It’s no secret that Italy is the epicenter of the culinary world. Whether you’re an epicure looking for authentic Italian cooking classes, a wine connoisseur searching for the perfect blend, or a gourmet adventurer on the hunt for an off-the-beaten-track experience, we’ve gathered the five not-to-be-missed gastronomic stops for your next Italian escape.
A famous Italian proverb states ‘in wine there is truth’, and there is no truer way to experience Tuscany than through its wines. Italy is synonymous with fine wine and the Luxo Italia Chianti wine tour is the perfect introduction to the word-class selection on offer. The Chianti region extends from Florence to Siena and is made up of verdant rolling hills and stone-walled cellars, with olive orchards dotted in between.
A trip to this historic region is the ultimate in culinary indulgence, and you’ll also witness 300 years’ worth of viticultural excellence. No two wineries are the same, and each offers a unique glimpse into the balance between the traditional and contemporary Italian wine making scene as it stands today.
Set out into the leafy woods on the outskirts of San Miniato for a chance to hunt for a culinary treat – the white truffle. Be a part of this ancient Tuscan tradition and, while you search, learn all about the history and uses of this gastronomic treasure. After your day out in the woods you’ll be treated to an exceptional meal using the ingredients foraged for during your tour, with a demonstration of how best to use them in your next Italian meal. If this sounds like just the experience for you, be sure not to miss out on our exclusive white truffle hunting tours offered in Tuscany.
To see Chef Dario Cecchini cooking is to witness poetry in motion. This internationally acclaimed butcher and chef has been working to keep the tradition of butchery alive, while simultaneously taking an environmentally conscious and sustainable approach. Dining at Solociccia is an opportunity to experience the heart of Italian cuisine, with simple cuts of meats prepared to perfection.
Enjoy a six-course meal, complemented with seasonal vegetables and a Tuscan favorite – beans with extra virgin olive oil. Soak it all up with fresh bread and a glass of the region’s best wines. To finish, indulge in slice of unique olive oil cake and the age-old tradition of a glass of grappa. This off-the-beaten-track Italian culinary experience is one you’ll be talking about long after the taste of ragu has faded.
When you step into the walled city of San Gimignano, you’re stepping into a fairy-tale world like no other. While exploring the winding streets beneath terracotta roofs, make sure to look out for cellars boasting the internationally acclaimed Vernaccia di San Gimignano. Made from the vernaccia grape that can only be found in the hills around San Gimignano, this dry, crisp white attracts wine connoisseurs from across the world to sample Italy’s finest white wine. Make sure to wrap a bottle up for your trip home – you won’t regret it.
Visit the family-owned restaurant Salice Blu in Bellagio and allow the energetic and internationally-acclaimed Chef Luigi to teach you the secrets of the Italian kitchen. Chef Luigi’s classes are renowned for their personal touch and engaging approach. After sharing a coffee and a myriad of stories with your host, you’ll follow Chef Luigi into the garden to pick and choose from a selection of fresh produce and ingredients. The morning will be spent making fresh pasta from scratch, which will later be enjoyed al fresco on the terrace. This experience is best paired with a Riva vintage boat tour along the shores of Lake Como.
Luxo Italia offers hand-crafted Italian travel itineraries for discerning travelers looking for an exclusive experience of one of the world’s greatest gastronomic destinations. If one of the experiences listed here has piqued your interest, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. For more information, take a look at our website, send us an email on info@luxoitalia.com or call +39 02 9475 2187.
What are you waiting for? Plan your next Italian escape today!
