Sommelier-led stroll ⋅ Italian lesson ⋅ Cooking lesson

 We come together in the quintessential Tuscan town of Montepulciano for a stroll with a local sommelier through the atmospheric medieval streets and visits to a few independent producers. 

 As the sun gets low, we gather for an informal Italian lesson and cooking lesson with a local artist-turned-chef who’ll share with us the secrets of cucina povera – “the kitchen of the poor”, classic peasant cooking. It’s the art of vegetable-forward Tuscan cuisine: super fresh, super seasonal, led by simple flavors and rigorous seasonality to show off the sun-soaked splendor of the region. We’ll top up our glasses and relish the essential taste of Tuscany as we cap off a fabulous first day.

Market visit ⋅ Brunello tasting ⋅ Val d’Orcia exploration

 We wake to a perfect Tuscan sunrise, golden over the vineyards and rolling hills below. Morning is one of the most beautiful times of day here. Breathe in deeply and you can smell the freshly baked bread and wholesome dishes that will power a day of discovery. 

 We depart by private transfer for a day of tasting, from a morning market visit and chat with artisanal producers of jams, sauces and conserves, to a vigorous discussion of heritage wheat. After a tasting with wine-making friends who share their secrets of Sangiovese, we’ll travel from Pienza through the glorious scenery of the Val d’Orcia to Montalcino to try its rich red Brunello.

 For dinner this evening choose your own adventure, from rustic trattorie to wine bars bursting with seasonal snacks to accompany that bold red, there is something for every taste.

San Gimignano visit⋅ Wine-paired lunch ⋅ Exclusive winery visit

 The morning is yours to sleep in or stroll the rolling hills before we take a private transfer to San Gimignano. Here, we meet a local guide to learn about the fairytale history of this scenic city and climb the honey-colored towers. 

 Lunch is a wine-paired affair: small-producer Chianti alongside delicious plates of cheese and meat and seasonal salads bursting with freshness. Afterwards, it’s time for an exclusive visit to the innovative winery of Antinori nel Chianti Classico for a journey of taste in stunning contemporary surrounds. Lean in and learn as we travel through six centuries of winemaking history, culminating in a tasting of four wines in the suspended tasting room. 

 Dinner this evening is an upscale affair as we share a spread of the best of Tuscan cuisine and celebrate the rich wine heritage of this exceptional region with bold new reds that taste like the future.

After a relaxed morning it’s time to say ciao for now. Until next time!