Brunello & Beyond™

Join us in Tuscany for an unforgettable hands-on Cooking Vacation immersed in authentic food and wine! Tie on your aprons alongside Chefs Virginia and Massimo and learn to prepare Tuscan recipes while discovering Brunello di Montalcino DOCG and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.  Travel along cypress-lined country roads through the Val d’Orcia, a landscape so beautiful it’s earned UNESCO World Heritage status, and Pienza before returning to our luxury Tuscan villa surrounded by vineyards, lavender, and olive groves. 

Hands-On Tuscan Cooking Classes

Embark on your culinary journey in the heart of Tuscany, where tradition and flavor come alive in the kitchen with Chefs Virginia and Massimo. Tie on your apron and learn to prepare classic Tuscan fare using farm-to-table ingredients from the local farmers.  You’ll learn the secrets behind recipes passed down for generations while transforming seasonal vegetables, fruits and produce into dreamy Tuscan cuisine.  Each class walks you through a full Tuscan menu including antipasto, handmade pasta with sauce, a main course, and dessert with wine or soft drinks included.

In our pasta-making workshop, you’ll learn the art of handmade Tuscan pasta, from delicate tagliolini to ricotta-and-herb ravioli.  Learn how to prepare crostini, toasted bread with garlic, roasted vegetables or sun-dried tomatoes.  Discover the art of stuffing plump zucchini flowers with fresh ricotta and red peppers with a secret recipe bread filling. No Tuscan table is complete without pasta, and you’ll master the region’s Tuscan pastas such as pici all’aglione – a thick, hand-rolled farro pasta served in a creamy tomato sauce made with aglione, the giant garlic grown in the Val di Chiana.  Master the recipe for pappardelle al cinghiale – wide ribbon pasta tossed with rich wild boar ragù or tagliatelle with truffles.

Main courses wow with pollo alla cacciatora, hunter’s chicken, slow cooked in fresh tomatoes; peposo, a rustic beef stew built on black pepper and Noble red Montepulciano wine, and ribollita, a hearty, centuries-old vegetable and bean stew made with day-old bread making it a classic cucina povera, peasant recipe.

Mix and bake cantucci – twice-baked almond biscotti with roasted almonds which are later dipped in Vin Santo, translating to blessed wine.  Another dessert classic is torta di mele – an open-face Tuscan apple pie garnished with creamy vanilla gelato.  Discover the secrets to making semifreddo – translating to half-cold gelato, whose ingredients include peach and mint, raspberry or chestnut as the seasons change.

Tuscan Wine Tour – Brunello di Montalcino DOCG & Vino Nobile di Montepulciano

This wine and cooking immersion program brings you into the heart of Tuscany’s wine region and up close to small producers of precious Brunello di Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano while dining on genuine full course menus made with locally sourced farm-to-table ingredients.  You’ll travel along winding roads that bring you to small, artisan producers producing the best wine of the region.  They’ll lead you through vineyards and share their knowledge of biodynamic and organic farming, then lead you to the cantina to further show you the process of aging and bottling.

During your visit to Montalcino you will learn about Brunello di Montalcino DOCG made exclusively with Sangiovese grapes grown in the sun-drenched vineyards surrounding Montalcino. Deep, elegant, and beautifully structured, Brunello is known for its notes of ripe cherry, wild berries, leather, tobacco, and spice, with a long finish that makes it one of Italy’s most celebrated and age-worthy wines. The regions’ unique soil and altitude are part of its secret recipe.

While visiting Montepulciano, discover a village steeped in history and art, nestled within the timeless agricultural landscape of the Sienese countryside. Surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, vineyards, and forests of pine and chestnut, it is an ideal place to relax, reconnect with nature, and experience the beauty of Tuscany.

