'In a Tuscan Country Kitchen' takes place at Molino di Bordone, an elegant 17th Century Tuscan Farmhouse situated among the Tuscan and Umbrian hills, only minutes from the beautiful Etruscan walled town of Cortona. This is an ideal setting for an unforgettable week of culinary adventure, gourmet food & fine wines.
Casa Fontanella, where the course takes place, has elegance, style and space, with a dream country kitchen, professionally fitted for our culinary events. We also have a lecture room perfect for talks about Tuscan Food & Wine.
A cooking experience covering many aspects of family and refined cuisine. Seasonality and quality of ingredients are paramount and we use the freshest ingredients available from local producers, weekly markets and our own organic garden and this is reflected in the menus we choose. Our skilled chefs will provide you with the knowledge to recreate with confidence when you return home.
A delightful selection of excursions compliments the program to medieval hill towns, ancient abbeys & Etruscan sites, Renaissance frescoes, classical concerts, vineyards, olive oils, pecorino cheese & wine tastings.
What is included?
- Tuition with highly qualified staff
- Accommodation (2 sharing a bedroom)
- Buffet breakfast, all but 1 lunch, all evening meals
- Wine, water & coffee with meals
- Dine in a Michelin star restaurant
- Visit to local Farmer's market
- Wine & cheese tasting & excursions
- Recipes to take home
N.B. If you are a non-participant guest, you are welcome on the excursions, can use the facilities at the farmhouse and join in all the meals.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival day
Meet at Terontola station, Cortona (14.00-16.00), easily reached from Rome or Florence. Relax and settle into your accommodation at our beautifully restored 17th century farmhouse which will become your home for the week. Enjoy a swim or a stroll around the gardens and then join us for a welcome cocktail party. While our cook prepares our Tuscan Feast you will be introduced to the week’s activities by your hosts, Pino & Caroline
Day 2
Exploring Cortona
Visit Cortona's 12th century Franciscan hermitage, a spiritual and tranquil place just outside the Etruscan city walls; then enter Cortona through one of the ancient city gates to explore its medieval streets, monuments and bustling piazzas. A guided tour of the Etruscan museum and some free time to indulge in a gelato follows, but don’t spoil your appetite before our wine tasting of Cortona wines and a tasty picnic lunch in the shady tree lined park. Cooking Lesson 1
Day 3
Vino Nobile wine country
Visit the wine country of Montepulciano and taste Vino Nobile at a winery before entering the historic town's 16th century gates to stoll along the main street lined with magnificent buildings and ancient wine cellars. Visit a small, family run cheese-making farm and taste different varieties served with pears honey, marmellata. we continue to Pienza a renaissance jewel and world heritage site known for its pecorino cheese.
Day 4
Brunello wine country
We travel to the walled hill-town of Montalcino, famous for Brunello, one of Italy’s finest wines. From the battlements of the Rocca castle look down upon magnificent views of the Val D’Orcia and Monte Amiata. Cheese and wine tasting in the Enoteca of the castle which offers a wide selection of Brunello’s. Visit the cellars of a well-known winery the picturesque Abbey of Sant’Antimo, built by Charlemagne where the monks still celebrate mass in Gregorian chant. Our return journey home is through the spectacular countryside of the Val d'Orcia. Cooking Lesson 2
Day 5
Siena & Chianti wine country
Travel through the idyllic countryside of Chianti Classico and taste wine at Castello di Brolio whose family created the blend for this world famous wine. In the afternoon we are accompanied by a Sienese art historian on a walking tour of the heart of Siena. We visit one of the most richly decorated cathedrals in the world with masterpieces by Duccio, Pisano, Lorenzetti, Donatello, Pinturicchio and Michelangelo. In the campo square we learn about the world famous Palio horse race and the traditions of its people.
Day 6
Farmer's market & Thermal Springs
Trip to the local fresh produce farmer's market for yummy provisions for the cookery lesson. Cooking Lesson 3. After lunch there is time for a well deserved rest or a decadent trip to relax in the thermal springs of a local Spa.
Day 7
Free day
Today you are free and have the opportunity to relax, return to Cortona, buy last minute souvenirs and have lunch independently in Cortona. We rendezvous late afternoon to prepare our farewell banquet. Cookery Lesson 4
Day 8
Departure day
Drop off (9.00-10.00) at Terontola station for onward travel.
