Italy is synonymous in many minds with olive oil and it has traditionally produced some of the finest in the world! Here, in Umbria - the region called the Green Heart of Italy - a land of olive trees, grape vines, wheat fields, and rich in ancient traditions - we are very fortunate to produce some of the finest oils in Italy. Our little village is surrounded by olive orchards in every direction and their yield has claimed numerous regional and national awards. This Green-Gold as it is sometimes called, is the pride of our region and our locality. Those who have never experienced the flavor of freshly-pressed Umbrian pure virgin olive oil will be amazed by the complex flavor: smelling of the green of freshly cut grass, then rich and buttery, and finally - a spicy finish - it is among the most complex oils in the world!
From our mountain castle village, we are fortunate to be within a mornings walk of Passo del Palomba, a farm estate owned by Alessandro Gilotti and his wife, Claudia. Sandro is an internationally renowned expert on olive oil, and owner of one of the most highly-regarded producers in the region. The couples passion for this land as well as for the oil and wine they produce, is infectious and participants will soon be won over by their enthusiasm for the health benefits of his oil and his vast knowledge of cultivation and production.
The course is designed for all levels of interest, those with a general interest in simply learning more about quality olive oil in spectacularly beautiful setting will be equally enriched by the workshop as those with careers in the culinary arts, seeking to enhance their expertise and credentials. The week-long workshop, will consist of four, three-hour classes, held on the farm of the Passo del Palomba estate from Monday to Thursday. Day-five will be held at our Asilo facility, where we will do a tasting paired with dinner, accompanied by local wines of note. Afternoons will be spent in Monte Castello with excursions to local wineries, food and wine tastings, and a truffle hunt.
Topics to be addressed in our time at Passo della Palomba:
During your stay, you will be housed at a beautiful and grand, 17th c. villa, located on a forested mountain overlooking Tiber valley.
Surrounded on all-sides by olive groves, carefully kept lawns and grand cypress trees, hedges of lavender and rosemary grace the landscape, with a vegetable garden for guest use - the setting is idyllic. The stately villa itself is completely gated and fenced and features unique architectural elements, such as beautifully painted beamed and brick domed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, stone walls, unique fireplaces, arched doorways and wooden-shuttered windows, all complemented by the stylish furnishing and decor throughout. The designer kitchen features the most elegant contemporary appliances and features.The main house sleeps ten (four bedrooms, all en-suite). In addition, a stone cottage and sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, with a separate bathrooms, and provides several sitting and relaxation areas in addition to a very comfortable main lounge. A large upper terrace includes a shaded area, perfect for dining and appreciating spectacular sunsets and mountain views. The lower patio surrounds a magnificent infinity pool. The villa is a stunning property that will provide unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
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. The 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, and their traditions – we will taste the wines, and meet the producers who make them. Printouts will be handed to help facilitate learning during lessons, wine will be tasted and there will be visits to wineries. Let’s dive into the wine world of Italy and see and taste why this country is so special!
Additionally, our workshop dates coincide with the annual Cantine Aperte festival, which is one of the most important wine events of the year! At the festival, the seasons new wines are unveiled and vineyards open their doors to all who are eager to taste the new vintage. It is the good fortune of this workshop that the event falls of the first day of our activities – and we will attend the event! It is an amazing celebration and will be a great way to kick off the workshop.
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.
The workshop includes daily tastings and winery visits as well as lunch at a Michelin-recommended restaurant, Il Frantoio, in Assisi and other meals at noteworthy vineyards. Finally, our “off-campus” meals will include a dinner at the renowned Torre a Cona vineyard, where we will be treated to a tasting of their wines and an extraordinary 6-course dinner!
Of course, throughout your stay, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Those who have time might also consider the adding the additional 4-day tour: Little-known Wines of Campania, June 4 – 7, which will commence at the end of this workshop.
Italy is synonymous in many minds with olive oil and it has traditionally produced some of the finest in the world! Here, in Umbria - the region called the Green Heart of Italy - a land of olive trees, grape vines, wheat fields, and rich in ancient traditions - we are very fortunate to produce some of the finest oils in Italy. Our little village is surrounded by olive orchards in every direction and their yield has claimed numerous regional and national awards. This Green-Gold as it is sometimes called, is the pride of our region and our locality. Those who have never experienced the flavor of freshly-pressed Umbrian pure virgin olive oil will be amazed by the complex flavor: smelling of the green of freshly cut grass, then rich and buttery, and finally - a spicy finish - it is among the most complex oils in the world!