Discover Tuscany:  Montepulciano, Montalcino, & Pienza

Tuscany has been the cradle of art, food, and banking since the first Etruscans to the Medici family. Join us as we travel through UNESCO hill towns in the heart of southern Tuscany

Montepulciano, Jewel of the Renaissance

Set high on a Tuscan hill in the province of Siena, Montepulciano overlooks the breathtaking Val d’Orcia, surrounded by endless vineyards, silvery-green olive groves, and tall cypress trees. From the town’s panoramic viewpoints, the countryside stretches as far as the eye can see, creating a picture-perfect landscape painted in every shade of green. Stroll along ancient cobblestone streets and discover Montepulciano, known as the Jewel of the Renaissance. Noble palaces, historic churches, artisan workshops, traditional enotecas, and inviting trattorias line the way. Browse small boutiques filled with handmade Italian linens and leather goods, taste artisan cheeses and salumi, or pause for a cappuccino, gelato, or glass of local wine while soaking up the rhythm of Tuscan village life.

Be sure to look up and discover the Torre di Pulcinella, the town’s whimsical clock tower topped by Pulcinella, the beloved masked character of the Italian commedia dell’arte. Standing high above the street, he strikes the bell as if keeping watch over the village below.

At the heart of Montepulciano is the magnificent Piazza Grande, framed by the Palazzo Comunale, Palazzo Tarugi, and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta. Visit the Museo Civico di Montepulciano, home to archaeological treasures, Renaissance paintings, and beautiful glazed terracotta works connected to the Della Robbia tradition. Historic churches, including Santa Lucia and Santa Maria delle Grazie, reveal even more of the town’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage. Just outside the ancient city walls stands the Tempio di San Biagio, an iconic 16th-century Renaissance church set among rolling green fields and cypress trees. Its graceful architecture and peaceful countryside setting make it one of Montepulciano’s most unforgettable landmarks.

Famous for Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, genuine farm-to-table cuisine, Renaissance art, and centuries of history, Montepulciano welcomes every guest with its generous Tuscan spirit. Sip and swirl, taste local specialties, meet passionate artisans, and discover the food, wine, culture, and beauty that make this hilltop town so special.

Things to Do in Montepulciano

• Tour the Underground Wine Cellars: Step beneath Montepulciano’s historic streets and explore a fascinating labyrinth of ancient Etruscan tunnels and centuries-old wine cellars. Learn about the traditions behind Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, then enjoy a cellar tour and tasting at one of the town’s celebrated estates.
• Marvel at San Biagio: Stroll beyond the city walls to visit the Sanctuary of the Madonna di San Biagio, an exquisite Renaissance church surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards, and the timeless beauty of the Tuscan countryside.
• Visit the Medici Fortress: Make your way to the highest point of Montepulciano and discover the historic Fortezza, dating back to 1261. Wander through its lovely gardens, browse the wine shop, and take in sweeping views over the valley.
• Explore Piazza Grande: Discover the heart of Montepulciano in its magnificent main square, framed by Renaissance palaces, the cathedral, and the stately Palazzo Comunale. Pause to admire the architecture and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful Tuscan hill town.
• Climb the Palazzo Comunale Tower: For an unforgettable view, climb the historic town hall tower and gaze across Montepulciano’s terracotta rooftops, rolling vineyards, and the surrounding countryside.
• Watch the Sunset Over the Vineyards: As the afternoon fades, pause at the scenic overlook near the Orfanotrofio Antoniano and watch the Tuscan sun set over the vineyards, rooftops, and distant hills.

Sip Coffee at Caffè Poliziano: Step inside Montepulciano’s landmark café, welcoming guests since 1868. Order an espresso, enjoy a delicate pastry, or linger over an aperitivo while admiring the caffé’s elegant atmosphere and beautiful valley views

Montalcino, Home Brunello di Montalcino DOCG

The drive to Montalcino takes you through fields of infinite vineyards lined with green cypresses and rolling hills blanketed with endless sunflowers mesmerize the eyes.  The stretch of winding road through San Quirico d’Orcia includes Madonna di Vitaleta, the chapel of Mary’s apparition, and Podere di Poggio Manzuoli, the majestic Tuscan farmhouse featured in Gladiator starring Russell Crowe.  Rising 564 meters above sea level, the small medieval town of Montalcino, known for its prestigious Brunello di Montalcino, crowns the hill.

In the small medieval wine town is the 14th-century Fortezza di Montalcino. The imposing Fortezza di Montalcino was built by the Sienese beginning in 1361 and later became an important stronghold during Siena’s resistance to Medici rule.  Today, you can climb to the top for a 360-degree view of this glorious landscape or visit its wine emporium well-stocked with thousands of bottles where you can enjoy tastings and lunch.

