The Vines of the Abbey in Chianti™

Immerse between sweet Tuscan hills and centuries-old vineyards at the villa estate.  The noble property was built by scholarly monks in 1051 with a deep passion for nature.  They planted vast monastery gardens, grapevines and olive trees following the footsteps Romans and Etruscans of the 3^rd Century.  Here traditions unfold naturally honoring tranquility deeply rooted in the land.    

Tuscany

Tuscany is a landscape of green cypresses winding along golden hills, sprawling vineyards, and silvery olive groves, where cooking is an art and every ingredient reflects the history of the land.

Through time, Tuscany has been a center of culture, commerce, and creativity—from the ancient Etruscans to the powerful Medici family.  Discover Chianti’s wine, Pecorino cheese, and organic olive oil.  Tuscany is a land cultivated by the Romans and Etruscans who were pioneers of agriculture.

Chianti

Chianti is nestled between Florence and Siena, a region as celebrated for its beauty as for its bold red Chianti wine.  This is the heart of Tuscany, where rows of vineyards ripple across the hills, stone farmhouses bask in the sun, and cuisine is made with tradition.

The landscape is timeless. Medieval castles and quiet hilltop villages overlook olive groves and vineyards that have flourished here for centuries. As evening approaches, the air cools and carries the scent of lavender and rosemary, while the sky shimmers with the promise of a long, memorable dinner.

Life in Chianti unfolds slowly. Food and wine are meant to be savored, shared, and enjoyed together—whether you are sipping a glass beneath a vine-covered pergola or preparing fresh pasta in a rustic villa kitchen.

Gaiole in Chianti

Gaiole in Chianti is a charming Tuscan village where cobblestone streets are lined with artisan shops, a trattoria or two with wine shops. Once part of the historic Lega del Chianti, the village has long been connected to the region’s renowned winemaking traditions, producing the iconic Chianti Classico DOCG from the very soil that surrounds it.  Vintners here have been producing wine and olive oil for generations.

Throughout the year, Gaiole celebrates several food and wine festivals carrying on traditions while uniting the artisans, locals and visitors. Whether you are tasting Chianti Classico among the vines or preparing rustic recipes passed down through generations, Gaiole offers a true taste of Tuscany’s culinary heritage.

Tuscan Cuisine

Tuscan cuisine is defined by simplicity, seasonality, and the flavors of the land – sun-ripened tomatoes, fragrant herbs – rosemary, thyme and basil, and artisan bread fresh from the wood-burning oven.  Learn how to prepare ribollita, a Tuscan soup made with bread, kale, and cannellini beans and seasonal vegetables of any kind.  Learn how to make pici all’aglione, hand-made pasta and rich garlic tomato sauce.  Fire up a bistecca alla Fiorentina, the thick cut steak from the Chianina cattle breed in Tuscany.  Learn how to bake Tuscan cantucci dipped in Vin Santo, the blessed wine and  schiacciata all’uva, a sweet focaccia with a grape must.

Tuscan Cooking Classes

Tie on your apron with Chef X and step into the heart of Tuscan culinary tradition where hands-on cooking classes bring culture to life.  From antipasto to handmade pasta, main courses and desserts, learn how to prepare a Tuscan menu paired with wine.  Seasonal ingredients guide the menu, allowing you to learn not only the techniques but also the history of the recipes.  Everyone enjoys the food prepared in the cooking class to follow with wine included.

Together you will cook, taste, laugh, and share local wines before gathering around the table to enjoy the meal you have created. In Tuscany, every dish carries a memory—and every class becomes part of the experience.

Tuscan Accommodations

Check in to your historic villa estate, a centuries-old abbey set among the hills of Tuscany. Walk beneath ancient stone archways and vaulted ceilings, tuck in to a quiet night and wake to the gentle rustle of cypress trees and a morning light peeking through shuttered windows.

Each spacious guest room is furnished with style combing Tuscan charm with modern comfort.  Modern beds dressed in Italian linens ensure restful nights, while private ensuite bathrooms include plush cotton towels and thoughtfully selected toiletries.  Rooms are spacious and decorated with luxury furniture in a neutral palette with big windows inviting natural light and views overlooking the gardens and vineyard. Modern amenities such as climate control, complimentary Wi-Fi, and in-room coffee and tea complete the experience.  The property’s pool is tucked quietly into the landscape.  Discover the trails, bike, trek or add on a guided hike.

Each morning begins with a generous Tuscan breakfast featuring artisan breads, local cheeses and meats, farm-fresh eggs, yogurt, and traditional cakes, served alongside tea, cappuccino, and espresso made from Tuscan-roasted beans.

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Itinerary – 7 Days, 6 Nights

Day 1 – Arrival and Check In 

• Pick up and transfer from San Giovianni or Montevarchi Train Station. Florence Train or Airport Pick Transfers available upon request. Pricing varies per your group size.
• Check in and relax. Enjoy your Cooking Vacations Welcome Bag with Prosecco
• In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tuscan Welcome Dinner at the property’s restaurant, including a Chef’s full course tasting menu with wine pairing.

Day 2 – Cooking Class 1

• Breakfast is served.
• 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 – Cooking Class, Tour of the Abbey & Tuscan Wine Tasting

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, tie on your aprons for cooking class 2. 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.
• In the afternoon enjoy a guided tour of the abbey and historic wine cellars. Following, enjoy a tasting of five organic wines with homemade schiacciata.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your Chef’s Tasting Dinner including a full course Tuscan menu with wine included.

Day 4 – Full Day Trip to Siena

• Breakfast is served
• Following breakfast, embark on a full-day excursion to Siena with driver and English-speaking guide with a Food Lovers’ Tour. Discover this beautiful medieval city – home to the Paleo – and endless artisan food shops, leather makers, wine shops, art galleries, and the church of Saint Catherine. Visit one of the oldest bakeries during your tour with food tastings included along the way.
• After your tour, stop for lunch on your own with suggestions provided.
• Return to the property and enjoy some free time where you can relax by the pool or stroll along the property’s beautiful Italian garden.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your Chef’s Tasting Dinner including a full course Tuscan menu with wine included.

Day 5 – Cooking Class 3 and Discover Gaiole

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, tie on your aprons for cooking class 3. 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.
• Following the cooking class, embark on a self-guided walking tour of Gaiole and visit local vendors and shops.
• Later in the evening, enjoy your Chef’s Tasting Dinner including a full course Tuscan menu with wine included.

Day 6 – Yoga and Spa & Farewell Chef’s Dinner

• Breakfast is served.
• Following breakfast, enjoy a restorative and relaxing yoga class provided by a professional.
• In the afternoon, relax the mind and body with full body massage with a spa professional.
• In the evening, enjoy a Farewell Dinner including a Chef’s full course tasting menu and wine pairing.

Day 7 – Check Out and Departure

• Breakfast is served.
• Check out and departure with transfers to the San Giovianni or Montevarchi Train Station. Florence Train or Airport Transfers available upon request. Pricing varies per your group size.
• Arrivederci!