oin us for a memorable week of culinary and recreational activities in the medieval Tuscan hilltop village of Montefollonico—one hour south of Florence and two hours north of Rome. Come live the Tuscan lifestyle!
For lovers of Italian food, we offer a unique hands-on opportunity to participate in small groups as Tuscan women cook. The local women of Tuscany will share their techniques, special ingredients, and family recipes. Our classes are ideal for cooks at all experience levels. And you'll join them a tavola to enjoy what you've prepared.
For wine lovers, we're situated in the heart of Brunello de Montalcino and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano country, and border on the Chianti wine region. This is the center of the new Italian wine renaissance!
Your first-class accommodations will be at the four-star La Chiusa, an elegantly restored farmhouse and olive oil mill. La Chuisa's luxurious accommodations and award-winning restaurant have been critically acclaimed for decades, and travelers from all over the world come to Montefollonico just to stay in this enchanting place.
We came to La Chiusa for the first time in the late 1980s and were instantly mesmerized by its beauty. We returned here several times each year, each time enjoying it more than the time before. Our decision to buy our own home nearby in 1998 was influenced strongly from our fabulous time spent there. La Chiusa is truly a step up for the pleasure of our guests.
The property is ideally situated for glorious views of the Chiana Valley: rolling hills covered with olive trees and vineyards, and the ivory-colored hilltop town of Montepulciano in the distance. You can have breakfast on the terrace, enjoying bread that's been freshly baked in La Chiusa's wood-burning oven, slathered with jam made from the property's fig trees. A breeze may blow through, carrying with it the scent of lavender from the herb garden. In the evenings, the sunsets over La Chiusa's panorama will dazzle you. Here is a country retreat that calms, inspires, and lifts your spirits.
Each of the 15 rooms is unique, featuring architectural elements from the original structure—exposed brick walls, millstones from the olive press, wood-beamed ceilings, and fireplaces. That's not to say that you won't also feel very pampered here: rooms have deep soaking tubs, many with Jacuzzis.
The restaurant presents an airy, gracious setting, with white-table-clothed-draped tables adorned with wildflowers. Dania Masotti is the shining star here, a recipient of a Michelin star for her cooking. She'll be one of your cooking teachers and is also a most memorable hostess. Don't be surprised to find her dressed in Prada head-to-toe, exuding the beauty and air of an Italian movie starlet, as she sips prosecco while stirring tomato sauce in her country kitchen.
You are invited to explore the surrounding area and make the program as structured or unstructured as you wish. Be prepared to rejoice in the scenery and rejuvenate your soul. Everyone loves Tuscany as you simply become one with all the elements. Enjoy the quiet days and cool nights. Come here to relax by the swimming pool! Come here to cycle, trek, or soar in a hot air balloon! Find more special activities here! But by all means come!
PREGO Tuscany cooking class!
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