PODERE IL CASALE COOKBOOK
"Podere Il Casale. Stories of Family, Food, and Tuscan Countryside" was born from the desire to tell the story of a special place and the people who bring it to life every day.
A Brief History of Podere Il Casale
Founded over thirty years ago by Sandra and Ulisse among the gentle hills of the Val d’Orcia (Pienza), Podere Il Casale is much more than a farm: it is a life project in harmony with nature, born from a dream of self-sufficiency and environmental respect.
Sandra and Ulisse raised their five children in what can only be described as a paradise for any child. They were free to roam through fields and vineyards, embarking on new adventures every day—and that’s how Domingo and his siblings developed their deep love for nature. The authors wanted to share Sandra and Ulisse’s philosophy and the many challenges they faced in starting a new life, especially as farmers in a foreign country.
The children witnessed their parents’ dream come to life: to build a farm in the Tuscan countryside that would become not only an agricultural business, but also a different way of living—more in tune with nature.
A Transformation Over the Years
Over time, many people have been drawn to the farm and contributed to shaping it into what it is today: an organic farm, a cheese dairy, an organic vegetable garden, an educational truffle grove, a farm-to-table restaurant, and a learning center.
Those who came could sense a spark of utopia in the project, and more often than not, it was the breathtaking view from the hilltop where Podere Il Casale sits—overlooking the Val d’Orcia—that sealed the deal. It’s impossible not to fall in love with the Casale, its philosophy, its people, its food, and the land itself.
It’s a place that defies the rules of modern capitalism—and does so with a good deal of charm.
Who Are the Authors of the Book?
The authors, Robin and Claudia, now part of the Casale family, share in this book not only honest, seasonal recipes, but also personal stories, meaningful encounters, and the choices that led them to fall in love with this place and contribute to its growth.
From the kitchen of the farm-to-table restaurant to the creation of the animal sanctuary, and the birth of little Stella—the first daughter of Michael and Claudia.
Each page reflects the energy and beauty of a community that believes in the values of land, family, and sharing.
This book is at once a story, a journal, and a collection of flavors—created to inspire those who dream of a more authentic, grounded, and sustainable life.
Hardcover edition, 325 pages filled with stories, anecdotes, and recipes from Podere Il Casale. The book is written in English.
Available for purchase at our e-shop: Cookbook Podere Il Casale
