Hosted by Peter Blattmann
"Maestro Confraternita de la Bagna Cauda"

Your Tour Guide: Ilaria Bertinelli - interpreter and experienced connoisseur of the Italian gastronomic scene - she will accompany you for the entire Italian dream tour.

- Itinerary -

Day 1 - D
Introduction to the wine and food culture of Tuscany
Borgo La Bagnaia
www.labagnaia.it

You will be met in Florence by Ilaria Bertinelli your tour guide.

Transfer to Borgo La Bagnaia, an ancient Medieval village where history, art and culture masterfully cohabit still today to cheer sight and spirit. It is located in the heart of the Tuscany hills.

A local expert will introduce you to the wine and food culture of Tuscany during a welcome dinner at the hotel.

Day 2 - B-L
Montalcino to discover its Brunello
Borgo La Bagnaia

grapes drying

cellars of Altesino

Crossing the Chianti hills, you will reach the village of Montalcino headed by its fortress. The first stop will be at the Altesino winery, where the fifteenth century Palace bearing the coat of arms of the original family will welcome you.

Yet, these ancient walls house one of the most innovative producers of Brunello, i.e. the one who introduced the French barrique to the area and the concept of Cru, and the one who issued the first futures for Brunello.

The winery also has a “Vinsantaia”, i.e. a special area where the grapes dry and then turn into the famous Vinsanto after seven years.

Castello Banfi, Tuscany

The day will continue at the Banfi Castle, where after witnessing the production of Brunello di Montalcino, the oenologist will guide a tasting of specially selected wines, which will continue during lunch featuring typical Tuscany dishes.

Another historical family of the area is that of the Colombinis, who have owned land in Montalcino since 1352 and the Fattoria dei Barbi since 1790.

Fattoria dei Barbi flagship wines

Fattoria dei Barbi flagship wines

Fattoria dei Barbi aging cellar

Fattoria dei Barbi farm specialties

Day 3 - B-L-D
A touch of Italian Fashion in the land of wines
Borgo La Bagnaia

wine harvest

castello Vignamaggio

At the Capannelle winery you will taste a range of their award-winning wines, followed by a visit to historic Villa Vignamaggio.

The name Monna Lisa is known to all and this famous painting by Leonardo da Vinci used to belong to the Gherardini family, the previous owner of Villa Vignamaggio, which is still surrounded by an Italian style garden, olive groves and vineyards in a splendid example of Renaissance framework.

You will taste their wines and enjoy lunch in this unique context.

garden Vignamaggio

Vignamaggio aging cellar

Then you will have a chance to visit a factory outlet where you can find the best Italian fashion by Armani, Ferragamo, Gucci, Valentino, Sergio Rossi and La Perla, just to mention a few.

A visit and dinner at La Felsina winery will give you some time for the last chats of the day.

Capanelle winery wine cellar

Capanelle winery gastronomy

Day 4 - B-L
Famous wines and olive oil of Castello Di Nippozzano
Hotel de la Ville
www.grandhoteldelaville.it

Leonardo Marchesi Ferscobaldi decanting a 1947 Chianti Classico Reserva for lunch

When talking of Tuscany, one cannot but think of its olive oil, which has made Italy famous all over the world when used on a slice of bread flavored by garlic, bruschetta.
You will have an opportunity to visit the olive groves of the Marquise Frescobaldi and taste their extraordinarily aromatic olive oil, followed by a tasting of Frescobaldi’s premium wines over lunch at the historic Castello Di Nipozzano overlooking the Tuscan hills.

Then we will head for the Italian Food Valley, the city of Parma in the Emilia-Romagna region. Also known as the “little Paris” owing to its cafés and parks, Parma will offer you the possibility of taking a walk to enjoy its Romanesque Cathedral, the pink marbled Baptistery and the famous Opera house Teatro Regio, the beating heart of Giuseppe Verdi’s music. Dinner will be on your own.

