GATHER, GRAZE, REPEAT
A TUSCAN FEAST
L U C C A, I T A L Y
SEPTEMBER 15-20, 2024
“This is my invariable advice to people: learn how to cook—try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun." -- Julia Child
Join us, along with Kristi Heyer of 'Graze & Vines' in Tuscany September 15-20, 2024 for a gorgeous week of gathering, grazing, feasting and retreating.
We'll visit the charming towns of Lucca, Le Cinque Terre; we'll experience an unforgettable meal at the world-famous butcher Dario Cecchini's restaurant; we'll visit a stunning castle-winery in Greve in Chianti for a tour and tasting, as well as learn how to 'charcuterie' like a pro, all while staying in a plush private villa (with its own spa!) in the hills outside of Lucca.
THE RETREAT
Spend five spectacular days at a private villa just outside the charming town of Lucca. During the week we'll have our own private chef preparing delicious, homemade farm-to-table meals. We'll also get plenty of chances to play in the kitchen, too. We'll have a charcuterie-making workshop led by Kristi using locally-sourced ingredients as well as a cooking class, led by a local chef. We'll do a day trip to nearby Lucca, taste wine in Greve in Chianti and spend time exploring Le Cinque Terre. We'll also visit one of Tuscany's most famous chefs, Dario Cecchini at his Panzano restaurant made famous on Netflix's Chef's Table.
ACCOMMODATION
Just twenty-five minutes from the famous towers of Lucca (about an hour from Florence), we'll have the exclusive use of a splendid, recently refurbished luxury villa.
The villa has twelve spacious bedrooms, two living rooms, a gorgeous Carrara-marble kitchen with a view, a converted lemon conservatory dining and lounge area, a private spa with its own sauna and heated indoor pool, as well as an outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs.
This is the perfect base for relaxing and just being when we're not exploring the surrounding area.
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
CHIANTI & PANZANO
We'll stop at a gorgeous castle winery in the heart of Chianti to tour a family-owned vineyard before trying some of their wines. Afterwards we'll head to lunch at eighth-generation family butcher and Chef's Table's Dario Cecchini's Antica Macelleria - Officina della Bistecca. Dario is quite a character and offers a fun, fascinating, not to mention unforgettable experience. Don't worry if you're vegetarian, a vegetarian menu is available.
LUCCA
We'll have a guided tour of the remarkable town of Lucca, famous for the 16th century well-preserved wall surrounding it. Also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Puccini, you'll have the chance to visit Casa Puccini, a house museum. After the tour you'll have plenty of time to lunch, wander, stroll and shop.
LE CINQUE TERRE
Spend the day enjoying the 'five lands' or as they're better known: Le Cinque Terre. These stunning villages, perched on steep craggy cliffs, are some of the most picturesque, panoramic views in all of Italy. We'll visit as many as we have time for (probably 3) with a local guide ready to steer you in the direction of the best spots each town has to offer.
COOKING & CHARCUTERIE CLASSES
What trip to Italy would be complete without a cooking class?
Kristi will teach us the basics of creating a beautifully arranged charcuterie board using fresh, local ingredients. We'll also have a cooking class led by a local English-speaking chef. Both classes will be held in the villa's gorgeous kitchen.