Michele and I met Alessia Antinori a few years ago when we visited La Fattoria di Fiorano, her winery near Rome.
Last week, she invited us to attend a charity event for children which she hosts every year at the estate.
The #Bio*SagraforKids is organized by the eleven members of Fiorano for Kids, a group of friends with a common passion for wine and with children between 0 and 12 years who have the desire to rediscover and promote a lifestyle in harmony with nature. Their purpose is to contribute to a common goal to help children less fortunate as follows:
“Upon the recommendation of the Director of the Department of Neurological Sciences Hospital Bambino Gesú in Rome, their objective will be to finance each year a researcher who will focus their research on the therapeutic role of some diets in the treatment of epilepsy in children. The fundraising is developed through the organization of meetings and events in the territory of Rome, for the involvement and awareness of the participation of the fundamental role of donations in the development of three research projects for many children with epilepsy.” www.fioranoforkids.it
The Bio*Sagra Sunday festival took place at the 100-hectare organic winery/farm La Fattoria di Fiorano just across from Rome’s Ciampino airport. 50 of Rome’s top restaurants and pastry shops were represented and served iconic foods including some of our favorites: Checchino 1887, Armando al Pantheon,Trimani Wine Bar, Enoteca Ferrara, Glass and Per Me. Fonzie The Burger’s House had the longest line!
A huge crowd showed up, many with toddlers who were very cute to see. The property boasts a large organic garden filled with seasonal vegetables and fruits and the children participated in workshops about gardening.
They visited the animals, played on bales of hay, enjoyed organized games, listened to 3 different groups playing music, ran around, ate and had a good time. Adults and kids alike enjoyed the variety of food supplied by the restaurateurs.
Michele and I were glad we got there early. Alessia has done a lot of landscaping and planting since our last visit and the property is very beautiful. The trees were laden with quince and the gardens were full of cabbages, artichokes, and many other vegetables.
We tried tastes of several foods from different restaurants. Rice balls with tomato and mozzarella from Supplizio, a veal tongue slider with greens, a sausage in tomato sauce hero from Bonci,
but the best was the zuppa di ceci from Checchino, which Michele swears she could eat every day.
Though the skies threatened rain, it did not stop the crowds from coming and having a great time. All of the day’s proceeds go to the Hospital Bambino Gesú in Rome.
Alessia Antinori said that her grandfather Alberico Boncompagni, the founder of the estate, was a forerunner of modern organic farming and it was her goal to keep up the tradition.
If you are visiting Rome and want to plan a day in the country, the estate welcomes visitors, especially families, every weekend. You can find out more information here at www.fattoriadifiorano.com
