"Autochthonous" refers to a variety of grape from a specific terroir. In other words, a particular type of grape adapted to a specific soil and geography, as well as to tradition. Italy is one of the countries with the most autochthonous grapes in the world - and there are 545 registered varieties for making wine! Each one has its distinguishing quality and story. Italian producers have started to revive these vines - some of which were almost extinct - and produce wines from them, just like the old times.
In this workshop, we will learn about some of these grapes, their traditions, and when occasion permits - we will meet the producers who make them. Printouts will be distributed in order to help facilitate learning during classes, wine will be tasted, and there will be afternoon visits to local Umbrian wineries. On Friday, we will make an all-day trip to Tuscany to visit some of its most distinguished vineyards. Let’s dive into the wines of Italy together and see -and taste- why this country is so very special in the world of wine!
The workshop, is led by noted food and wine critic and sommelier, Rowena Dumlau, who will present an overview and sampling of Italy’s wines organized by each of its 20 Regions. Rowena has personally selected 3-4 wines of each region that exemplify its contribution to Italy's vinicultural wealth! Each day, following an informative presentation and overview, Rowena will present a tasting of characteristic wines of each location - participants will sample 9-12 wines per day, for a total of over 60 wines!
For the benefit of our neighbors, we also provide a day-rate that includes: instruction, wine, and a 5-course lunch prepared by our excellent chef, Cristiano and our kitchen staff. For day-rate pricing, please contact us at: icarts.info@gmail.com
Participants can choose dates from the itinerary below at an “a la carte” basis.
For guests staying with us as well as for day-visitors, the itinerary is as follows:
Monday, August 19, Wines of: Umbria, Abruzzo, Marche, Tuscany
Umbria
Abruzzo
Le Marche
Tuscany
Tuesday, August 20, Wines of: Trentino-Alto Adige, Valle d’Aosta, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto
Trentino-Alto Adige
Valle d’Aosta
Friuli -Venezia Giulia
Veneto
Wednesday, August 21, Wines of: Piemonte, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Lombardia
Piedmonte
Liguria
Emilio Romagna
Lombardia
Thursday, August 22, Wines of : Campania, Lazio, Basilicata, Molise
Campania
Lazio
Basilicata
Molise
Friday, August 23, Tuscany Wine Tour - we will visit the following, renowned Tuscan Vineyards:
Saturday: August 24, Wines of: Sicily, Sardegna, Puglia
Sicily
Sardegna
Puglia
Calabria
Throughout the week-long experience, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. The workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo daVinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with spectacular views, 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday.
Of course, throughout your stay, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Depart Monte castello 5:00 AM via private bus to the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) 5:30 AM
Regrettably our timetable will not support flights leaving by 10:30 - 11:00 AM
