Fabulous foods and wonderful wine, this week
is dedicated to those with an insatiable appetite,
to those with a "hands-on" approach to nature,
to those always fine tuning their "good taste"…

Seasonal freshness and simplicity is at the heart of all Italian wining and dining. Simply mentioning rich olive oils, salty pecorino cheese, local salami, ruby red Chianti and Brunello heightens our senses and fills us with mouthwatering anticipation. Come spend a week with us in the Tuscan countryside and discover why this earth's bounty relates so naturally and directly to your soul.

Live the week in a private villa in Cortona, Tuscany, nestled in nature's comfort and peace, surrounded by ripe vineyards and acres of olive groves. Each individual "chalet" in the villa has 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and bathroom. Bedrooms have either a queen size or double beds.

Participate in the festivities surrounding Italy's oldest grape celebration, the traditional "Grape Harvest Festival", held in the small town of Imprunetta, 30 miles south of Florence.

Spend 2 days at well-known vineyards participating in the "vendemia" - grape picking and harvesting. As guests of local wine producers, you'll tour, sample and of course be supplied with gloves, scissors and grape "picking" lessons ~ just bring a bandana and a desire to learn! Pick-ready grape varieties will be Merlot and the Sangiovese, used to produce wines such as the popular Brunello. Follow the baskets inside for the initial production stages. "Watchers," "pickers", and wine lovers of all levels will be rewarded with hearty meals at the vineyards.

Walk the lush green countryside to an olive grove farm for a tour-lesson and more samplings. Learn the true meanings of olive oil terminology, and the value of color, smell and dates when selecting prized olive oils. Enhance your selective senses as you sniff, taste and compare. Visit a local "frantoio" - olive crusher (the original stone kind) to learn the original ways of extraction, started thousands of years ago, still in use and respected today.

Reward yourself at 2 full course Tuscan cooking classes and dinners with local Chefs. With the freshest ingredients, a little care and some flavor-filled recipes you'll learn the secrets to the most delicious and unforgettable Italian dishes. Buon Appetito!

When not grape-picking, oil-sniffing or herb-chopping for your Tuscan "ribollita" soup, enjoy some relax time in beautiful Siena and Montepulciano.

Reserve your spot by mailing a $300 Deposit & Trip Registration.