An Experience in Authentic Tuscan Wine & Culinary Culture That You Will Remember
… And The Eight Reasons to Join Our 5-Day Tuscan Food & Wine Experience
Eight Reasons to Join Our 5-Day Tuscan Food & Wine Experience
1. Super Tuscan Wine
Taste the legendary wines that revolutionized Italian winemaking—Bolgheri’s Super Tuscans, born when a visionary marquis planted Cabernet Sauvignon where it had no business thriving. You’ll visit two prestigious estates where these world-class wines are created, meeting the passionate people behind bottles that command collector prices worldwide.
2. Biodynamic & Organic Tuscan Wine
Every winery we partner with shares our commitment to biodynamic and organic viticulture. This isn’t marketing—it’s philosophy. You’ll taste the difference that regenerative farming makes, learn why these producers choose harder methods for better wine, and understand terroir as a living system, not just soil composition.
3. Immerse Yourself in Tuscan Culinary Culture
Two hands-on cooking classes in Chicca’s 18th-century farmhouse, where you’ll learn authentic techniques passed down through generations. Fresh pasta made by feel, not measurement. Traditional dishes using ingredients from our olive grove and local organic producers. Then sit at the family table and share what you’ve created—this is how Italians actually cook and eat.
4. Learn About Tuscan Wine & Culinary History From The Locals
We live here. These winemakers are our friends. The artisan cheesemaker has taught us about Pecorino for years. The restaurant owners greet us by name. You’re not getting guidebook information—you’re getting insider knowledge shared over wine, during village walks, and through the casual conversations that happen when locals welcome you into their world.
Italian Coffee Culture
No cappuccino after 11am people look at you with a strange face. Coffee roastery in the village will teach you this.
5. The Tuscan Lifestyle: Live 5 Days as A Local Tuscan
Morning cappuccino by the beach. Shopping at markets where we’re recognized. Walking cobblestone streets in villages where tourism isn’t the main industry. Dinner at the wine shop where locals eat, not where tour buses stop. For five days, you’re our neighbor—experiencing the rhythm, pace, and authentic pleasures of coastal Tuscan life.
6. Local Tuscan Wine With All Included Meals
Seven carefully curated meals over five days, each paired with exceptional local wines. From intimate cooking class dinners to refined wine estate cuisine to beachside seafood, you’ll taste how Mediterranean and Tuscan traditions merge along this coast. The wines come from producers we know personally, many practicing organic and biodynamic methods you’ll learn about during winery visits.
7. Once In A Lifetime Experience of Great Value
Four nights in a boutique hotel with Mediterranean views. Two hands-on cooking classes. Two prestigious winery visits. Cheese farm experience. Seven meals with wine. Medieval village explorations with local guides. All transfers included. Personal hosting by Chicca and Arnaud throughout. Maximum 8 guests ensuring intimate access impossible in larger groups. This comprehensive five-day immersion—€4,180-4,380 per person—delivers experiences money often cannot buy: genuine relationships, insider access, and the authentic Tuscany most travelers never discover.
We Take Care of Everything During Your Stay, And We Mean EVERYTHING
We will pick you up from the local train stop in Castagneto Carducci, from there absolutely everything is included: Accommodation, meals, wine, wine tasting fees, entrance fees, coffee, icecream, and drinks.
If you wish to arrange for a private transfer from the airport to Bolgheri in Castagneto Carducci, instead of the train, we can help arrange a service for an additional fee.
You’ll only need to open your wallet if you go off to explore on your own, or wish to purchase items in stores or invest in wine to bring back home.
What is NOT included
- Round-trip airfare
- Private transfers from Pisa, Florence, or Rome airports (available for an additional fee)
- Lunch at the seafood restaurant, we’d be delighted to join you at our own expense
- Required travel insurance (must be purchased separately)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Tuscan Wine & Food Tour
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We accommodate most dietary needs with advance notice. Italian cuisine naturally offers excellent vegetarian options, and we work closely with our restaurant partners for other requirements. Let us know when booking—we’ll make sure you eat beautifully.
What's the physical activity level?
Moderate and relaxed. We walk through medieval villages (cobblestones, some hills and stairs), stand during cooking classes, and stroll through vineyards. If you can comfortably walk 1-2 miles and handle stairs, you’ll be fine. We move at a leisurely pace with plenty of breaks—this is Tuscany, not boot camp.
Can I come solo?
Absolutely! Solo travelers are warmly welcomed. Small groups (maximum 8) naturally foster connection, and shared meals create easy camaraderie. Single occupancy available with additional fee, or we can arrange shared accommodation if you prefer.
What if I'm not a wine expert or experienced cook?
Perfect—you don’t need to be either. Chicca teaches cooking by feel and demonstration, ideal for beginners (experienced cooks love learning traditional techniques). At wineries, our friends explain wines conversationally, not technically. Curiosity and enthusiasm matter more than expertise.
Who are our small group trip best for?
Our small group tours are for adults who love food and travel and want an intimate, “insider” experience with Italian culture. Every day, we’ll enjoy excursions and meals together as a group but also have some time to relax on your own.
How many people will be on the tour?
This trip will be made up to 8 participants, plus your hosts, Chicca and Arnaud. We will also be joined on occasion by some local friends, food and wine producers, and guides.
Is there a payment plan?
You’ll pay for the trip in two payments (initial deposit and final payment):
- 1st Payment estimated $1000: $100 Non-refundable inscription fee + $900 Deposit
- 2nd Payment: remaining balance
Final payment due 90 days before your trip.
What if I need to cancel my trip, will I get a refund?
This global health crisis has impacted everyone, so we want to make sure your future travel plans are safe, and reassure you that we are committed to supporting our guests in the best way that we can.
As we’ve learned during this past year, what makes sense today may not make sense tomorrow. Please understand that we reserve the right to change these policies due to this very fluid and unpredictable situation.
CANCELATION BY YOU
If you decide you need to cancel your trip, the following refund schedule applies upon written notice of your cancellation:
- Cancelations made on or before 90 days prior to arrival:
•Your $100 inscription fee is nonrefundable.
•Full refund minus unrecoverable costs.
- Cancelations made 89 days to 60 days prior to arrival:
•Your $100 inscription fee is nonrefundable.
•You will be reimbursed 50% of what you have paid to date, less the nonrefundable fee. - Cancelations made 59 days to 30 days prior to arrival:
•You will be reimbursed 40% of what you have paid to date, less the nonrefundable fee. - Cancelations made 29 days prior to arrival:
•All payments are nonrefundable.
Cancelations must be received in writing by email to club@cookingintuscany.cc.
Unrecoverable costs may include credit card fees or any deposits required by our vendors.
You are required to take out trip cancelation insurance. If you leave a tour for any reason after it has commenced, we are not obliged to make any refunds for unused services. If you fail to join a trip, join it after departure, or leave it prior to its completion, no refund will be made.
What will the weather be like?
Temperatures in Spring and Fall are pleasant in Tuscany, averaging 50°-70°F. It can be rainy on occasion, so be prepared with some rain gear. Also consider bringing layers like sweaters and jackets to keep warm.
Do you offer a private or custom tour?
- Hoping to travel with just your family or friends rather than strangers?
- Want a different trip length or different dates?
- Have a specific focus you want for your trip?
If you answered YES to any of the above, please contact us about scheduling a custom tour. We’ll work with you to craft an itinerary of experiences you’ll love within your timeframe.