Forbes.com named us one of the 5 top cooking and foodie vacations in Italy for 2019
Immerse yourself in all that makes Tuscany glorious! An in depth experience guided by Giuliano and Lael Hazan and noted wine producer Marilisa Allegrini. Building on the acclaim of their week-long courses in Valpolicella, consistently ranked in the top10 by major publications, we are now ready to add an equally wonderful gastronomic encounter in Bolgheri, Tuscany at Marilisa’s Poggio al Tesoro Estate. Located in the land of Supertuscans, with Sassicaia and Ornellaia as your neighbors, you will explore the wonders and delights of the Tuscan coast. The classes will feature all new menus and there will be excursions to the spectacular food producers of the area. What will not change is that by the end of the week, you will have experienced a combination of Italy’s rich history, wonderful culture, and warm hospitality, not to mention extraordinary food and wines.
Your Accommodations
Your home for the week will be Marilisa’s newly renovated and elegantly appointed guest house, with access to a state-of-the-art spa and spectacular heated swimming pool. In your room, you’ll discover luxurious furnishings and little touches throughout to help pamper you during your stay. In the morning, linger over a cappuccino and drink in the view of Poggio al Tesoro’s vineyards while you get ready for a day of culture and culinary delights.
The Field Trips
Visit some of the region’s finest food artisans, benefiting from an insider’s access that tourists rarely gain. Go on a truffle hunt and learn from a veteran tartufaio; visit a producer of buffalo milk cheeses and learn to make your own; visit an artisanal pasta producer near Pisa and more. Lunches will be in the area’s finest restaurants.
Cooking Classes
Up to 12 students will participate in a week of intensive hands-on classes taught by Giuliano Hazan. We will make homemade pasta, risotto, meats, local fish, vegetables, and desserts. Each 5-hour class concludes with dinner in classic style composed of the several courses prepared during the class.
Each class will also include presentations created by Marilisa Allegrini on the regionality of Italian wine as well as the importance of vintages. The wines discussed, both from the Allegrini vineyards and other distinguished Italian producers, will accompany the meals. All instruction is given in English. Those who wish to join all the tours and dinners but not the classes may enroll as non-cooking companions.