The main street is Via Mazzini is lined with rows of fine artisan shops selling handmade linens and leather bags and shoes, Tuscan salumi, Pecorino cheese and panforte, a spiced Sienese cake made with almonds and orange candied fruit.  Sit in the piazza and enjoy a Brunello and authentic Tuscan lunch.  Visit the Piazza del Popolo, the town’s main square and the medieval Palazzo dei Priori, with its historic clock tower for a full circle walk around town

Pienza, The Renaissance Town Designed by Pope Pius II

Set in the heart of the Val d’Orcia and overlooking an endless patchwork of green fields, Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its beauty and Renaissance architecture. Originally known as Corsignano, the town was transformed in the 15th century by Pope Pius II, who was born here and envisioned his birthplace as an ideal Renaissance city. He commissioned the architect Bernardo Rossellino to redesign the historic center according to the humanist principles of balance, harmony, proportion, and beauty.

Stroll through its narrow, pedestrian-only lanes, including the romantically named Via dell’Amore, or Street of Love, and Via del Bacio, or Street of the Kiss.  Along the way, browse wine shops and wine bars, art galleries, and artisan boutiques selling handcrafted leather goods and fine linens. Local food shops invite visitors to sample regional specialties, especially Pienza’s celebrated Pecorino cheese and salumi.

Walk through Piazza Pio II, a trapezoidal heart of the city, Palazzo Piccolomini, the three-story Renaissance palace and roof garden offering panoramic views of the Val d’Orcia, and Duomo of Santa Maria Assunta and bell tower – and delve into the ancient past of this charming town.

Things to Do in Pienza

• Taste Pecorino Cheese: Pienza is celebrated for its delicious pecorino cheese. Visit the artisan cheese shops along Corso il Rossellino and sample local varieties aged with grape leaves, peppercorns, truffles, herbs, and other traditional Tuscan flavors.
• Explore Piazza Pio II: Stroll through Pienza’s graceful Renaissance square, the heart of Pope Pius II’s ideal town. Admire the beautifully preserved Duomo of Pienza and its distinctive octagonal bell tower while enjoying a creamy gelato.
• Visit Palazzo Piccolomini: Tour the former summer residence of Pope Pius II and discover its elegant rooms, outdoor loggia, and elevated Renaissance hanging gardens. From the terraces, take in stunning, unobstructed views across the rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia.
• Stroll Along the City Walls: Follow the winding bastions of the old village and pause at the panoramic overlooks for sweeping, cinematic views of the Tuscan countryside. These walkways offer some of the most beautiful vistas over the Val d’Orcia.
• Enjoy the Flavors of Pienza: Take time to browse the town’s inviting food shops, where local specialties include fresh pasta, cured meats, olive oil, honey, wine, and handmade Tuscan products. It is the perfect place to gather delicious souvenirs from the Val d’Orcia.
• Walk the Romantic Streets and Alleys: Wander along the charming lanes that branch off Corso il Rossellino, including flower-filled passageways, hidden corners, and picturesque stone alleys that offer wonderful photography opportunities.
• Visit the Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta: Along the road to Pienza, stop at this enchanting chapel set where the aspiration of Mary occurred, among cypress trees and rolling fields. From the surrounding countryside, admire one of Tuscany’s most iconic landscapes, with the villa featured in Gladiator visible in the distance.

 

Tuscan Accommodations  

Villa In The Vineyard

Check into the Tuscan villa nestled in the vineyard and framed by rows of lavender, a chef’s herb garden and green fields of vineyards that touch the horizen.  You’re welcomed by Signor Mimo, wine sommelier, and his professional staff who will pamper your every whim.  The luxury villa resonates a quiet peaceful vibe touched by the gifts of Mother Nature.  Step into spacious room resonating elegance and charm.  Each room has a unique design, some with spacious lofts furnished with modern and comfortable bedding dressed in Italian linens.  Private ensuite baths stocked with organic toiletries made on the property from olive oil and wine, spacious rooms furnished with Tuscan-style furniture and a palate of soft neutrals from cream to pistachio green and mutated violet, along with cool terracotta floors.  Large windows welcome bright light and offer sweeping views overlooking the vineyard.  Amenities include an infinity swimming pool, jacuzzi and spa with Turkish bath and sauna along with air conditioning in all fo the rooms.  Treat yourself to any one of the relaxing massage treatments and facials with the professional on site.

