Tuscan Women Cook, the unique and popular culinary vacation located in the heart of Tuscany celebrating the food and culture of the Italian region, is back at their pre-pandemic full schedule of classes and excursions in the charming village of Montefollonico.
The 2022 season is just about sold out though space is still available, and they are taking reservations for 2023 and 2024. Los Angeles-based owner and host, Coleen Kirnan has been hard at work with her team and the businesses in Montefollonico creating new class experiences, fun and relaxing side trips and activities for her guests.
“Tuscan Women Cook is proud of our deep relationships forged with the residents and businesses of Montefollonico. We’ve been here since 2000 and feel deeply connected to this community,” Coleen says. “The warm welcome our guests receive from the residents and the personal ties we have with the very best vintners, restaurateurs, and, of course, our cherished nonnas, gives our guests unparalleled, exclusive access to a true Italian culinary experience. We are so happy to be able to resume our full schedule.”
During each day of the week-long program, a group of 16 participants learn to cook authentic Italian recipes from some of the best cooks in all of Italy…the local grandmothers, or “nonnas of Montefollonico.” These extraordinary women teach their cooking classes sharing family recipes that have been handed down from generation to generation.
This year Tuscan Women Cook is happy to add a new nonna to their teaching roster, Dania, the former owner of the Michelin-starred La Chiusa Ristorante. She came out of retirement just to conduct classes for Tuscan Women Cook. Guests swoon over Dania’s homemade caramel gelato and love learning how to pull hand-spun sugar during Dania’s cooking class.
While staying within the walls of the magical village of Montefollonico, guests stay at the beautiful I Castagni hotel. Perched at the very top of Montefollonico, guests enjoy spectacular views of the Chiana valley and the picturesque village from their suites and I Castagni’s well-appointed expansive outdoor terrace.
“Families, friends, couples, and solo travelers of all ages from around the world join us every spring and fall for this life-changing experience,” Coleen states. “Join a group of accomplished cooks, the culinary curious, and grateful, happy eaters who may very well become your new foodie friends for life. Where better to launch a new friendship than relaxing with a glass of Super Tuscan wine while admiring the breathtaking view of the Tuscan countryside?”
And after a day of cooking, eating, and wine tasting, participants are taken on shopping and sightseeing trips in the many beautiful villages and towns of Tuscany, with maybe a little more wine tasting and afternoon gelato sampling, ending each day with a memorable gourmet dinner in the region’s top locales.
Tuscan Women Cook’s week-long program runs during the months of May, June, September and October.
Tuscan Women Cook published a cookbook celebrating 20 years of recipes and memories in 2021. For more information on Tuscan Women Cook, visit their website, www.TuscanWomenCook.com.