From our mountain castle village, we are fortunate to be within a mornings walk of Passo del Palomba, a farm estate owned by Alessandro Gilotti and his wife, Claudia. Sandro is an internationally renowned expert on olive oil, and owner of one of the most highly-regarded producers in the region. The couples passion for this land as well as for the oil and wine they produce, is infectious and participants will soon be won over by their enthusiasm for the health benefits of his oil and his vast knowledge of cultivation and production.
The course is designed for all levels of interest, those with a general interest in simply learning more about quality olive oil in spectacularly beautiful setting will be equally enriched by the workshop as those with careers in the culinary arts, seeking to enhance their expertise and credentials. The week-long workshop, will consist of four, three-hour classes, held on the farm of the Passo del Palomba estate from Monday to Thursday. Day-five will be held at our Asilo facility, where we will do a tasting paired with dinner, accompanied by local wines of note. Afternoons will be spent in Monte Castello with excursions to local wineries, food and wine tastings, and a truffle hunt.
Topics to be addressed in our time at Passo della Palomba:
During your stay, you will be housed at a beautiful and grand, 17th c. villa, located on a forested mountain overlooking Tiber valley.
Surrounded on all-sides by olive groves, carefully kept lawns and grand cypress trees, hedges of lavender and rosemary grace the landscape, with a vegetable garden for guest use - the setting is idyllic. The stately villa itself is completely gated and fenced and features unique architectural elements, such as beautifully painted beamed and brick domed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, stone walls, unique fireplaces, arched doorways and wooden-shuttered windows, all complemented by the stylish furnishing and decor throughout. The designer kitchen features the most elegant contemporary appliances and features.The main house sleeps ten (four bedrooms, all en-suite). In addition, a stone cottage and sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, with a separate bathrooms, and provides several sitting and relaxation areas in addition to a very comfortable main lounge. A large upper terrace includes a shaded area, perfect for dining and appreciating spectacular sunsets and mountain views. The lower patio surrounds a magnificent infinity pool. The villa is a stunning property that will provide unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
F
or those interested in a full gastronomic immersion in traditions of food and wine of Italy, this week-long workshop is ideal! Set in the geographic center of Italy - the region of Umbria, is known as the "green heart" of Italy. Here in a small medieval village set among the verdant hills of the Todi valley, a full immersion in ancient knowledge and traditional flavors will take place. Oenophiles interested in discovering the wines of the region will not be disappointed - surrounded by by world-class vineyards in every direction, there will be plenty of opportunities for discovering the excellent wines of the region!
Intended for experts or enthusiasts in the food and wine sector interested in improving their skills, those interested in learning about Italian foodand wine for personal pleasure, or simply for enthusiasts of good living - the pleasures of the Umbrian table provide for an unforgettable experience in Italy.
The duration of the workshop is one week, from 4 to 11 May 2024. (There is also a possibility of personalized dates on request, if an already formed group of 6 - 12 presents itself with different time needs.)
During your stay, you will be housed at a beautiful and grand, 17th c. villa, located on a forested mountain overlooking Tiber valley. Surrounded on all-sides by olive groves, carefully kept lawns and grand cypress trees, hedges of lavender and rosemary grace the landscape, with a vegetable garden for guest use - the setting is idyllic. The stately villa itself is completely gated and fenced and features unique architectural elements, such as beautifully painted beamed and brick domed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, stone walls, unique fireplaces, arched doorways and wooden-shuttered windows, all complemented by the stylish furnishing and decor throughout. The designer kitchen features the most elegant contemporary appliances and features.The main house sleeps ten (four bedrooms, all en-suite). In addition, a stone cottage and sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, with a separate bathrooms, and provides several sitting and relaxation areas in addition to a very comfortable main lounge. A large upper terrace includes a shaded area, perfect for dining and appreciating spectacular sunsets and mountain views. The lower patio surrounds a magnificent infinity pool. The villa is a stunning property that will provide unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Daily cooking classes will be held by a local chef in English or Italian (if requested), with years of experience in the food and wine sector. Wine tastings add appreciation will be directed by a 3rd level sommelier, and the farms and woodlands will enrich the palette of event the most knowledgable connoisseurs of cheeses along with - the green gold of Umbria - its wondrously rich and flavorful olive oil for which the region is famous - and 0f course, the black and white truffles of Norcia, which will be used in many of the traditional recipies and preparations, we will explore. Guided by typical recipes of Umbrian cuisine, peasant traditions, and ancient flavors will be enriched by the backdrop castles and ancient village set among the verdant woodlands of the region. The workshop presents a full immersion in the food and wine culture of Italy, which will mark your way of knowing food, tasting it, and experiencing it!
