Flavors of Tuscany – A Culinary and Wine Journey

Montestigliano, Italy

May 15-25, 2012

If you dream of Italy – and who doesn’t – be prepared to fall in love with Italy on this tour. Come with us to the Tuscan countryside to learn traditional recipes, explore the famous wine road, and mingle with local artisans. Learn how Italians prepare their food so that it is more than just a meal; it is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

Montestigliano is in the heart of Chianti wine country, so the tour will include visits to two wineries – Dievole and Verrazzano. The Verrazzano winery produces an excellent Vin Santo and the best balsamic vinegar we have ever tasted. You will take day trips to Montepulciano, Montalcino, Pienza, Siena, Lucca, Greve, and Florence. There will be an olive oil tasting and it is possible to adopt an olive tree right at Montestigliano. One night we will have delicious pizzas prepared in an antique wood stove and on our final night, we will gather for a grand Tuscan dinner prepared by the chef of Montestigliano and served on the Grand Piazza!

You will be staying at a working farm with completely renovated houses. Montestigliano is in the Tuscan hills just south of Siena. The estate is composed of a group of 18th century houses and farm buildings which have been carefully restored to retain the original features common to Tuscan architecture, such as exposed beam ceilings, whitewashed walls and terra-cotta tile floors. The villa you will be staying in was the principal house on the estate and was built in the 18th century.

With its generous proportions and fine architectural features, the house still gives a feeling of nobility as it is furnished with many beautiful pieces of antique furniture and decorations. There is a large entrance hall, dining room, living room, and a kitchen with a large open fireplace. The backdoor opens into a large garden filled with fruit trees and glorious views of the Tuscan hillside. There are 7 bedrooms with 4 bathrooms (2 of the bedrooms have sinks in the rooms). The immediate surroundings of the 2400 acre estate provide a glorious setting for walking, hiking and mountain biking. There are 2 beautiful swimming pools for your use as well.