TUSCANY .png

Our food & wine immersion trips focus on the cultural, historical and geographical connection of food & wine in each region we visit.

EDUCATION THROUGH TRAVEL

The best way to truly learn is to immerse yourself in a place—to experience its landscapes, walk its soils, and connect deeply with its community, stepping beyond the pages of books and into the world you've envisioned for years.

Tuscany,
June 1-7, 2025

Our Tuscany immersion food & wine trip takes you to the heart of Chianti Classico in Panzano. We stay at a renovated villa nestled in the rolling hills surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. We visit dear producer friends, eat at our favorite restaurants, and providing a direct connection to producers. We host a maximum of 8 guests, ensuring an unsurpassed, individualized experience.

The trip includes:

  • - 4 winery visits with tastings and tours in the Chianti Classico area.

    - 2 food producer visits, including cheese and olive oil.

    - Welcome reception aperitivo and dinner.

    - 6 breakfasts with fresh baked goods, local specialties, fruits.

    - 5 traditional multi-course lunches with wine pairing ((Note: Please beware much of Italian cuisine contains dairy and gluten, thus food allergies and aversions may be difficult to accommodate outside of the villa.)

    - 1 cooking class leading into convivial dining.

    - Apericena at one of the locals favorite enoteca in Panzano.

    - Celebratory end of the trip cookout on the terrace.

  • - Luxury accommodations for 6 nights-5 days in a beautifully renovated Tuscan villa in the heart of Chianti Classico, with private bathroom with each room.

    - Ample outdoor areas to relax, including a swimming pool, and vineyard access.

    - Washer and dryer

    - Fitness room

    - Deluxe, air-conditioned minibus transportation for day trips

  • - 1 cooking classes leading into convivial dining.

    - The Art and History of the Aperitivo masterclass followed by apericena.

    - Tuscan wine masterclass with Italian Wine Ambassador Scott Thomas.

    - In depth wine conversations throughout the trip with sommelier and educator Scott Thomas.

    - Intimate and full access conversations about food, wine & culture throughout the trip.

Testimonials - Tuscany 2024

  • The Villa was absolutely a treat and luxurious. From the authentically decorated and designed accommodations to the convivial meeting and gathering spaces. Comfortable, inviting and festive! Quality gym, outdoor gathering spaces, and pool were a bonus. Being able to walk the vineyards, have a cafe, a quick refreshing dip in the pool, or lively conversation on the patio or dining areas- all fantastico!

  • I really enjoyed the Wine Master Class. Scott’s knowledge of wine and the region is wonderful and helpful prior to our wine producer visits.

    Paula and Scott- excellent teachers because you exude passion and expertise. You know what you are talking about!

  • The restaurants were wonderful, as well as our meals at the Villa! The ones that stood out to me the most were Cum Quibus for the beautiful surroundings, attentive service, and expertly prepared menu. Le Panzanelle was my favorite for a lovely and relaxing meal with many delicious items to choose from.

  • The producer visits were amazing and unique, offering an excellent view of the culture and diversity of the region. It is so hard to pick a favorite but I would have to say the opportunity to meet Elizabetta at Montenidoli was a lifetime memory for me. She is so impressive as a winemaker, a philanthropist, and a mentor. And her energy absolutely fills the room!

  • It was so much more than I could have expected! It was truly a life-changing experience. The design of the program cultivates the sharing of experiences and relationships in the beauty of Chianti. A dream!

  • Paula and Scott’ positive vibes are contagious. Their passion for food, wine and the region is exemplary and very much appreciated! Thank you for a memorable 1st trip to Italy and introducing me to such a beautiful area! I can’t wait until next time…❤️

BOOKING

Please note, the price does not include flights or travel arrangements to Italy, or transportation to and from Villa Bernardi.

Villa Bernardi is equipped with 4 different accommodation options, perfect for traveling in pairs or exploring on your own. The maximum possible occupancy is 10 people:

  • Large apartment suite with living quarters, private terrace overlooking the vineyards & en-suite private bathroom - $10500 for two travelers

  • Large master bedroom with en-suite private bathroom - $9850 for two travelers OR $7500 for one traveler

  • Large bedroom with en-suite private bathroom and terrace access - $9850 for two travelers OR $7500 for one traveler

  • Large bedroom with vineyard views and a detached private bathroom with a large bathtub - $9850 for two travelers OR $7500 for one traveler - BOOKED

*** Although Villa Bernardi is a beautifully renovated farmhouse, it is, regrettably, not equipped with accessible capabilities for wheelchairs or other infrastructure to support physical disabilities. This holds true across many towns in Italy.

Payment Process

  • Payment 1: After submitting a registration form, we will email you an invoice for a non-refundable deposit of $1500 per traveler.

  • Payment 2: We’ll send an invoice with the remaining balance due March 1, 2025 (balance based on chosen accommodation.)

QUESTIONS?

LET’S CHAT!


Piedmont

A cultural immersive experience in the heart of Langhe’s rolling hills.

This is a wine-focused excursion, visiting dear producer friends, dining at our favorite restaurants, and providing an experience that would be otherwise unattainable for the independent traveler.

We explore cultures and traditions through the lens of Piedmont’s food and wine while walking vineyards and touring cellars. You learn intimately all about the region’s geography, deep history, and native grapes that make this region one of Italy’s most special eno-gastro destinations.

Details coming soon.

WHY TRAVEL WITH US?

Paula and Scott Thomas spent more than two years living in Italy with time divided between Piedmont and Tuscany. This time allowed for a deep understanding of Italy’s many beautiful regions, all of which are rich with unique cultural identity. By traveling with us, you gain unique access to places that would otherwise be inaccessible. Over the years, we’ve forged strong relationships with producers, farmers, and business owners who share their stories of place better than anyone else.

Our immersive study trips are intimate and allow for around-the-clock learning. Scott is a certified Italian Wine Ambassador and Paula is a food anthropologist, and both earned master’s degrees in their respective fields while living and studying in Italy.