Breakfast is served daily and includes, homemade Tuscan cakes, cornetti, breakfast pastry, fresh jams, honey, marmalade, Prosciutto, salami, artisan cheeses, farm-fresh eggs, fresh fruit, veggie juices, cappuccino, expresso, and tea. The property advocates biodynamic organic farming and produces their own extra virgin olive oil and sparkling white, white, red and red reserve on the vineyard property.  An onsite cantina and tasting room along with dining in the glass-covered terrazzo or by the swimming pool in the garden.

Property Photos

Itinerary – 7 Days, 6 Nights

Day 1: Benvenuti in Tuscany.  Welcome Dinner with a full course Chef’s Menu & Wine Tasting

• Check-in and enjoy a glass of Tuscan Wine!
• After you unpack, join our sommelier in the cantina for an in-depth wine tour following by a tasting of sparkling white, white, rose, red and red reserve.
• In the evening, enjoy your Welcome Dinner with Chef’s Tasting Menu featuring Classic Tuscan fare and the property’s wine.

Day 2 – Montepulciano Landmark Tour & Tuscan Wine Tasting Lunch

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, meet your driver and English-speaking guide and set out on a private landmark tour of Montepulciano. Discover this beautiful Medieval and Renaissance hill town as your guide introduces its centuries-old history, noble palazzi, picturesque piazzas and sweeping views over the vineyards of the Val d’Orcia. Stroll along ancient cobblestone streets and visit the town’s most important landmarks, historic buildings and artisan quarters.
• During your landmark tour, meet a noble Tuscan winemaker whose family is among the oldest wine-producing families in Montepulciano, with roots dating back to the eleventh century—well before the Renaissance. Discover the story of generations of vintners who came to be regarded as the founding fathers of the region’s noble winemaking tradition, known as the putative fathers. Their exceptional wines, once reserved for the tables of aristocracy, earned acclaim as early as the 19th century. Learn how winemaking here remains a true family affair, with each generation sharing responsibility for the vineyards, cellar and continuation of centuries-old traditions. The vineyards are cultivated with native grape varieties, carefully trained along the vines and tended with deep respect for the surrounding environment. Grapes are harvested by hand, reflecting the care, patience and craftsmanship that define winemaking in this corner of Tuscany.
• Following your landmark tour, enjoy a Tuscan Wine Tasting Lunch featuring traditional Tuscan fare prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared with farm-to-table ingredients. Sip and swirl a selection of celebrated Tuscan wine while learning about the history, terrain and winemaking traditions of the region.
• After lunch, enjoy free time to explore Montepulciano. Visit artisan food shops, Italian linen and leather boutiques, galleries and charming caffés, or stop for a gelato while soaking up the local culture.
• Following lunch, return to the property with your driver and relax.
• Upon your return, relax by the swimming pool, or enjoy a glass of wine or light dinner at the property.
• Following breakfast, tie on your aprons for cooking class 1. Learn how to prepare a full course menu under the guide of your chef featuring farm-to-table ingredients. Following the class, everyone enjoys the foods that were prepared in class with a toast of local red or white wine.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your Chef’s Tasting Dinner including a full course Tuscan menu with wine included.

