Oliva di Collobiano
I have been taking walks up to the Valgiano farm for years to let myself be amazed by its development and continuous transformations. I am observing, not working, for working is the task of young people. The farm is young, too. You can tell by its appearance and by the optimism in the air. The house garden, located in the shade, with its white flowers, perfumed bushes and espalier lemon trees, is large and made lively by the comings and goings of adults, children, dogs, bicycles, guests, residents, conferences, tea parties, food & wine tastings and birthday parties. It is a spontaneous way to get together. And work is done with the same naturalness, topped with a dash of vivacious creativity. The farm holding is in perpetual motion: making wine, oil, honey, collecting eggs… in a merry-go-round of grapes, barrels, olives, bee hives, chickens and sows grazing in the woods down by the stream where I often go to see how they root about. In the course of time, the garden and the countryside have gained a special character. I mean that they are in continuance with each other: the vineyards, the garden, the warehouse, the grass lawns and the cliffs are designed with a practical and aesthetical sense, in tune with the landscape. I look with a critical eye at the growth of a group of cypresses. And each time, I end up thinking that they were planted in the right spot: their shadow does not disturb the crops and the dark shape typical of cypress trees captures the view of the gorge that furrows through the slopes of the Preappennino Lucchese mountains, where the northern winds blow carrying big clouds, snowfalls and storms. In this valley there are no ancient villages, no bell towers or electricity posts. You can divine the beginning of a path among the trees. It is a small forest that limits the northern landscape of the estate and protects the farm’s water springs. Sometimes my walk continues up the hill, but I have the impression of still being on the farm, which gradually turns from agriculture to woods. And all is completely natural.
