Delve into the heart of Tuscan cooking, food & wine and culture in this special event in spectacular Cortona, Italy. Join Patrick for a week of genuine Tuscan cooking based on generations of family and cultural traditions!! This is not a superficial week, it is intended to educate and give the participant a genuine experieince!!
Cortona, the "City of Art" provides a wonderfully relaxed setting to learn about a variety of aspects of Italian life, culture and history. And there is no better way than through an encounter with the foods & wines of Tuscany as related and taught by native Tuscans themselves. Hands-on cooking classes include sessions conducted by chefs, wine experts and cooks in and near Cortona!
We will visit wineries and sample the famous Brunello wine of Montalcino and Nobile wine of Montepulciano along with the wonderful pecorino cheeses of Pienza. We will also go directly to the local maker of Ricotta chesse to watch the process and sample fresh ricotta. Olive oil, a staple in the Tuscan kitchen, will also be part of our itinerary with a visit to a local mill to learn about the process and to appreciate differences through sampling!
Each day we will enjoy regional foods and wines at some of the area's best wine shops and restaurants. We will also learn about the integrity of the regional foods and observe the prized white Chianina livestock, source of the famous "bistecca fiorentina". Seasonal changes will provide variations to each workshop such as roasted fresh chestnuts and "Novello" wine in early November. Seasonal sagras and festivals may also be included. Participation is limited and early enrollment is suggested.
A very special time to explore cooking, foods & wines
in the Tuscan heart of Italy!
See Yourself...
among the sights and sounds of beautiful Tuscany, olive groves, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, winding streets, texture and vibrant sunlight.
Feel Yourself...
in the warm ambiance of Cortona, overlooking the Val di Chiana, originally fortified by the Umbrians, claimed by the Etruscans, touched by the Renaissance, almost unchanged for centuries, one of Tuscany’s jewels.
Experience...
the joy of learning and gaining skill and confidence while exploring cooking, foods & wine with the instruction of acclaimed and knowledgable experts and the camaraderie of a small group of learners.
Enjoy...
exploring, enjoying and cooking regional Tuscan foods and drinking delightful wines with new friends, breath-taking vistas and the hospitality of the people of Cortona.
This all-inclusive* workshop includes: Chocolate & Wine opening reception Escorted group travel Florence to Cortona on selected Saturday arrival dates Tuscan cooking classes in the kitchen and on location with Italian chefs & cooks One-day wine tour to Avinognesi, Pienza, Montalcino & Montepulciano Ground transportation in Cortona Accommodations in historic Cortona Visits to local cheese maker, bakery, butcher, olive mill & open-air market Cortona's Etruscan Museum and Museo Diocesano All meals (Italian breakfast, lunch and dinner) Daily wine tasting opportunities Cheese & Olive oil sampling A farewell wine tasting dinner
Seasonal Sagras, Festivals & events may also be included
Wine tasting
Wine tours
All-inclusive w/ private room/bath & Group Meal Plan...$3199.00 per person double occupancy! $3699.00 per person single occupancy!
See enrollment Form below...
Fresh pastas & sauces
Itinerary
Saturday – Arrival in Cortona -Escorted group travel from Florence to Cortona -Arrival and Check-in in Cortona -Cortona outdoor market open 8:00-1:00p -7:00p Welcome to Cortona wine and chocolate tasting at La Saletta. -8:00p Evening dinner in Cortona at La loccanda
Monday - Cortona -9:00a-1:30p Morning cooking class & lunch -Free afternoon, Museo Diocesano visit -7:00p Wine tasting -7:30p Evening dinner at La Grotta
Tuesday – Full-Day Tuscan wine tour -9:00 Avinognesi, Montalcino, Pienza & Montepulciano and light lunch provided -7:30p Evening dinner at La Bucaccia
Wednesday - Cortona -8:15a Visit to Ricotta cheese maker -1:00p Lunch Tuscan pizza cooking class -Free afternoon, Etruscan Museum visit -4:30p Olive mill visit -7:30pEvening dinner at Fu Fluns
Thursday - Cortona -9:30a Camucia open-air market -11:30a Cooking class & lunch -3-5:30p Desserts cooking class -7:30p Evening wine tasting dinner at Osteria del teatro
Friday - Cortona -9:30a-1:30p Morning cooking class & lunch -Free afternoon -7:30p Final dinner at Il Falconiere
Saturday – Departure -Morning Check-out & Departure from Cortona -Optional independent visit to Cortona outdoor market (8:30a-1:00p)
Note: Toscana Americana reserves the right to alter this itinerary. Cooking instructors and locations may differ from those shown above. All times are approximate.