Day 5 - B-L-D
Parmigiano-Reggiano and Balsamic Vinegar’s
Hotel Gabbia D’oro
www.hotelgabbiadoro.it

Wheel cutting of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese

Parmigiano-Reggiano aging cellar

The day will start with a dairy visit to assist in the production of the “king of kings” in cheese, Parmigiano-Reggiano. You will witness the process stages from the raw milk to the two-year old wheels maturing in the huge aging cellars, often compared to cheese cathedrals.

You will be partaking in the traditional custom of how the 80-pound wheel is cut open and then taste the product with the owner of this cheese dairy that roots its tradition back in 1895. He will also explain why this cheese dairy is the only one in its kind. You will also learn why specialty honeys from the region pair so well with Parmigiano.

Posing with Malpighi Senior & Junior showcasing their 50 year old balsamic vinegar

The next gourmet stop will be at one of the most famous balsamic vinegar producers in Modena, Malpighi. There you will be a witness to the barrels containing the vinegar ageing in different wood types each giving to this rich liquid their unique aromas.

Balsamic Vinegar aging cellar

You will experience the tasting of 12 and 20 year-old vinegars and then have lunch with the owner himself at his Malpighi restaurant serving dishes prepared with the Traditional Balsamic Vinegar.

You will then move to the city of Romeo and Juliet, Verona, where dinner will be served at the Hotel Gabbia D’Oro, the golden cage, in an 18th century palace in the city center, furnished with the original furniture and precious rugs. Here you may take a rest in the winter garden, which is a small oasis of refined relaxation.

Day 6 - B-L
Tasting Amarone and Grappa
Hotel Gabbia D’oro

In a tour touching on Italy’s three wine paradises, the Veneto region will be your second milestone with its Amarone.

The grapes drying on gratings to boost their sugar content in order to make the powerful, yet delicate Amarone wine, will leave an indelible mark in your memory.

Bolla is one of the names who has made the history of the Valpollicella and Recioto wines and already in 1909 it was awarded the golden medal for quality wines at the Fair of Bologna, and this successful past is still confirmed today by numerous prizes.

For a second tasting and a break for lunch, you will move to Lake Garda where you will be welcomed by the Zenato family in their winery.

Another must for a complete overview of the Italian wine scenario is a stop to experience a Passito wine, and the Torcolato by Maculan is one of the best examples.

Zenato winery family

You will then meet Mr. Poli who will accompany you to visit his distillery where steam cauldrons produce transparent droplets that are so powerful to be called also acquavite, i.e. water of life, or grappa, which is an end-of-meal passion for many gourmands.

Maculan culinary experience

After such an intense tasting day, you may want to enjoy the romantic atmosphere of the city of Verona and chose your favorite restaurant.
Dinner will be on your own.

Maculan aging cellar

historic restaurant Gabbia d'Oro

Gabbia d'Oro taxi

Day 7 - B-L-D
Hands’ on cooking of risotto in the cradle of Valpollicella
Albergo dell’Agenzia
www.albergoagenzia.it

The day will begin at the Serego Alighieri Villa, which was the inspiration for Dante Alighieri during his exile when he was giving the final touches to the “Paradise” of his “Divine Comedy”. You will attend an hands’-on cooking course where you will be taught how to prepare risotto using the very rice produced on the farm.

The course will be followed by a visit of the Serego Alighieri winery and a lunch to have the chance of tasting their Vaio Armarone, made with grapes grown in the area historically known as the best for the production of Amarone.

The day will continue with a visit of Masi, which is the company managing the oldest vineyards of Valpolicella.

You will then move to the third region of Italy’s paradise of wine, Piedmont, where you will be staying at Albergo dell’Agenzia in Pollenzo, a neo-gothic building that used to belong to King Carlo Alberto and that includes the University of Gastronomic Science, the Bank of Wine and the restaurant Guido. Dinner will be at the hotel.

Day 8 - B-L-D
Truffle hunting, truffle market and truffle dinner
Albergo dell’Agenzia

Truffle Market of Alba

Early morning start, joining Mr. Stelvio the ‘trifolao’ (truffle hunter) and his dog sniffing out the white gems in secret spots.

