Fashion-lovers often find themselves interested in a vacation in Tuscany as Italy is a well-known fashion hot spot with lots of stylish locals to admire, and Tuscany, in particular, boasts endless fashion museums to visit, incredible flagship stores and other wonderful boutiques in which to shop, and a long tradition in making astounding leather goods and jewellery, in particular. The region is also home to lots of little local sartorial gems from smaller fashion museums in various towns, to shopping outlets carrying brands like Prada, to artisans who have been working out of traditional workshops for generations, to more niche fashion specialities that can all be uncovered while staying in one of our Tuscany villas. One of these specialities is Chianti Cashmere.
While, of course, Chianti is best known for its wines and culinary heritage, as well as its lush and beautiful landscape, it is also home to one of the finest cashmere producers in the entire world. Chianti Cashmere is a sustainable, small producer making incredible objects that is a true must for the most discerning shoppers and fashion-lovers who are interested in a luxury villa in Chianti and a holiday enjoying the finer things in life from exquisite garments to unbelievable wines.
Founded by Nora Krais of Long Island, in New York, the Chianti Cashmere Goat Farm, is located to the north-east of the town of Radda in Chianti and is a gorgeous farm where you can come meet the goats and buy incredible cashmere pieces. A lovely old stone farmhouse located in a scenic part of the Chianti landscape, the farm is home to some cute goats and some busy fluffy Abruzzo shepherd dogs who guard the herd and keep any wolves at bay. Visitors, particularly children, can enjoy the activity of holding, petting, and feeding the kid goats, meeting the puppies, and taking in the beauty of this part of the world.
Then, the fashion-lovers can shop the cashmere pieces and this incredible material itself. Not only does it come in lovely natural shades of cream, brown, and grey but it also takes colour well and can be found in a whole host of gorgeous tones. Coming from the fine and fluffy undercoat of the cashmere goat, it is ten times lighter and yet warmer than regular wool. Those who enjoy knitting or crocheting themselves will be able to buy some of this remarkable yarn to turn into stunning pieces themselves or shop some items that are handmade in Tuscany including scarves, hats, gloves, mittens, socks, shawls, baby blankets, throws, and more. Better still for some of the craftier travellers, some of the impossibly skilled makers even offer spinning, weaving, knitting, and embroidery classes through the farm for those who want to learn new skills themselves.
A small selection of the extraordinary cashmere pieces that can be found at the farm are available on their website for purchase but for the best range of pieces and yarns to choose from, a visit to the farm shop is a must, particularly if you are on holiday in Chianti. In fact, it ideally slots into a day out in the area! Just arrange a visit to the farm, meet the goats and pups, shop for your cashmere bits, enjoy a delicious farm lunch on site, and then finish the day off perfectly with a wine-tasting session in a nearby winery – sounds pretty dreamy to us! Just keep in mind that you must contact them in advance, ahead of your visit, by emailing the farm at info@chianticashmere.com to book your place and allow access.
There are also various specific themed experience packages that are offered, depending on your interests, and can be booked by those intending on visiting Chianti Cashmere during their stay in a villa in Chianti. Among these there is the classic guided visit, which includes an introduction to cashmere goats and an explanation of the entire cashmere production process. Then there is the much more comprehensive, “Shepherd for a Day,” experience, which supplies guests with all of the gear they will need to join the farm for a day, allows them to explore the farm with members of staff and see how everything works, teaches visitors all about the goats, brings you on a guided visit a nearby winery and into their cellars, sees everyone sit down to enjoy a lunch, brings you to meet the goats and dogs, and then ends with a stop off at the shop. This option is the fullest, with the day beginning around 10am and lasting until around 3-4pm. For foodies, there is the lunch experience that offers a briefer tour of the farm and then a nice slow and leisurely lunch of local products and wines. In addition to these more regular offerings, there is usually a selection of various classes and courses that are offered by local artisans at different times throughout the year. For the most up-to-date information about these, it is best to check out the website and see if there are any upcoming classes scheduled and if they line up with the time of your vacation in Chianti.
So, if you love beautiful things and fashion and you are considering a villa with pool in Chianti, then be sure to plan a visit to the remarkable Chianti Cashmere as you explore this stunning part of Tuscany.
Chianti Cashmere
Azienda Agricola La Penisola
La Penisola
53017
Radda in Chianti
0577 738080
