A Taste of Tuscany
May 25th – June 2nd, 2012

Tour Cost

Tour Cost: $3595 CDN/person (based on double occupancy).

Inquiries/Reservations: info@winebytheglass.ca, call 902-488-9959

Includes

8 dinners with wine
4 lunches with wine
8 breakfasts
8 nights accommodation (7 nights in 4* villa, 1 night in agriturismo)
6 wine tastings
2 cooking classes

All ground transportation, guide fees, entrance fees as stated in itinerary, all meals including wine (limited), gratuities, all wine tasting fees and wine at the villa (based on 2 glasses per person/per meal).

Itinerary

Day 1 ~ Friday, May 25th

We’ll meet up at the international arrivals area of Florence airport. We will have a well deserved espresso before beginning our Italian adventure. We’re off to Fattorio Poggio Alloro, a family operated hotel located on an organic farm near San Gimignano. San Gimignano is a Unesco World Heritage site and a town full of towers. It resembles a medieval Manhattan. Today, you have the option to relax by the pool and enjoy wines or if you want a preview of San Gimignano you guides will drive you to the nearby town. After some time to explore or rest we’ll enjoy a feast at the farm. We’ll enjoy a dinner featuring the classic Bistecca a la Fiorentina. The dinner is made entirely from the farm’s own produce and accompanied by the farm’s own wine.

Day 2 ~ Saturday, May 26th

After a late breakfast we’ll make our way to San Gimignano for a guided tour of the town. You’ll then have some time to break away from the group explore the town on your own or do some shopping. In the early afternoon we’ll depart San Gimignano. Our next destination is Tenuta Caparzo and its Villa La Casa which will be our home in Montalcino for the next week. We’ll have a wine tasting at the winery before heading to Villa La Casa. Here we will enjoy the spectacular views this villa offers and a relaxing meal.

Day 3 ~ Sunday, May 27th

After a night of feasting you may want to sleep in or simply lounge about the villa. However, for those who are interested, it’s worth the short drive to the Abbey of Sant’Antimo, which is considered one of Italy’s finest examples of Romanesque architecture and where monks still perform Gregorian chants. You can attend the 11:00 am mass or simply wander about and enjoy the grounds and olive groves that surround the abbey. At noon we’ll stop at a nearby osteria for a simple lunch before heading back to the villa to relax and await the arrival of Teresa Galli, who will lead us in our first cooking class. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and work for your supper! We’ll enjoy a fine meal accompanied by wine before rolling into bed in anticipation of another day.

Day 4 ~ Monday, May 28th

What would a stay in wine country be without a day of wine tripping? On this day we’ll visit the large and modern, the small and traditional and some that have aspects of both. Wineries include Baricci, Poggio Antico and Banfi (an award-winning winery that blends modern techniques with respect for tradition). Lunch will be at a local favourite; Trattoria Il Leccio in nearby Sant’Angelo in Colle; a picturesque village only 15 minutes from Montalcino. After a day of wine tasting, your hosts will create a meal to pair with the wines selected on the day.

Day 5 ~ Tuesday, May 29th

We’ll leave in the morning for, Siena, a city of Etruscan origin and whose architectural and artistic glories are largely Gothic. One could spend the day wandering about the cobblestone streets, shopping and enjoying the sights from a café in the famous Piazza del Campo. You will have a guided tour of this impressive city including a visit to the Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo – you will be awe struck by its stunning interior. Following your tour of the town you’ll be on your own to explore Siena as you see fit. We recommend stopping for an espresso at Nannini, a popular Sienese café that specialized in traditional cakes and speedy service. The foodies in the group might want to pick up some truffle oil at the Consorzio Agrario. This evening we’ll wine and dine at the villa and rest up for tomorrow’s cooking class.

Day 6 ~ Wednesday, May 30th

We have an exciting day ahead of us, so you are welcome to sleep in or join the group for a leisurely visit of nearby Montalcino in the morning. We’ll have a simple lunch at the villa before heading to the heart of Chianti Classico to become a Chef for a Day at Badia a Passignano. This fourth century monastery where Galileo once taught mathematics is encircled by olive groves and vineyards today owned by the prestigious Antinori family. In the kitchen of this Michelin star restaurant we’ll learn how to execute classic Tuscan dishes under the tutelage of chef Matia Barciulli before dining on an amazing four course menu paired with wines selected by their master sommelier. This is a day to remember.

Day 7 ~ Thursday, May 31st

We’re up early this morning for a quick cappuccino and croissant at the “bar della stazione” before boarding a train to Florence. This city was the cradle of the Renaissance and home to over half of Italy’s artistic and architectural treasures. How you choose to spend your day in Firenze is up to you and the possibilities are endless – whether you feed your soul in churches or your belly at the Mercato Centrale, you’ll surely enjoy the experience. Visit the famous open air market in search of textiles, paper and leather goods. If your tastes veer to the best things in life, let the latest fashions tempt you (though the high price tags may deter you) along Via Tournabuoni, before making your way to the river Arno and crossing the jewellery shop laden Ponte Vecchio. This famous bridge was built in 1345 and was the only one of the bridges spanning the Arno to be saved from the destruction of German bombs in 1944. While you tour this impressive city, your guides will be selecting the wine and groceries for the evening’s dinner back at the villa. We’ll even have hors d’oeuvres and wine on train ride - an experience in itself.

Day 8 ~ Friday, June 1st

Today we’ll tour some of the prettiest villages and towns that make up Southern Tuscany. Our first stop is the spectacular hilltop town of Montepulciano, famous for its “Vino Nobile” made from Sangiovese known here as “Prugnollo Gentile”. We have a bit of an uphill climb into the town, but once you reach the top you’ll enjoy spectacular views and visiting its boutiques. We strongly recommend stopping at the Bottega del Rame for handmade copper wares. Just a few doors down from the coppersmith’s is a spectacular wine shop that is worth a visit. Next is Pienza – a quaint town with more great boutiques and home of Tuscany’s most famous cheese, Pecorino, made from unpasteurized ewes’ milk. We’ll have a light lunch at our favourite trattoria that makes incredible pici, classic homemade pasta similar to spaghetti. After some relaxation time by the pool, we’ll get dressed up for an evening at Boccon di Vino, Montalcino’s best restaurant with the most amazing views of the valley below. .

Day 9 ~ Saturday, June 2nd