When we think of Italian wine regions, most often, we think about Tuscany and Piedmont but instead, this boot-shaped country has so much varied landscapes and oenological culture to discover. One of the least-known regions but with outstanding wines is Campania, the region of Naples where the tradition of gastronomy is supremely important.
It’s a volcanic territory where the mighty Mount Vesuvius reigns but little do we know that there’s a super volcano sleeping quietly very close to it, underneath the ground, sandwiching Naples in between. The locals are actually living on top of the underground volcano! Referred to as a super volcano, Campi Flegrei or Phlegraean Fields in English (also known as burning fields), is comprised of 24 craters and edifices, many of which are underwater in Pozzouli Bay. Rocks, pozzolans and lapilli born from fire are scattered about which make the soil for viticulture extremely special. The wines are born with great personalities, imprinted with deep expressions of minerality, marked salinity and bright acidity influenced by the composition of the soil where they are planted. The white variety Falanghina and the red variety Piedirosso express excellently in this territory.
Then there are the 10 to 20-meter high old vines of Asprinio d’Aversa. These are vines climbing around tall poplars or elm trees which act as guardians. On their full vegetative cycle, you find yourself in-between tall green walls of grapevines with treetops poking out like at regular intervals. The wines produced from Aprinio d’Aversa has its own peculiarity with its crispy acidity and refreshingly dry character giving out aromas of white jasmine and fresh herbs.
Campania has lot of indigenous grapes that thrive well in its characteristic soils. Coda di Volpe, Coda di Pecora, Casavecchia, Falanghina, Biancolella, Greco, Fiano, Aglianico, Piedirosso, and more. These are excellent wines to drink and when they are aged, they evolve deeper with beautiful complexity, but they are not as diffused outside the region as we would want them to be. This is a great reason to see and taste Campania on your next visit!
Participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with shared bath (a wide range of upgrades with private bath are available), 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday (no meals are served on Friday, our excursion day. Your workshop includes one excursion per week and many additional options are available on weekends for an additional fee. Of course, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
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. The 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, and their traditions – we will taste the wines, and meet the producers who make them. Printouts will be handed to help facilitate learning during lessons, wine will be tasted and there will be visits to wineries. Let’s dive into the wine world of Italy and see and taste why this country is so special!
Additionally, our workshop dates coincide with the annual Cantine Aperte festival, which is one of the most important wine events of the year! At the festival, the seasons new wines are unveiled and vineyards open their doors to all who are eager to taste the new vintage. It is the good fortune of this workshop that the event falls of the first day of our activities – and we will attend the event! It is an amazing celebration and will be a great way to kick off the workshop.
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.
The workshop includes daily tastings and winery visits as well as lunch at a Michelin-recommended restaurant, Il Frantoio, in Assisi and other meals at noteworthy vineyards. Finally, our “off-campus” meals will include a dinner at the renowned Torre a Cona vineyard, where we will be treated to a tasting of their wines and an extraordinary 6-course dinner!
Of course, throughout your stay, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Those who have time might also consider the adding the additional 4-day tour: Little-known Wines of Campania, June 4 – 7, which will commence at the end of this workshop.
Sketching a Pig is a hands-on exploration of traditional butchery and charcuterie methods, flavors, and foodways of central Italy, centered around the full utilization of the animal - nose to tail!