Then, you will leave the woods and transfer to Alba to the famous truffle market. After lunch, you will have some free time for shopping in Alba before going back to the hotel for a pre-dinner rest.

You will conclude the day with a dinner based on truffle at the marvelous Michelin stared restaurant “All’Enoteca”.

Davide Palluda’s cuisine is a clear example of how tradition and innovation can coexist giving rise to a series of simple, yet unforgettable dishes.

"Trifulao's" (Truffle Hunters) with group in Alba, 2002

Day 9 - B-L-D
Barberas, Barbarescos and Barolos of the most famous producers, Hands’-on cooking lesson or Harvesting Experience
Albergo dell’Agenzia

Winemaker Angelo Gaja

La Spinetta brothers

The expert of the Gaja winery will guide you during an exclusive visit and tasting of his world famous Barbera and Barbaresco.

You will then visit the fast becoming famous La Spinetta winery. Here you will continue unveiling the wonders made from the Nebbiolo grapes and enjoy them in their combination to the local cuisine.

In the afternoon you will have a choice of either experiencing the harvesting of grapes on these steep hills or partake in a cooking lesson at the hotel learning the secrets of cooking a typical Piedmont menu. Dinner will be at the hotel, savoring the recipes, prepared by some of the group.

winemaker Giogio Spinetta

La Spinetta aging cellar

Day 10 - B-L
Chocolate making and tasting, Arrival in Milan
Four Points Sheraton
www.fourpointsmilan.com

Bava winemakers

Bava concert in the vineyards

Bava wine cellar

The Piedmont region is Italy’s most famous for chocolate, especially due to the large production of hazelnuts which are often used to make special chocolates to which you will be introduced by the owner of a famous chocolate house from Asti.

Mr. Bava of the winery, bearing the same name will welcome you for a visit of his winery. A typical lunch paired with his award-winning wines will follow plus you will learn the secrets of how to match chocolate with wine. Then you will leave for Milan, where you can choose amongst thousands of restaurants. Dinner will be free.

Day 11 - B-D
Milan discovery
Four Points Sheraton

Milan is a synonym for shopping, fashion, restaurants, entertainment and arts. You will be guided through the city and introduced to the world famous Peck food store.

Lunch will be on your own. You can dedicate the afternoon to your favorite activities, including unforgettable shopping in Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga.

Our farewell dinner will be at the Ribot restaurant, named after a famous racing horse. In a Grand Prix atmosphere, the restaurant located near the San Siro Hippodrome will serve a typical menu with a wide selection of premium wines.

Day 12 - B
Depart Milan

After breakfast transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport.

This 12 day, 11 night program includes:

Luxury accommodation with breakfast
All activities as specified
9 luncheons and 7 dinners with premium wines
Land travel by deluxe, air-conditioned bus
All taxes, gratuities, porterage and baggage handling

Excludes:

Airfare and personal expenses

Price per person, based on a minimum of 12 persons, double occupancy:

13,975 C$

Single supplement: 2,500 C$

Day 12 - L
Milan Extension
Four Points Sheraton

In the morning you will attend a hands-on cooking course where you will be taught how to prepare some typical dishes of the world famous Milanese cuisine.

The course will be followed by a lunch to have the chance of tasting what you prepared.

In the afternoon you will be free again to enjoy the attractions of the city of Milan.

Day 13 - B
After breakfast transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport.

The program includes:

Luxurious accomdation with breakfast
Transfer from Hotel to cooking school and Malpensa airport on 13 October
Hand’s-on cooking lesson and lunch
All taxes, gratuities, porterage and baggage handling

Excludes:

Personal expenses

Price per person in double occupancy (based on a minimum of 3 participants):

1,650 C$

Single supplement: 250 C$

Program is subject to change without prior notice

Terms and Conditions

View our terms and conditions form here.

(form is in Adobe PDF format - get Adobe Reader here)

Registration Form : Download registration form here.

For a preliminary program e-mail info@gourmet-experience.com or phone toll free 1-888-682-9297