Want to impress your family and friends for with your unique charcuterie board? Are you interested in adding classic Italian salumi and cheeses to your repertoire of flavors?
Then join us for this exclusive event and learn how to create an elegant charcuterie board with unforgettable traditional ingredients and flavor combinations that will blow your guests away! In this workshop, we put the tools right in your hands!
The Course is led by Nicole Dowds of the celebrated, Charcuterina. In addition to Charcuterina, Nicole is also a food stylist, classic piano player, and world traveler. While living in in Rome, Nicole experienced and was enchanted by authentic Italian cuisine. She is the ideal guide to your adventure in the world of Italian Charcuterie.
The workshop includes the Full kit (instruction + supplies + premium ingredients), a beautiful olive wood board to bring with you after the workshop with Italian Local Wine Pairing
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.
Join us for a week of immersion in local tradition among the green hills of Umbria, in the heart of Italy. Here, in the ancient medieval village of Monte Castello di Vibio, time stands still. One of the most finely restored of Italian Hill Towns, Monte Castello has been recently been added to the list of "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy." Its stands among the hills of the Tiber valley, looking over the entire valley. From our vantage point, it is possible to admire the nearby historical cities of Todi, Perugia and even Montefalco on clear spring days.
Please note: This experience is held concurrently with our Sommelier Certification Course and particularly for those traveling from abroad, the Week in the Green Heart of Italy workshop presents the ideal meal and accommodation package to accompany that course - provided at very competitive rates. For those traveling with a partner or spouse, family member or friend, the workshop makes it possible to enjoy the intimacy of our spectacularly beautiful village and for the companion not participating in the Sommelier course, provides interesting activities and the possibility of dining together. However, the Sommelier Course is NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PROGRAM.
The International Center of the Arts will make you feel at home during your stay, pampering you with our local cuisine created by our chefs Cristiano and Loris whose kitchen utilizes locally-sourced, seasonal products and traditional recipes of Umbria. Truffles, local mushrooms, wild boar and many other regional ingredients accompany great local wine ad olive oil, freshly-baked bread! During your stay, a cooking course will allow you to learn the secrets of the art of hand-made pasta according to the family recipe of Cristiano and his grandmother Anna: fun with your hands in the pasta is guaranteed as is the flavor!
The program offers a week of relaxation filled with immersive experiences that will soon become treasured memories. From pasta-making to truffle hunting to watching the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta in action. We will visit the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will sample regional wines and typical products at nearby wineries, learn about the wonderful olive oils of Umbria, and celebrate the ancient culinary traditions of our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.
Your all inclusive experience provides accommodation in our beautifully preserved 14th c., medieval hill town in a former convent, called: "Asilo." The simple rooms convey the experience of the nuns who lived here in quiet contemplation, while each has a window overlooking the stunning Tiber Valley. Each room contains a sink and vanity, but the bathrooms are shared 2-3 rooms to a bath. Accommodation upgrades are available with private bath, AC, etc., are available on request. We provide Welcome and Departure services on selected days from the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) airport as well as airport transfer by private bus. Our private bus transports participants to off-campus excursions to vineyards, etc. Using locally sourced and artisanal ingredients, three traditional meals are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff Monday through Friday. 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 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.
ICARTS Italia is proud to announce
our collaboration with the renowned, Court of Master Sommeliers of Europe who will offer their 3-day, Introductory Sommelier Course and Exam and their Certified Sommelier Examination at our facilities in Monte Castello this summer. We are indeed honored to host these classes which are to be conducted by the worlds premier sommelier training and examining body! The Course fee includes the course and instruction, wine and classes, and testing for both Level 1 and 2 certification. (Please note, certification is not a guaranteed and is contingent on passing the appropriate exams.)
For millennia, the peoples of the Italian peninsula have produced some of the most extraordinary wines in the world. Today Italy is the worlds largest wine-producer and also maintains the greatest diversity of autochthonous (indigenous) wines to be found anywhere! In fact, here in Umbria, our village is surrounded by vineyards producing varietals that are found nowhere else - it is the perfect setting in which to begin your journey into becoming a sommelier! Our objective in this workshop provide this geographic and cultural backdrop to the rigorous sommelier certification program (Level 1 and 2) offered by the Court of Master Sommeliers. The class is intended for food and wine industry professionals seeking to develop their wine theory, tasting, and practical expertise.
It is important for participants to be aware that this rigorous program is demanding, requiring a 60% pass mark on both written and practical evaluations in addition to two-days of in-person coursework and lecture. The lectures are presented by Master Sommeliers using a power-point format interspersed with wine tastings, plus a practical service demonstration. The examination comprises a multiple-choice theoretical paper plus a short elementary practical service test. The Introductory Sommelier Certificate examination is held on the morning of the third day of the introductory program. After examination results are tallied, those who are successful will be invited to participate in the Certified Sommelier examination, to be held later that day.
