A romantic getaway to the lake that becomes a food and wine discovery of the area
Italians have always preferred the sea or the mountains for holidays, not considering lakes as a destination for excursions.
In Piedmont there is a small pearl, which many envy us, Lake Orta. A little over an hour's drive from Milan and Turin, a favorite destination more for foreign tourists (French and Swiss in the lead) than for our own. Here, the Swiss and Germans have purchased many of the beautiful villas that we see on the shores of the lake, second homes overlooking one of the most romantic bodies of water in the world, with the island of San Giulio in the center.
Pella
If Orta San Giulio is the most famous and well-known town, the most lively is Pella with its village, which offers moments of true tranquility: the birdsong at dawn, the view of the sailboats sailing peacefully on the most peaceful shore and silent of the lake, the one to the west.
In Pella we find a small hotel that is a real favor, awarded in 2019 by Condé Nast Johansens as Best WaterSide Hotel 2020, Fantini house: only 11 rooms, a mix of period and high tech objects, a luxuriant garden and a swimming pool with waterfall make Fantini house the perfect destination for a stay of relaxation, well-being and haute cuisine.
The resident chef Paolo Bullone, originally from Vercelli, was born into a family of farmers: both the grandmother and the great-grandmother raised farmyard animals and managed the garden. The chef grew up with the idea of raw material, care and quality in each product. The naturalness that marked his cooking, something that he didn't have to learn, but that is in his DNA.
He is a very curious person, he loves to go in search of excellence, he always tastes a product before proposing it, he loves comparison with colleagues. For this reason, during the restaurant's closing periods, he travels in search of ever new techniques and dishes and new stimuli.
Technique, knowledge of the raw material and deep study of tradition are the secrets of Paolo Bullone.
Although he prefers to think of the kitchen – and restaurant – of Casa Fantini as an exclusive cocoon corner, where guests must first of all feel at ease, like at home. Very often the menus and dishes are created following the needs of customers, satisfying their tastes. A tailor made service in all respects. This also happens for the 7-course tasting menu. You can have lunch or dinner à la carte, in the large lounge located on the ground floor of the structure, or by the pool or next to the garden.
On the Casa Fantini website are listed the offers and some special stay packages, adaptable to your needs.
The excursions
Visit to the Island of San Giulio and the basilica, which contains frescoes and works of art from different eras. Do not miss the ancient Romanesque ambo (pulpit for the proclamation of the Gospel, XII century) one of the few, all over the world, to have remained intact; for this reason it is the subject of research for many scholars who arrive on the island from all over the globe.
A walk along the whole island it will allow you to admire the shores of the lake from a different angle.
During the year, the island is inhabited by the Sisters of the Convent of San Giulio Island and by two people residing here. In the summer months it is populated by tourists and the owners of the villas.
In one of the villas on the island of San Giulio, in 2016, they shot the film "The correspondence" by Giuseppe Tornatore, with Jeremy Irons among the protagonists.
The monastic products of the Germagno Monastery (VB), construction located on the slopes of Mount Massone and which protrudes like a natural balcony on Lake Orta. Here they produce honey, jams, jams and some spirits, all handmade by the monks.
The monks have recovered and reclaimed ancient terraces, where they grow brushwood and fruit.
To contact the Monastery: Monastero@monasterogermagno.it
Wines
Boca D.o.c
It is the most northeastern and highest wine-growing area in Piedmont (420-520 m).
It is located in the province of Novara, between Valsesia and Lake Orta.
To discover this rare wine and its terroir, book a visit to the cellar with tasting.
Among the producers: Silvia Barbaglia, Cantine del Castello and Le Piane, which offer excellent products in the area, Boca Doc but not only.
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