San Leo Cashmere: Grazing with the Shepherd
Walk the hill paths of Montefeltro alongside a working flock and discover the art of cashmere from fleece to finished garment.
This guided farm experience at San Leo Cashmere takes visitors through the full rhythm of a working cashmere goat farm, from the stable and the yarn laboratory to the wooded trails of Montefeltro. It is a hands-on introduction to a craft tradition that is both ancient and still very much alive in the hills of the Marche region.
The visit begins at the stable, where the shepherd introduces the herd and explains the life cycle of the goats and the seasonal production of the precious raw fleece, which is collected each May by hand-combing. Three Maremma-Abruzzo guardian dogs — Lea, Argo, and Nina — protect the flock, while the border collie Brando manages its movement. A short demonstration of sheepdog herding technique gives guests a rare view of this practical working partnership between shepherd and dog.
Inside the yarn laboratory, the guide walks visitors through each stage of cashmere processing: manual combing, cold-water washing with natural detergents, air drying, de-hairing, carding, and spinning into cone yarn. A selection of finished garments — scarves, gloves, hats, sweaters, stoles, and items for children — illustrates the range of products made on site, with bespoke commissions also available.
The experience closes with a snack in the farm garden, featuring local pecorino cheese, salami, San Leo bakery bread, seasonal fruit, water, and wine. For those who choose the extended option, approximately two hours of guided grazing along the paths and woodland trails of Montefeltro are included before or after the farm visit.
Tour Highlights
Meet three Maremma-Abruzzo guardian dogs and watch border collie Brando demonstrate professional flock management.
Learn how raw cashmere fleece is hand-combed, washed, dried, and carded into finished yarn at the on-site laboratory.
Walk the wooded hill paths of Montefeltro alongside the grazing flock for around two hours of gentle countryside immersion.
Browse a full range of handcrafted cashmere garments, including bespoke commissions made to order for individual guests.
Share a relaxed farm snack of local pecorino, salami, fresh bread, seasonal fruit, and wine in the garden.
Experience the landscape and pastoral culture of Montefeltro, one of the lesser-visited upland areas of central Italy.
Itinerary
The experience begins at the goat stable, where the shepherd explains the farm's activities, the annual life cycle of the herd, and the spring fleece harvest. Guests meet the guardian dogs Lea, Argo, and Nina and learn about their protective role within the flock.
Border collie Brando leads a short demonstration of flock management, guided by the shepherd. This practical display illustrates the training and instinct behind traditional herding work.
Inside the laboratory, the guide describes the stages of cashmere processing from raw combed fiber to finished yarn cone. Techniques covered include cold-water washing, air drying, de-hairing, and carding.
A curated display of cashmere products — neck warmers, gloves, hats, sweaters, stoles, and children's items — shows the range of work produced on the farm. Bespoke garment commissions are also explained.
Guests join the flock for approximately two hours of grazing along the woodland and hill paths of Montefeltro. This section is included in the extended experience option and offers a direct encounter with daily pastoral life.
The visit concludes in the garden with a snack of pecorino cheese, salami, San Leo bakery bread, seasonal fruit, water, and wine. This informal gathering gives guests time to relax and ask questions in a natural setting.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided stable visit and farm introduction
- Sheepdog herding demonstration with Brando
- Yarn laboratory tour with cashmere processing explanation
- Cashmere garment showcase
- Grazing walk on Montefeltro paths and woodland (approximately 2 hours)
- Farm snack with local pecorino, salami, bread, seasonal fruit, water, and wine
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Transport to and from the farm
- Any purchases from the cashmere product range
- Bespoke garment orders
Important Information
Reserve Your Place on the Farm
Spaces on this guided farm experience are limited. Secure your visit to San Leo Cashmere and step into the daily life of one of Montefeltro's working cashmere farms.
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