The 3-Day experience hosted by ICARTS in collaboration with the Court of Master Sommeliers class culminates with exams on Friday. For those traveling from abroad, we highly recommend enrolling in our concurrent, Week in the Green Heart of Italy program, which provides and ideal companion experience to the Sommelier Program. It presents an opportunity to stay at ICARTS facilities in Mionte Castello and to dine at the school on our breathtaking terrace over the Tiber Valley.
Optional addition: A Week in the Green Heart of Italy
(Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included in the price of the sommelier course.)
For those traveling from abroad, the program offers an ideal opportunity to acclimate to the time change, relax and prepare for the Sommelier Course with MA. For those coming to ICARTS to participate in the Sommelier program, our Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program offers a very attractively priced all-inclusive package of meals and accommodation.
For those interested in traveling with a partner or spouse, the program provides ideal activities for a companion with a week of relaxation filled with immersive experiences that will soon become treasured memories. From pasta-making to truffle hunting to watching the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta in action. We will visit the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will sample regional wines and typical products at nearby wineries, learn about the wonderful olive oils of Umbria, and celebrate the ancient culinary traditions of our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.
The all inclusive experience provides accommodation in our beautifully preserved 14th c., medieval hill town in a former convent, called: "Asilo." The simple rooms convey the experience of the nuns who lived here in quiet contemplation, while each has a window overlooking the stunning Tiber Valley. Double occupancy accommodation upgrades are available with private bath, AC, etc., are available on request. We provide Welcome and Departure services on selected days from the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International (FCO) airport as well as airport transfer by private bus. Our private bus transports participants to off-campus excursions to vineyards, etc. Using locally sourced and artisanal ingredients, three traditional meals are lovingly prepared by our kitchen staff Monday through Friday. 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 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.
Please note that the Week in the Green Heart of Italy Program is NOT included in the price of the 3-day Sommelier course. No meals or accommodation are included with the sommelier course.
The below is taken from the Court of Master Sommeliers website at: https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/qualifications/
(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/introductory-sommelier-certificate-3-days/)
A three-day, intensive program comprised of two days of coursework followed by one day of examinations.
Prerequisite: Hospitality industry experience and a good basic theoretical knowledge of wines.
"The content of the course covers:
"Candidates who satisfactorily gain this certificate will be able to:
(https://www.courtofmastersommeliers.org/certified-sommelier-examination-1-day/)
"The Certified Sommelier qualification is the primary certification for wine and beverage professionals, comprised of one full day of examinations. There is no coursework for this level."
Prerequisite: Successful completion of the Level 1 course.
"Objectives:
"The Certified Sommelier Examination comprises three parts:
Join us for a week art-making, cooking, and immersion in local tradition among the green hills of Umbria, in the heart of Italy. Here, in the ancient medieval village of Monte Castello di Vibio, time stands still. One of the most finely restored of Italian Hill Towns, Monte Castello has been recently been added to the list of "Most Beautiful Villages of Italy." Its stands among the hills of the Tiber valley, looking over the entire valley. From our vantage point, it is possible to admire the nearby historical cities of Todi, Perugia and even Montefalco on clear spring days.
The International Center of the Arts will make you feel at home during your stay, pampering you with our local cuisine created by our chefs Cristiano and Loris whose kitchen utilizes locally-sourced, seasonal products and traditional recipes of Umbria. Truffles, local mushrooms, wild boar and many other regional ingredients accompany great local wine ad olive oil, freshly-baked bread! During your stay, a cooking course will allow you to learn the secrets of the art of hand-made pasta according to the family recipe of Cristiano and his grandmother Anna: fun with your hands in the pasta is guaranteed as is the flavor!
The program offers a week of relaxation filled with creative activities. From the traditional ceramic techniques of the nearby majolica capital, Deruta to Raku firing with our partners at Mondoceramica , participants will and model and decorate clay objects made with their own hands. We will visit the remarkable, nearby city of Orvieto and the incredible Marmore Falls - the highest in Europe. We will regional wines and typical products at the excellent Paolucci Winery, our partner in the celebration of the ancient culinary and wine traditions our fascinating Region. We share the same respect for the territory and the landscape which has been our and passion over the years.
Participants will be housed in the relaxed environment of Monte Castello di Vibio, free from tourists, souvenir stands and the stress of commercial travel. From the time we pick you up at the Rome/Fiumicino Airport (FCO) until we return you with our fond farewells, all your needs will be met. Our 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.
Take a look at the itinerary and contact us for more information on possible accommodation upgrades available within the village to further customize your stay!