Join Nathan Gilmour and Chef Rece Hogerheide in Umbria for a week-long deep dive into the traditions and foodways of Umbria with a focus on handcrafted salumi, fire cookery, and the bounty of the land. Participants should be ready to assist in the butchering of a thoughtfully sourced pig and wild boar as well as with many traditional preparations that come with the early spring harvest. During this week, we will experience a full nose-to-tail processing of a hog, from breaking down the carcass, to salting, to tying, and of course, tasting as much salumi and product as we can. This is one of the top places in the world to experience all these amazing traditions
and products in one place - Umbria is truly home to some of the best salumi, wines, cheeses, and forageable plants in the world. Expect this week to be very hands-on with lots ofopportunity for participation and ample time to discuss methods and practices in the ideal setting.
During your stay, you will be housed at a beautiful and grand, 17th c. villa, located on a forested mountain overlooking Tiber valley. Surrounded on all-sides by olive groves, carefully kept lawns and grand cypress trees, hedges of lavender and rosemary grace the landscape, with a vegetable garden for guest use - the setting is idyllic.
The stately villa itself is completely gated and fenced and features unique architectural elements, such as beautifully painted beamed and brick domed ceilings, terracotta tiled floors, stone walls, unique fireplaces, arched doorways and wooden-shuttered windows, all complemented by the stylish furnishing and decor throughout. The designer kitchen features the most elegant contemporary appliances and features. The main house sleeps ten (four bedrooms, all en-suite). In addition, a stone cottage and sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms, with a separate bathrooms, and provides several sitting and relaxation areas in addition to a very comfortable main lounge. A large upper terrace includes a shaded area, perfect for dining and appreciating spectacular sunsets and mountain views. The lower patio surrounds a magnificent infinity pool. The villa is a stunning property that will provide unforgettable experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.
Your workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) aboard our comfortable private bus. All materials and fees for the course are included, except international airfare and meals on excursion days unless otherwise stated.
In collaboration with the Italian sommelier association - Assosommelier - and renowned connoisseur, sommelier, and master-taster, Antonio Andreani, the International Center for the Arts is proud to offer its 2023 Sommelier Certification course options at our facility in Monte Castello di Vibio, Umbria, Italy.
Italy is the world’s top wine producer and thus the perfect place to enrich your enjoyment of wine. Here, you will immerse yourself in the rich history of Italian wine, experience its diversity, and celebrate its connection to some of the most amazing foods in the world! Our courses are designed for individuals all levels of experience – the only prerequisite being a passion for learning about the rich traditions and incredible varieties of Italian wine!
The program is all inclusive with accommodation provided in our beautifully preserved 14 th c., medieval hill town. We provide Welcome and Departure services at the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) airport as well as airport transfer by private bus. Using locally sourced and artisanal ingredients, three traditional meals are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff and chef Federico Monday through Thursday. On Fridays our private bus will transport participants on two excursions: the first to the fabulous city of Florence and the second to Orvieto, which boasts one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. Saturdays and Sundays, we provide an incredible brunch with fresh baked bread and pastries, a variety of eggs, cheeses, and cured meats, as well as fresh yogurt and fruit. Of course, all accompanied by terrific, chilled Prosecco! Saturday and Sunday dinner are also grill-day’s and we will enjoy savory grilled meats (including wild game), fresh vegetables, and more! All lunches and dinners are accompanied by local wine, wines from our extensive Wine List available for purchase. Our bi-lingual staff is on hand 24/7 to fill your needs.
Our approach will be both fun and informative. Paired with delicious foods from our kitchen and the spectacular views from our dining terrace - the course will provide everyone the opportunity to fully experience the richness and beauty of the Umbrian landscape as well as the excellence of its culinary and viticultural traditions. We will make good use of our central location in Italy to visit both renowned Umbrian vineyards as well as to the Chianti Classico, Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino wine regions of Tuscany.
Throughout the course, our excursions will be combined with lectures and an in-depth introduction to the wines of Italy in general. We will provide tastings of many of the great Italian wines, with some interesting and surprising little-known wines as well.
