Learn about the celebrated wines of Montepulciano and how to cook authentic Tuscan cuisine at the charming Relais Ortaglia, located outside of the historical walled hill town of Montepulciano in Tuscany. This three-night package includes one cooking class, a guided tour of the Tuscan countryside, local food and wine tasting, and a relaxing body massage at a local spa. The hotel's owner, Terenzio Biscardo, an expert in wine, will personally escort participants to the wine tasting and will pair wine from his private collection with the cooking lesson dinner at the hotel.
Arrival is from Sunday to Thursday, with the cooking class the following day. The hotel's chef will teach a full menu from appetizer to desert, starting each course from scratch and using only local ingredients. Participants will dine on the meal they have prepared.
Day 1: Afternoon arrival at hotel. 7:00 p.m. welcome aperitif by the pool, weather permitting. 8:00 p.m. dinner at La Grotta in Montepulciano, including one bottle of Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Clients provide their own transportation to La Grotta which is located one mile from the hotel.
Day 2: After breakfast clients have the option of exploring the historical walled hill town of Montepulciano at their leisure. The hotel will provide a map and list of suggested sights to visit. At 12:00 p.m. meet your host Terenzio at the Crociani Wine Cellar for a tasting of the fine wines produced in Montepulciano. The Crociani Winery is a family run winery dating back to the 1800s located in the heart of the Vino Nobile production area of Montepulciano. Return to the hotel for a light lunch followed by a body massage at the Terme Montepulciano spa, located two miles from the hotel*. The cooking lesson will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner with wine.
* Depending on availability, the massage may be scheduled for the morning, and the optional visit to Montepulciano will be in the afternoon. Guests provide their own transportation to the spa.
Day 3: Breakfast is followed by a guided tour of the Tuscan countryside. Visit Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia, Montalcino, "Abbazzia di Sant'Antimo", Monte Amiata - a volcano and tallest mountain in Tuscany, and Bagno Vignoni, its oldest hot spring. Included is a full lunch in a Trattoria in the beautiful medieval town of Sant' Angelo in Colle, featuring delicious Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino wines. Then visit a wine estate where the winemaker will show his vineyards and explain his method of wine production. Return to the hotel by 6:00 p.m. Dinner at Le Logge del Vignola, located 1 1/2 miles from the hotel, includes a bottle of the award winning Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Guests provide their own transportation to the restaurant.
