Mulino Val d'Orcia, located in the heart of the picturesque Val d'Orcia in Pienza, is more than just a mill: it's a place where traditional agriculture meets a passion for high-quality food production. Managed by farmers who lovingly oversee the entire production cycle, Mulino Val d'Orcia offers four unique experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the world of ancient grains and artisanal production.
1. Guided Tour of the Production Facility with Lunch
Located just 2 km from Monticchiello, the new production facility offers a breathtaking view of Pienza and the surrounding cereal fields. The tour begins with an introduction to Ancient Grains and continues with the discovery of the production stages: from the cleaning process called winnowing to the stone milling of cereals. The tour concludes in the pasta factory, where ancient grain pasta is produced and bronze-drawn. The experience culminates with a delicious farm-to-table lunch at the restaurant of Castello di Spedaletto, about 6 km away. The tasting menu includes ancient grain crostoni, a plate of Mulino pasta, desserts made with local flours, water, a glass of house wine, and coffee.
2. Guided Tour of the Castle Mill with Lunch
The fresh pasta workshop at Castello di Spedaletto, an ancient medieval granary, offers a fascinating overview of the transformation of ancient grains into pasta. During the visit, participants can witness stone milling and bronze drawing, discovering the world of cereals and pasta from a unique perspective. The visit ends with a lunch at the restaurant adjacent to the mill, where the tasting menu includes ancient grain crostoni, Mulino pasta, desserts made with local flours, water, a glass of house wine, and coffee.
3. Cooking Class with Guided Tour of the Castle Mill with Lunch
This experience combines a guided tour of the castle mill with a hands-on cooking class. After a welcome aperitif with ancient grain beer and focaccia, participants will explore the mill and observe the stone milling and bronze drawing of grains. With freshly milled stone flour, the group will move to the restaurant kitchen for a class on preparing pici with garlic sauce, bread soup, and traditional cantucci. The day concludes with a four-course lunch, the result of the cooking class, accompanied by water, wine, and coffee.
4. Guided Tours of the Production Facility for Groups
Designed for groups, this tour provides an in-depth look at the cereal production cycle, starting from the winnowing to the production of ancient grain pasta in the pasta factory. During the tour, participants can observe stone milling and learn about different types of flour. This visit is a unique opportunity for groups of friends, school classes, or companies to discover the fascinating world of artisanal production in a breathtaking setting.
Final Thoughts
Mulino Val d'Orcia is not just a production site, but a complete experience that invites visitors to immerse themselves in the agricultural and gastronomic culture of the Val d'Orcia. The four offered experiences allow discovering the secrets of ancient grains and enjoying the authentic flavors of this land, making each visit an unforgettable journey into the heart of Tuscan tradition.
