Today’s adventure took us to Azienda Agricola Barlotti, a family-run water buffalo farm just outside the ancient ruins of Paestum. With the Cilento mountains in the background and olive groves all around, this was one of those slow, meaningful experiences that blends nature, tradition, and incredibly good food.

The Barlotti family has been farming in this region for generations, but it was in the early 1900s that they began raising Mediterranean water buffalo and perfecting the art of mozzarella di bufala. Over time, they’ve become one of the most respected producers in Campania, known for their commitment to sustainable farming and humane animal care.

We were lucky enough to get a behind-the-scenes look at the entire operation — from the nursery, where young buffalo calves peeked curiously at us through the rails, to the adult herd, who seemed perfectly content under the shelter of their barn, munching on hay and enjoying the warm breeze.

It’s one thing to see how mozzarella is made, but it’s another to meet the animals who make it possible — and to see firsthand how much care goes into every step. These buffalo are not just livestock here — they’re central to the farm’s identity, and it shows.

After the self-guided tour, we sat down to what might’ve been the best lunch of our trip. We started with fresh mozzarella di bufala, still warm from production — smooth, silky, and subtly briny. It paired perfectly with thin slices of local prosciutto crudo. Then came homemade ravioli, filled with fresh ricotta and herbs — simple, soulful food that tastes like home, even if you’re thousands of miles away.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get better, dessert arrived: buffalo milk hazelnut gelato. Yes, hazelnut. And yes, made with buffalo milk. It was rich, nutty, and velvety — like the most luxurious gianduja in frozen form. We both considered asking for seconds… for research purposes, of course.

Visiting Barlotti wasn’t just a food experience — it was a deeper connection to the land, the animals, and the people who carry on these traditions. If you ever find yourself in Paestum, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a place where time slows down, the food tells a story, and you leave feeling just a little more Italian than you did when you arrived.