Welcome to Chianti: Where Wine, History, and Heart Meet

Join Chef Mauro on an unforgettable journey through Tuscany as he uncovers the hidden gems of Chianti region in 2026. Explore the breathtaking landscapes, world-renowned vineyards, and mouthwatering Italian cuisine that make this region a true paradise. Imagine mastering authentic Italian cuisine alongside renowned Chef Mauro Golmarvi amidst Tuscany’s rolling vineyards and olive groves. This exclusive 4 day 3 night experience combines hands-on cooking classes using fresh, local ingredients with guided explorations of Tuscany’s treasures and charm. Savor wine tastings at historic estates, and create memorable meals in centuries-old kitchens. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Tuscany through a culinary master’s eyes. Accommodations at our villa in Castellina in Chianti.

WHEN: Select weekends in June, July, October, November 2026 (3 NIGHTS)

Day 1

First Embrace of the Tuscan Sun. The first time you round that curve in the road and Chianti reveals itself to you, something shifts inside. Our Mercedes glides through cypress sentinels standing tall against the Tuscan sky, and suddenly, time slows. The vineyards unfurl before us like nature's tapestry, each row telling stories of generations who've tended this sacred soil. Medieval villages cling to distant hills as if placed there by a Renaissance master's brush, while beneath it all, some of the world's finest wines rest in cool, centuries-old cellars.

Villa Gran Sogno welcomes us home—home for this magical week, at least. The afternoon sun gilds the terracotta roof and caresses the stone walls that began their life as horse stables in 1350. Mauro and Connie have woven modern comfort into these ancient bones without losing a whisper of their soul.

The moment we step into the lounge, we're enveloped in Mauro's famous bear hugs and his warm "Ciao Bello!" echoes off the stone walls. There's something about the way he pours that first glass of Chianti—with reverence, with joy—that tells you everything about the man. "This isn't just land," he confides as we toast to the adventures ahead, his eyes dancing with passion. "This is a story of generations of winemakers, my family's story."

As the evening sun paints the sky in impossible shades of amber and rose, we gather by the pool that overlooks Mauro's pride—gardens that would make any chef weep with envy. "Everyone talks about 'farm to table,'" he laughs, leading us through rows of heirloom tomatoes, eggplants heavy on their vines, and herbs that perfume the air with each step. "But we Italians, we invented it!" His hand gestures emphasize the point in that unmistakably Italian way.

With Aperol Spritz in hand, watching the sun surrender to the hills, we catch the expressions around us—wonder, contentment, anticipation. In just hours, strangers have become friends, united by Mauro's infectious love for his homeland. We already know in our bones—this week will redefine what travel means to us.

Day 2

Earth's Treasures & Kitchen Miracles. We wake to a view that belongs in a Merchant Ivory film—morning mist performing a ballet over the vineyards while the sun flirts with the horizon. Our coffee (Italian, naturally) steams in the cool morning air as we embark on a peaceful hillside walk. The dew-kissed grass, the birdsong symphony, the distant church bells—every sense awakens to Chianti's magic.

Then comes a treasured Italian tradition—hunting for funghi with Recardo, whose eyes seem able to spot a prized porcini hiding beneath centuries of forest debris. His weathered hands move with certainty, his stories of childhood hunts with his grandfather transporting us to another time.

"Cooking," Mauro declares hours later as flour dusts his hands and ours, "is about respect." We're learning to transform simple flour and eggs into silken pasta sheets under his watchful eye. "Respect for ingredients, for tradition, for the land that gives us these gifts." His grandmother's voice lives in his instructions, passed down like precious heirlooms. When we finally sit on the terrace to enjoy our handmade feast, the flavors are somehow heightened by the knowledge that we've participated in this timeless ritual—from garden to table, from heart to heart.

The afternoon carries us to what Mauro casually refers to as "the neighbor's house"—a breathtaking 13th-century village where Sergio's family has been making wine for five generations. Watching these two men converse in rapid-fire Italian—hands flying, laughter erupting—is like witnessing a beautiful, choreographed dance. Whether they're discussing the nuances of Sangiovese grapes or debating last night's soccer match remains delightfully unclear.

The transcendent moment comes in Sergio's cellar, tasting wine directly from ancient oak barrels. Each sip is a direct conversation with the land—telling tales of sun-soaked hillsides, mineral-rich soil, and traditions upheld through wars, plagues, and centuries of change.

Our day culminates in the cobblestone embrace of Castellina with a dinner that stretches luxuriously into the night, followed by gelato that ruins you for all other frozen desserts, and the essential Italian passeggiata. As Mauro explains, strolling arm-in-arm along medieval streets isn't merely walking—it's the art of being present, of savoring connection, of making room for just one more spoonful of pistachio gelato.

Day 3 Options

• June 18-21 Beach: Endulge in sunshine at the coast in Follonica

• July 16-19 Chianti: It’s summer in Tuscany - pool time and Wine

• October 22-25 Florence & Truffle: Explore Renaissance Florence and Mushroom foraging

• November 5-8 Olive Harvest: Our Olive oil is the best in Tuscany (we think) come experience harvest time and production

Day 4, Brunch by the pool and goodbyes

We hate to say goodbye, so we say arrividerci! Until we see you at Assaggio Restaurant in Seattle, or add some days and Relax with us in Tuscany.

Extra Treats Throughout Your Stay

• Private drivers ensure seamless transitions between each magnificent experience

• Exclusive access to wine cellars typically closed to the public

• Simple wine shipping services to send your discoveries home

• Flexible scheduling to coincide with seasonal festivals and local events

• Optional add on sunrise hot air balloon ride over Chianti's breathtaking landscape—seeing this ancient land awaken from above is truly unforgettable