Tradition Paradise and the Encounter with Santo

Santo Cauteruccio…where to begin! This Culture Creator came to me in a rather unique way! It was the first time I hadn’t met the person but it was the product that led me to them. 

Attending an event, I came across these marmalades, traditional olives and other traditional products in beautifully presented jars. I decided to take a card and reach-out to the owner to see if they might be interested in being part of the project. 

Amici, I think it’s true that sometimes the bigger the challenge, the greater the reward. Santo and I crossed paths while I was in Australia. He welcomed the idea of collaborating and while I was away, my trusty collaborators went to meet with him, with of course the prospects of meeting in person when I returned. They called me after the meeting and said, it went well but he doesn’t want people to pay for the experiences. 

Santo is incredibly generous! Typically, when you go to visit, he will get you to try every product that piques your interest. Of course, the hope is that you might purchase a jar or two but as we know, when travelling it’s not always possible for various reasons, luggage allowance being number one. It took a little convincing but sometimes I see part of my role to instill value in these incredible people when perhaps…well, they’re a little too humble.

We’ve been far enough down the road by now to realise that each person provides a unique and interesting experience with a lot of love, passion and hard work behind the scenes. I think it’s so important that this is recognised, celebrated and rewarded. My argument was that myself as a traveller wouldn’t be uncomfortable if I came to try lots of products and in return, wouldn’t be able to buy some after the tasting. Plus, Santo’s products are so good, to not be able to enjoy them and have a tasting come si deve, it would have been a real shame! 

He eventually came around and when we met the lightbulb went off as he started brainstorming about additional products he wanted to pair with his marmalades, getting people to try this and that and then they have to try this one too! One of the most beautiful elements of Santo’s approach was the suggestion to collaborate with the local museum, a place where you truly feel like you are immersed in the history of the agricultural practices of the past. It’s incredible and full of surprises! I highly recommend: https://www.veraitalia.it/esperienza/storia-gusto/ 

On the other hand, the product tasting has been transformed into a visit that takes you into the laboratory and behind the scenes, then with the spectacular scenery of the mountains and historic centre, you’re invited to graze away and enjoy the products, knowing full well that Santo and the team of Paradiso dei Golosi are being appreciated and compensated for their efforts. It doesn’t stop here! 

Ladies and Gentlemen, when we did Santo’s video, I was completely and utterly amazed! He said one of the most beautiful things that truly captures the essence of Vera Italia.