TUSCANY IMMERSION - JUNE 1 - 7, 2025
Our Tuscany immersion trip takes you to the heart of Chianti Classico, to the charming town of Panzano in Chianti. We stay in a beautifully renovated villa—our actual home during 2020—nestled amidst rolling hills, dense forests, vineyards, and olive groves.
During the trip, we visit our dear producer friends, dine at our favorite local restaurants, and provide a genuine connection to the place and its culture.
With a maximum of eight guests, we ensure an intimate and personalized experience throughout the entire trip.
As your guides for the week, we bring a deep love for and understanding of Italian culture. We lived in Italy for two years, split between Piedmont and Tuscany, where we immersed ourselves in the landscapes, cuisine, and traditions while earning Master’s degrees at the University of Gastronomic Sciences. This unique experience, combined with our personal connections, allows us to offer an insider's perspective on Chianti Classico that few others can replicate.
Our focus is on authentic, sustainable tourism that supports local producers and respects the environment. Beyond typical itineraries, we offer curated experiences such as an Aperitivo Masterclass, hands-on cooking classes, and an in-depth Tuscany Wine Masterclass. These immersive activities are complemented by ample free time to relax, enjoy the stunning surroundings, or lounge by the pool. Throughout the journey, we weave in historical conversations about the mezzadria system, the Etruscan civilization, and the enduring importance of family values in the region.
Small group sizes foster meaningful connections with like-minded food and wine enthusiasts, making each journey a chance to form lasting relationships. Our blend of cultural immersion, academic expertise, and sustainable principles ensures your travel experience is both transformative and unforgettable.
We’d be delighted to share this journey with you
Paula and Scott
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.
Food & Wine
This itinerary offers a comprehensive view of Tuscany’s diverse gastronomic and wine culture.
Four producer-led winery visits to renowned cellars, featuring tastings and tours in the Chianti Classico and San Gimignano areas.
Two food producer visits, including the region’s most important sheep’s milk cheese and multiple olive oil tasting from various olive varietals.
Welcome reception aperitivo and dinner.
Daily breakfasts with fresh baked goods, local specialties, fruits.
Five 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.)
One cooking class and gastronomic lesson, leading into a convivial lunch and paired with wines.
Apericena at the local’s favorite enoteca in Panzano.
A festive farewell cookout on the terrace.
Taste a total of over 50 wines from various Tuscan regions, comparing styles, colors, subregions, and grapes, with a particular focus on Sangiovese, Trebbiano, Malvasia, and Vernaccia.
Accomodations
Guest arrive on Sunday, June 1 and depart early on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
Luxury accommodations for 6 nights-5 days at Villa Bernardi in the heart of Chianti Classico, with private bathroom. See the room choices below.
Villa Bernardi offers stunning views of the surrounding 25-hectare estate, and it is home to the Monte Bernardi winery and vineyard, which produces some of the region’s top wines using organic and biodynamic methods.
Ample outdoor areas to relax, including a swimming pool, vineyard access and parking (for those who choose to drive to Panzano)
Washer and dryer
Fitness room
Deluxe, air-conditioned minibus transportation for day trips
Education
This transformative journey through Tuscany combines education, culture, and unforgettable experiences. This trip offers unparalleled access to the region’s rich food and wine traditions and amazing producers, designed to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Italian gastronomy and culture. Our itinerary includes:
One locally-led cooking class, focusing on the region’s most iconic dishes, 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 food and wine conversations directly with producers eager to share their inspiring stories.
Paula and Scott’s combined credentials and real-world experience ensure every moment of your journey is enriching, with open discussions about food, wine, and culture available throughout the trip—and their guidance accessible to you around the clock.
Testimonials - Tuscany 2024
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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
Villa Bernardi is equipped with 4 different accommodation options, perfect for traveling in pairs or exploring on your own.
The maximum possible occupancy is 8 people.
Please note, the price does not include flights or travel arrangements to Italy, or transportation to and from Villa Bernardi.
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.)
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Apartment Suite
Large apartment suite with living quarters, private terrace overlooking the vineyards & en-suite private bathroom
$10500 for two travelers -
Large Master
Large master bedroom with en-suite private bathroom and vineyard view
$9850 for two travelers
OR $7500 for one traveler -
Private Terrace
Large bedroom with en-suite private bathroom and terrace access
$9850 for two travelers
OR $7500 for one traveler -
Cozy with large bathtub
BOOKED - Large bedroom with vineyard views private bathroom with a large bathtub
$9850 for two travelers
OR $7500 for one traveler
We understand that this is a big commitment, and we want you to feel completely comfortable with the process. If you have ANY questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
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.
