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World Wines & Corner Wines Tour Present |
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Culinary Tour to Tuscany
Corner Wines partnering with Ecco La Cucina
Ecco La Cucina will take you on an unforgettable culinary adventure into the hills of Tuscany discovering the wines, foods and culture of this beautiful region. The tour offers an in-depth learning experience of regional Italian cuisine and wines with an emphasis on what is seasonal, local and traditional with the seasons dictating what is on the table. Sustainability has always been and continues to be the key to traditional Italian food, and Ecco La Cucina gives you the opportunity to meet local food producers, organic farmers and wine makers. This week-long culinary tour includes wine tours and tastings, cooking classes, visits to hilltowns, as well as visits to markets and artisan food producers of cheese and meats. You will be immersed in the culture, history and traditions of this beautiful land.
Our group will stay in a beautifully furnished 17th century farmhouse located on an olive producing estate nestled in the hills south of Siena. The house has a large kitchen and several living areas both inside and outside overlooking the awe-inspiring hills and olive trees. Each double occupancy bedroom is tastefully decorated each with private bath. There is a swimming pool, peaceful gardens, cypress tree lined walking paths, olive groves and amazing views, an inspiration for photo buffs and artists alike.
“Ecco La Cucina” translates to “here’s the kitchen”, and we’ll learn all aspects of the Tuscan table during the week. Lead by Chef Gina Stipo, who has lived in Tuscany for over 10 years, she guides you through the countryside and introduces you to the local vintners, farmers and food producers. We visit wineries to gain an understanding of the many noble wines of each community. Through these excursions as well as hands-on cooking lessons followed by lunch or dinner paired with regional wines, you will gain a deeper appreciation for this wonderful region.
We’ll also explore the historical area hill towns that still evoke their ancient heritage. Included in the week are visits to Siena, Florence, Montalcino and San Gimignano.
* Pricing for this wonderful week is $3,800 plus your airfare.
June 2 – 9, 2012 (Note:Since
there are only 6 rooms we are running 2 trips back-to-back- 1st starting on May 26th and 2nd starting on June 2nd)
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Culinary Tour to Tuscany
With Corner Wines and Ecco La Cucina
~Itinerary for 6 day/ 7 night tour~
Saturday May26th (1st group) or June 2nd(2nd group) : Arrival to estate in Tuscany Siena, Italy Afternoon check-in to villa.
Welcome dinner at the villa. (D) (Depart U.S. day before)
Sunday: Chianti Classico Region - Wine tour
Visit to the Chianti region includes 2 wineries with tastings, garden tour of famous local castle. Lunch will be at a local trattoria with a beautiful view of the vineyards paired with wines of the Chianti Classico region. The evening is free to relax after a tasting of the different pecorino cheeses Tuscany is famous for. (Breakfast, Lunch )
Monday: Cooking Class – Siena
Hands-on cooking class at the Mulino kitchen in a 12th century restored grain mill. This class will be focused on typical Tuscan foods and what makes this cuisine so special.
We’ll prepare a four course meal paired with wines from the town of Montepulciano –
Vino Nobile & Rosso di Montepulciano. Evening excursion to Siena with guided walking tour followed by dinner at Gina’s favorite Enoteca. (B, L, Dinner)
Tuesday: Farm visit – San Gimignano – Cooking lesson
Visit to local producers in the area, a goat cheese farm and a farm where they raise Cinta Senese pigs. After the tour we’ll visit San Gimignano for lunch and a wine tasting learning about the Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Our second cooking class will take place in our villa kitchen where we will feature foods cooked in the wood burning oven, including pizza. Featured wines will be from southern Italy.
Wednesday: Markets and shopping in Florence
Day trip to Florence with a group stop at the famous San Lorenzo market, featuring a vast array of food stuffs inside and excellent leather goods and textiles, as well as jewelry and trinkets, outside. The afternoon is yours to explore the city, take in the sites, perhaps stroll through Boboli Gardens. We can arrange tickets for anyone who has not been to the Uffizzi Gallery or wants to see the statue of David. Lunch is on your own and we’ll meet for a light dinner before heading back to the villa.
Thursday: Montalcino
Visit to 2 area wineries featuring Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino wineries. Lunch is at a local restaurant serving typical Tuscan foods and wines of this area. Stroll through quaint hill town after lunch. Evening is free to relax. (B, L)
Friday: Winery Visit - Cooking Lesson / Farewell Dinner
The hands-on cooking lesson followed by lunch with wines from the northern parts of Tuscany. Our evening will be at an area winery with dinner paired with estate wines in the Chianti Classico region. (B, L, D)
Saturday: Breakfast and Morning departure taking with you wonderful memories of an extraordinary week! (B)
Wedne
2006 CONN CREEK 
2008 RUBICON ESTATE