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.
Arrive on Sunday or Thursday, with one cooking class on either Monday or Friday, (depending on the day of arrival). 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 prepared during their cooking lesson.
Day 1 (Sunday/Thursday): 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 (Monday/Friday): After breakfast clients have the option of exploring the historical walled hill town of Montepulciano at their leisure. The hotel will provide a private transfer to Montepulciano along with a map and list of suggested sights to visit. At 12:00 p.m. visit the Crociani Wine Cellar for a tasting of the fine wines produced in Montepulciano. Included is a light lunch of salami, cheese, first press extra virgin olive oil, Vin Santo with cantucci (almond sugar biscuits) and grappa. 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 and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. The cooking class begins at 5:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 8:00 p.m. Companions not participating in the cooking program are invited to the dinner free of charge.
Day 3 (Tuesday/Saturday): Breakfast is followed by a tour of the Tuscan Countryside at 10:00 a.m. Visit Pienza, San Quirico d'Orcia, Montalcino, "Abbazzia di Sant'Antimo", Monte Amiata - a volcano and tallest mountain in Tuscany, Bagno Vignoni - the oldest hot spring, and the medieval village of Monticchiello. Tour includes a light lunch. Afternoon is on your own. At 5:00 p.m. enjoy a Body Relax Massage at the Terme Montepulciano spa. Companions not participating in the cooking program will receive a free Plantar Reflexology and Hydro Massage. Dinner is at Le Logge del Vignola in Montepulciano, and includes one bottle of the award winning Vino Nobile di Montepulciano. Clients provide their own transportation to the spa and dinner. The Terme Montepulciano spa is located two miles from the hotel and Le Logge del Vignola is located 1 ½ miles from the hotel.
