Join us, along with Kristi Heyer of 'Graze & Vines' in Tuscany September 15-20, 2024 for a gorgeous week of gathering, grazing, feasting and retreating.
We'll visit the charming towns of Lucca, Le Cinque Terre; we'll experience an unforgettable meal at the world-famous butcher Dario Cecchini's restaurant; we'll visit a stunning castle-winery in Greve in Chianti for a tour and tasting, as well as learn how to 'charcuterie' like a pro, all while staying in a plush private villa (with its own spa!) in the hills outside of Lucca.
Located just outside the picturesque Renaissance Tuscan town of Lucca (an hour's drive from Florence), we will have the exclusive use of a 17th century estate, complete with its own spa!
Just twenty-five minutes from the famous towers of Lucca (about an hour from Florence), we'll have the exclusive use of a splendid, recently refurbished luxury villa. The villa has twelve spacious bedrooms, two living rooms, a gorgeous Carrara-marble kitchen with a view, a converted lemon conservatory dining and lounge area, a private spa with its own sauna and heated indoor pool, as well as an outdoor swimming pool with lounge chairs. This is the perfect base for relaxing and just being when we're not exploring the surrounding area.
The villa has twelve spacious, tastefully decorated rooms which can be either single or double. Each room offers different perks from valley views to ground floor garden access.
The villa has two living rooms, a gorgeous Carrara-marble kitchen with a view, a converted lemon conservatory dining and a lounge area.
The villa even has its own spa and sauna -- a great place to rest and soak tired feet!
We'll visit Lucca, Le Cinque Terre, Panzano in Chianti... We'll learn how to 'charcuterie' and how to make authentic Italian meals during a local, chef-led cook class. We'll also visit a biological winery within walking distance of the villa for a tasting and tour.
We'll spend a day enjoying the 'five lands' or as they're better known: Le Cinque Terre. These stunning villages, perched on steep craggy cliffs, are some of the most picturesque, panoramic views in all of Italy.
We'll have a guided tour of the remarkable town of Lucca, famous for the 16th century well-preserved wall surrounding it. Also the birthplace of the famous opera composer Puccini, you'll have the chance to visit Casa Puccini, a house museum. After the tour you'll have plenty of time to lunch, wander, stroll and shop.
We'll stop at a gorgeous castle winery in the heart of Chianti to tour a family-owned vineyard before trying some of their wines. Afterwards we'll head to lunch at eighth-generation family butcher and Chef's Table's Dario Cecchini's Antica Macelleria, Officina della Bistecca. Dario is quite a character and offers a fun, fascinating, not to mention unforgettable experience. Don't worry if you're vegetarian, a vegetarian menu is available.
Hi there!
I'm Kristi, the face behind the boards of Graze & Vines.
We are an Atlanta based charcuterie company specializing in gourmet cheeseboards, show-stopping grazing tables, and delicious charcuterie workshops.
We believe that food is the best way to gather people together - one of my favorite moments is seeing my nine year old daughter show my eighty year old grandmother how to craft "bites" side-by-side at my dad's sixtieth birthday party.
This is what it's all about - bringing the people you love together and providing an experience that your guests will be talking about long after your party ends.
I am so excited to partner with Regina on this luxurious retreat! Italy is one of my favorite places to visit - the food and the scenery are everything you can imagine and more! I am especially excited to get to experience Cinque Terre again with everyone; it's truly even more picturesque in person!
We can't wait to gather with you in Italy!
Prices are per person and start at £3300
Roundtrip group transfer to and from Florence
Five nights' accommodation in your choice of room at private villa with spa
All meals except for lunch on Day 1 & 2 (wine with dinner)
Cooking Class by local English-speaking chef
Charcuterie Class - Learn to arrange a beautiful charcuterie board from Kristi
Wine tasting in Chianti at family-owned vineyard
Day trip to Chianti
Lunch at Chef's Table-featured Dario Cecchini's Officina della Bistecca
Day trip to Cinque Terre with guide and transportation
Guided tour of Lucca