The territory around the Gulf of Poets is a foodie paradise: it is dotted with farms that produce quality products respecting century-old traditions, and in the most sustainable way possible. Local excellences are scattered around the areas of Portovenere, Lunigiana, Val di Vara, Framura-Bonassola and Cinque Terre. Let’s see some examples!
Portovenere
When visiting Portovenere, you cannot fail to notice the mussel and oyster farms in the waters in front of the medieval village and Palmaria Island. The 86 members of the Miticoltori Spezzini Cooperative maintain the native production of these unique delicacies according to traditions that have been handed down from father to son.
Lunigiana
Less than 1 hour drive away from Portovenere is the historical region of Lunigiana, nestled between Liguria and Tuscany. Local excellences that are produced here include extra virgin olive oil, jams and wines.
The Lucchi e Guastalli farm was the first in Liguria to boast the “Riviera Ligure” Protected Denomination of Origin for its olive oil. It was also the first oil mill in Liguria to not produce waste from its production cycle, thanks to its modern two-phase water-saving continuous system.
Ca’ Lvnae farm produces jams and preserves in a traditional way using high-quality fruit and according to the principle of seasonality. Each season sees a limited production of jams depending on what is available to be collected naturally: the fruit is used when perfectly ripe, without any dyes and preservatives.
Lunigiana is also home to some beautiful vineyards and traditional wineries, such as Pietra del Focolare. The winemaking roots of the family behind it date as far back as the 1800s, and its philosophy revolves around tradition, territory and passion.
Val di Vara
The Val di Vara is located in Liguria’s hinterland, 1 hour away from Portovenere. Among its products of excellence are cheese and honey made in the area known as Organic Valley (Biodistretto Val di Vara – La Valle del Biologico).
One of the local dairy cooperatives is called Cooperativa Casearia Val di Vara. Founded in 1978, it was the first in Liguria to obtain the organic certification for its milk and cheese. Its milk comes exclusively from the grazing lands of the Ligurian Apennines.
The “Erica Arborea Honey Food Community” was established in the Val di Vara with the aim of preserving and promoting this delicate niche manufacture, which offers a honey with interesting organoleptic characteristics. La Volpara farm is specialized in the cultivation of Erica Arborea to produce organic honeys.
Bonassola & Cinque Terre
On the western side of the Gulf of Poets, you will find another foodie paradise in the area of Framura-Bonassola.
Here, the Cà du Ferrà farm not only produces fine wines but is also committed to the restoration of ancient and rare wine grape varieties, such as Ruzzese, Rossese Bianco, Picabon and Albarola Kihlgren. These varieties were known in ancient times but were partly overlooked in recent history.
Close to Portovenere, the Cinque Terre villages are home to the so-called heroic winemaking, a name that pays homage to the backbreaking labor involved in cultivating and harvesting grapes on the steep hillsides since Roman times. Azienda Agricola Possa is one of the notable wineries that produces the Cinque Terre DOC as well as the Sciacchetrà, a prized specialty from Cinque Terre.
Foodie Hotel in Portovenere
Portovenere is a fantastic base for a culinary vacation between the Gulf of Poets and Cinque Terre. All the foodie destinations mentioned above are about 1 hour or less away from Portovenere. They can be easily reached for different day trips that allow you to visit vineyards and farms, and to taste their delicious products. The 5-star hotel of the area, Grand Hotel Portovenere, only works with the best farms and wineries to provide its guests with a variety of local, organic and gluten-free products for breakfast and when dining at Palmaria Restaurant. Porto Venere’s boutique hotel also offers the exclusive ‘Oyster Tour’ experience!
