casings and roasted and braised with a little tomato. These dishes are in the dreams of food lovers. A great experience on all levels, la vita vera Italiana (the real Italian life).