Day 3 – Pienza: The Renaissance Jewel of Tuscany

• Breakfast is served.
• Meet our English-speaking guide and driver for a full-day excursion through the breathtaking Val d’Orcia, one of Tuscany’s most celebrated landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your first stop is the charming hill town of Pienza, renowned for its Renaissance architecture, artisan shops brimming with leather, linen and jewelry, and world-famous Pecorino cheese. Stroll its picturesque streets or pause at panoramic viewpoint for an endless view of the Val dÓrcia.
• Following your time in Pienza, enjoy a full course Tuscan lunch at a charming trattoria set in Val dÓrcia. Stroll the gardens and see the ancient castle. Savor an authentic farm-to-table lunch prepared with organic ingredients and artisan pasta produced on the estate, accompanied by the wine maker’s Tuscan white and red wine. Surrounded by centuries of history and sweeping rural views, this Tuscan lunch celebrates the flavors, traditions and timeless beauty of Tuscany.
• Following your Tuscan lunch, continue into the heart of the Val d’Orcia with our English-speaking guide and driver for a visit to a traditional artisan cheese maker. Learn about the centuries-old craft of producing authentic Pecorino while enjoying a guided tasting of locally made cheese.
• Following your excursion, return to your villa property with your guide and driver.
• Later in the evening, enjoy dinner on your own with recommendations provided

Day 4 – Vineyards of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG & Music and Wine Tasting 

• Breakfast is served
• Following breakfast, meet your private driver for a scenic journey through the rolling hills and vineyards of Montalcino.
• Arrive at a distinguished winery for a private tour of the vineyards and historic cellars. Discover generations of winemaking tradition and the meticulous methods behind one of Tuscany’s most celebrated Brunello wines.
• Enjoy a guided tasting of selected estate wines, together with a specially chosen library vintage aged for more than ten years, subject to vintage availability. The experience is complemented by an elegant Tuscan platter featuring artisan salumi, prosciutto, and Pecorino cheese.
• Following your wine tasting, continue to the enchanting village of Montalcino, where you may explore the medieval fortress, browse artisan boutiques and visit the historic wine shop within its ancient walls.
• Lunch is on your own, allowing you to select a charming trattoria in Montalcino village. Recommendations are provided.
• After lunch, meet your driver and continue to an organic Tuscan winery nestled among rolling vineyards. Enjoy this special experience of classical Music & Wine in the vineyard – walking through vineyard, cantina and wine making cellar where you’ll discover and learn about generations of winemaking tradition and organic wines.  This wine maker’s philosophy proves that classical music enhances the grapes’ production.  Then, taste a selection of award-winning organic wine and extra virgin olive oil – Tuscany’s most treasured culinary staples.
• Return to the property in the late afternoon and relax.
• Later in the evening, enjoy dinner on your own with recommendations provided.

Day 5 – Cooking Class – Cooking Tuscan & Spa Experience

• Breakfast is served.
• Tie on your apron and head into the kitchen for a hands-on Tuscan cooking class led by our chefs Massimo and Virginia. Learn to prepare a traditional full course menu using fresh seasonal ingredients and classic regional techniques.
• Following the cooking class, everyone enjoys the food that was prepared in the cooking class with wine included.
• After the cooking class, return to the villa property.
• In the later afternoon, indulge in a relaxing spa experience featuring restorative treatments with a professional licensed professional. Unwind in a serene setting and enjoy time to refresh and recharge.
• Later in the evening, enjoy dinner on your own with recommendations provided.

Day 6 – Wine Tour Tasting Lunch – Vino Nobile   

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, meet your driver for a Wine Tour Tasting Lunch at a prestigious Montepulciano countryside winemaker. Tour the vineyards, then the wine room where you will learn about the region’s unique terroir and the craftsmanship behind this wine maker’s sparkling white, white, rose, red and reserve wine.
• Enjoy a guided tasting of the winery’s signature selections with full course Tuscan lunch included while taking in sweeping views of the Tuscan landscape.
• Following lunch, meet your driver and continue to an authentic artisan extra virgin olive oil maker. Discover the long history of ancient Tuscan olive trees and the fruits that they product which makes the deep green first cold pressed extra virgin olive oil.
• Taste a series of different extra virgin olive oils as you learn about cultivation, the harvest and bottling process.
• Following your extra virgin olive oil tasting with a selection of varieties, return to the property.
• Dinner is on your own with recommendations provided.

Day 7 – Check Out and Departure

• Breakfast is served.
• Enjoy one last morning in Tuscany before checking out of your accommodations.
• Departure transfer to the airport or train station.
• Arrivederci!We hope you leave Tuscany with unforgettable memories, wonderful new friendships, and a lasting appreciation for its extraordinary wines, cuisine, and timeless beauty.