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.
Italy is synonymous with stunning landscapes, rich cultures, - and great food and wine! Central to this matrix is its rich and healthful olive oils. From olive groves that grace hillsides to the magnificent ancient specimens that pre-date the Roman Empire, these trees form a part of the fabric that unites landscape and culture.
In our Flavors of Italy workshop, we will serve a "tasting menu" of the landscapes of our remarkable region. Immersed in its stunning scenery, our focus in this "a la carte" overview, will be to feast on central Italy's cultures, food and wine, - and of course its extraordinary olive oil!
As soon as we pick you up at the Rome/Fiumicino Airport, we will begin our with "sampler" by going all the way back to the volcanic origins of Italy with a visit to beautiful crater-lake - Bolsena where we will spend the night on its tranquil shores in the classic, Hotel Columbus. Afterward, we will travel to Tombolo, a 5-star seaside luxury resort, (https://www.chgroup.eu/tombolo/) where we will spend two lovely evenings while enjoying the sea, the spa, and the wonderful facilities. On Day 4, we will view the splendid cathedral of Siena - the Duomo- with a guided tour followed by a sampling of the famed traditional pastry's of the city. From here, we will travel on to our Umbrian village of Monte Castello di Vibio. In this beautiful and tranquil medieval hill town the vistas seem endless, the nights are cool, and air if filled with culture and history.
Umbria is the region called the Green Heart of Italy. It is a land of olive trees, grape vines, wheat fields, and rich in ancient traditions. In the farms surrounding our village, we are very fortunate to produce some of the finest oils in Italy. Those who have never experienced it, will be amazed by the complex flavor: smelling of the green of freshly cut grass, then rich and buttery, and finally - a spicy finish! Our "Green -Gold" as it is sometimes called, is among the most complex oils in the world! We are fortunate to be, just uphill from 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. We will spend three mornings with Sandro and Claudia sampling oils and wines they produce, while learning about the history and the health benefits of this incredible food!
We will spend 4-nights in Monte Castello before moving on to Castello del Postignano. The castle spilling down the mountainside looking out over the mysterious Sibillini Mountains was restored by American architect, Norman Carver and is now a unique luxury resort and will be a fascinating place to spend an evening enjoying great food and wine. On day 9, we will depart Postignano for the Adriatic Coast of Italy where we will visit the extraordinary Conero Rivera. Turquoise water, and huge white cliffs make this an area of stunning beauty and a destination for seafood lovers. After visiting a local, mountain winery, we will stay the fascinating, Fortino Napolianico, in Portonova. This former fort of the Napoleonic age, has been converted into a stunning hotel. Sitting directly on the sea, the location provides exceptional beach access, pool with grassy yard, and gourmet seafood meals. On Day 11, we will head back for a final night in Monte Castello stopping en route at Assisi for a brief tour of the church of San Francesco, one of the most important churches in Italy. The following day, we will head to Fiumicino for an overnight at the beautiful Isola Sacra Hotel. The next morning, participants will be transported to the FCO airport for their morning flights. 
Dive into the captivating world of Italian wines with our immersive workshop on Italy's indigenous grape varieties! These "autochthonous" grapes are uniquely adapted to the specific soil, climate, and traditions of their region, resulting in wines that are truly distinctive. Italy is home to an impressive diversity of these grapes, with 545 officially registered varieties. Each one has its own unique flavor profile and a rich history that reflects Italy's deep-rooted winemaking heritage.
In recent years, Italian winemakers have been bringing back these nearly extinct grape varieties, creating wines that celebrate the authentic flavors of Italy's varied terroirs. In this workshop, you'll learn about these rare grapes and their fascinating histories, and, when possible, meet the passionate producers who are reviving them. We’ll provide printouts to enhance your learning experience, conduct tastings of these unique wines, and offer visits to Umbrian and Tuscan wineries
On the first day, you'll delve into the winemaking process, explore different types of terroir and their effects on wine, and learn how to properly assess wine using visual, olfactory, and gustatory senses, all under the guidance of a professional sommelier.
Then, on Friday, join us for an exciting overnight excursion to Montepulciano in Tuscany, where we’ll visit some of the region’s most renowned wineries, famous for producing the world-class Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. This trip offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Italy’s wine culture and understand what makes it so exceptional.
The workshop is led by renowned food and wine critic and sommelier, Rowena Dumlao. With her guidance, you'll explore wines from each of Italy's 20 regions. Rowena has meticulously selected 2 wines from each region, highlighting the country’s remarkable vinicultural diversity. Each day includes an informative presentation followed by a tasting session featuring 8 distinctive wines, allowing participants to sample over 50 different wines throughout the workshop.
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.
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.