All participants successfully completing the course will receive a certification of “Wine Taster” through Assosommelier. For professionals, the certification will not only reflect the technical knowledge that they have gained, but also provide the opportunity to continue to other levels of Sommelier training. For those with a general interest, the focus of the “Wine Taster” certification is ideal. participants undergo the same training as those in the “Level 1 Sommelier Course,” but do not need to take the requisite exams. It is the first step for those who want in-depth knowledge and a strong base for understanding wine at a high level of quality. Course on topics such as food pairing, appropriate serving and storage conditions, and the introduction to new types of wine will be invaluable in enriching the experience of the wines and culinary traditions of Italy.
While participating in the course, those interested can also earn a Level 1 Sommelier Certification, which is available in collaboration with Assosommelier by taking the requisite exams (during the workshop) offered through the Universita di Perugia di Sapori. (The latter requires additional coursework while in Monte Castello as well as an additional fee.) Level 1 Sommelier Certification is well-suited to the needs of food service professionals who want to expand their knowledge of wine in technical ways that will provide a step-stone to full Sommelier certification and careers related to wine.
For all participants, the course will focus on:
1. Providing a general knowledge about wine: history, terminology, production, aging, etc.
– focusing on wines of Italy
2. Technical tasting skills to both evaluate and enhance the enjoyment of wine
3. An introduction to types of wines and food pairing
4. The course will also provide an introduction to Beer (particularly exploring the emerging
micro brewing culture of Italy) and Spirits, focusing on aperitivi and drinks such as
grappa.
5. Regulations governing the production, distribution, storage, and sales of wine.
Food Pairing
Utilizing our kitchen here at the International Center for the Arts facility in Monte Castello and enlisting the aid of our fantastic chef Federico, we will also explore culinary traditions of Umbria and Italy as a whole, giving us the opportunity to examine the role of wine in:
A deep dive into the foodways, arts and culture of Umbria through hands-on learning, creation and curated experiences. Hosted and led by Nathan Colello Gilmour (Ragazzo Foods) at the International Center for the Arts in Monte di Vibio, Umbria. Program conceptualized and created by Chef Jason Osburn (Felony Provisions) and Nathan Gilmour.
For the full itinerary, click here. For more information, contact us.
Lead by Jerry Pellegrino, the chef/owner of Schola Cooking School in Baltimore, Maryland. The pleasures of wine fascinates Chef Pellegrino, as it is always paired beautifully with his cuisine. He will lead a lucky few on an intensive exploration of Umbrian wine, visiting 13 vineyards throughout the region.
He is currently the co-owner of Schola, a private cooking school, located in the heart of Baltimore’s historic Mt. Vernon district. He and his partner, Chef Amy von Lange, teach hands-on classes to a variety of students covering a vast curriculum. For 15 years, Chef Pellegrino has served as the Vice Chancellor Culinaire of the Baltimore Bailliage of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers and often featured in cooking segments on local television. He is the co-host of the long running radio show on NPR 88.1FM, WYPR’s “Radio Kitchen”. He has been nominated various years as Chef of the Year, awarded by Baltimore’s Academy of Travel, Tourism and Hospitality and was named One of Maryland’s 50 Most Influential People in 2017. For a full list of awards and honors, head to www.scholacooks.com or download his full bio.
For the full itinerary, click here. For more information, contact us.
Chance Morgan is the founder and owner of the Native Meat Company. An accomplished chef, he began producing his artisanal meats because of an interest in utilizing regionally raised animals and exploring traditional preparations in curing and smoking meats. A renowned craftsman in this practice, his production has been compared to the finest European cured meats. On the other hand, his knowledge of American traditions, such as boudin and andouille sausage making, is equally acknowledged. These factors make Chance the ideal guide with whom to explore the world of Italian – and Umbrian - Salumi, in its extraordinary diversity and sophistication. Participants in the course will make a variety of whole-meat, as well as chopped meat types and methods, beginning with butchering the whole animal (both wild boar and domestic pigs) to curing and preserving and aging the meats. The group will travel along with the Food and Wine Tour to Florence and to Norcia in order to experience Tuscan traditions as well as the “Mecca” of cured meats from which Italian “norcini” (butchers) get their name.
Join Pastry Chef Travis Marley as we explore Italian food and culture, then venture back into the kitchen to create classic Italian desserts.
For more information, contact us.
