
WINE WEEK
2023 & 2024
27 Aug-2 Sept 25-31 August
We will be hosting a special small-group (maximum 12 people) Tuscan wine week based at i Castagni from 27 August to 2 September 2023 and 25 to 31 August 2024 (7 days, 6 nights). This will be a wonderful opportunity to learn all about Tuscan wines, with expert-led tastings and visits to wineries in the local wine denominations of Montepulciano (with its famous Nobile di Montepulciano), Montalcino (famed for its Brunello di Montalcino), the beautiful Val d’Orcia, and the renowned Chianti Classico region. There will also be great Tuscan food and every opportunity to enjoy the local towns, villages and scenery.
This very special week will combine all the best elements of Italian life: you will live in a real Italian village and see the community going about its daily life; eat in restaurants where Italians eat; and discover some of Tuscany’s most breathtaking scenery. All as a backdrop to sniffing, swirling, learning about and tasting Tuscan wines.
A side programme will run in parallel during the week for those who may like a break from wines or to spend more time visiting local attractions. Time is also built into the programme for adequate rest during the day.
Guests will be accommodated at i Castagni. The cost per person for the week is €5500 (or $5500 if you wish to pay in US dollars) this includes everything in the programme (visits, wines, meals, accommodation). It does not include airfares or transfers from/to your arrival airport to the hotel. If you need assistance with booking your airport transfer to/from the hotel, please ask.
i Castagni owner and host, Tim, knows personally all the wine producers you will be visiting and will be delighted to answer any questions you might have before you book. Please do get in touch with him using the Contact Us form below if you have any questions, queries or if you would like to reserve a place for 2023 or 2024.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
Arrival Day - Sunday

afternoon arrival at i Castagni and settle into your accommodation
evening drinks/aperitivo on the i Castagni terrace with a relaxed and 'hands-on' introduction on 'how to taste wine'
dinner at a village restaurant
Monday
medieval Montefollonico

Tuesday
majestic Montepulciano

presentation on Tuscan wines and grapes in the iCastagni cellar, followed by lunch
tasting with Montefollonico's wine producer
dinner in a nearby sommelier-owned restaurant
presentation on how to taste wines
visit to an organic vineyard in Montepulciano (pictured) with wine tasting and lunch
visit the town of Montepulciano
dinner in a Montepulciano restaurant with wine tasting
Wednesday
the breathtaking beauty of the Val d'Orcia

presentation of the Val d'Orcia region with tastings
lunch with Val d'Orcia wines in one of Italy's acclaimed historic gardens
visit to a Val d'Orcia organic vineyard, tour and tasting
visit to, and dinner in, Pienza
Thursday
historical Chianti Classico

visit Chianti Classico winery with tasting
lunch in the town of Gaiole in Chianti
visit Chianti Classico winery in Gaiole in Chianti
dinner with Chianti wines
Friday
Montalcino, the home of Brunello

visit Montalcino vineyard with tasting
lunch with Brunello tastings
dinner with Montalcino wines in Montefollonico
Saturday

leisurely morning followed by departure