Culinary Workshops Vacations In Tuscany
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At Home Cooking in Tuscany

TableFollow your heart and feed your soul. Come to Tuscany to learn from local chefs who cook with passion as a way of life. Participate in hands-on cooking events that will change the way you think about food in general and Italian cuisine in particular.  Learn the true meaning of “Si sposa” (it marries) in the context of food preparation, and why "Stare bene insieme" (meaning to stay well - or close - together) is a quintessential part of sharing a meal in Italy. The spontaneous convivial atmosphere that happens when family and friends get together is a highly valued keystone of Italian lifestyle and why we and so many others love living here! 

It all seems to come together over a meal. The shopping for and preparation of food is foreplay to what follows. When everyone finally sits down at the table, and the wine starts to flow and the simultaneous conversations pause to synchronize with the arrival of the first dish in a multi course meal, you know you’re at a true Tuscan table, where the food is savored and thoughtfully remarked upon, and life and eating are one. There is a deep appreciation and delight for the magic that took place in the kitchen, the most important room in the house. Cooking, eating, talking and being together are what give satisfaction and meaning to "Stare bene insieme". Come to Tuscany and experience this for yourself.Il Rifugio Kitchen

The theme for our cooking classes is tradition, authenticity, education, and fun. We will complement step-by-step instructions and demonstrations with a history of the dishes we’re preparing.  Our recipes come from the hearts of local Cortonese, the people whose families in and around Cortona date back centuries.  We will explore age-old regional traditions in food preparation as well as contemporary twists on classic recipes, Expect to glean tips on savvy shopping from local vendors including topnotch butchers, vintners, farmers, and other specialty shops and markets.

We invite you to eat, drink, and partake in an unforgettable culinary journey through Tuscany, to revise your thinking on Italian food, and to take home a renewed sense of the delights and arts of the table.  

Cost and Conditions     Back to Culinary Workshops page

For more information please Email us or call:
U.S.A. 805 682 2386 or Italy (011 39) 0575 601 782

Arrival Day

Wine and glasses

We welcome you to Il Rifugio!

We will meet you at the Camucia-Cortona train station or in Cortona and take you to Il Rifugio. After a tour and orientation, you will settle into your room before a welcoming dinner.

All transportation is provided during your stay at Il Rifugio including to the train station, Cortona and other surrounding communities.

Itinerary

Table

Each day will start with a Tuscan (or American) style breakfast including fresh bread, pastry, sweet spreads, and cafe, cappuccino or tea. Fine wines from the region or IL Rifugio's house wine is included with our meals and wine tasting event.

Meet like-minded foodies and share the experience. Come and stay for a week with us at Il Rifugio and learn the culinary traditions of the region.

Our program will consist of:
  • At least four hands on cooking lessons or demonstrations.
  • At least one visit to a private home or agritorismo for a lesson and a meal.
  • A Renaissance night including a presentation and authentic dinner with food from the period.
  • A guided wine tour to some of the regional wineries of Montepulciano and Montechino.
  • Excursions to other hill towns.
  • Visits to local outdoor markets.
  • Meals at selected local restaurants.
  • A free day to explore on your own. We will gladly provide transportation to and from the local train station or Cortona.
  • All meals except lunch on your free day

Departure Day

 

Trees

At 1 0:00 AM - We bid you a reluctant "arrivederci". Transfer from IL Rifugio to Cortona or train station is provided.

Workshop Dates

Olive Harvest


This week-long program can be arranged for a private group of six to ten people Please contact us to schedule a date.

Cost & Conditions

 
  • The cost of the week-long program is $2,800.
  • Please see the Planning section for very important pre-registration information.
Culinary and Cultural Vacations in The Heart of Tuscany
Horse
 Il Rifugio is a private Tuscan farmhouse for rent by the owners,
located in the village of Montanare, community of Cortona, Italy
Horse