Nestled in the heart of the wine making region of Chianti Classico, Villa Mangiacane is a magnificent 15th century villa built by the Machiavelli family, bearing the unmistakable hand of the Renaissance master, Michelangelo. Located just 12km south of Florence, Mangiacane is set within 600 acres of flourishing vineyards and olive groves. The private estate produces three award winning wines and a distinctive olive oil which you can taste and enjoy during your culinary vacation.

Chef Massimo Bocus has a passion for food, flavor, and creativity, designing regional specialties with an international twist.  The objective of the Tuscany cooking classes at Mangiacane is to experience the heart and soul of Tuscany through food, history, and culture. The Tuscany cooking classes are about much more than a list of ingredients and how to cook them. Food and wine should be enjoyed with gusto, and that can begin with the preparation of a meal. We wish to introduce this philosophy into the cooking experience at Mangiacane for a memorable and valuable culinary vacation.

An extraordinary culinary vacation experience waits for you. A week of eating, cooking , tasting wine and olive oil and touring the area.

Program is available from April – October 2010.

Price includes: 5 nights accommodation, 1 morning cooking class, one evening cooking class, breakfast, airport transfers (Florence), welcome drink upon arrival, bottle of villa Mangiacane white wine and fresh fruits upon arrival, 1 morning cooking class followed by lunch and including villa Mangiacane wines. 1 wine and olive oil tasting. Three 3 course dinners at villa Mangiacane (beverages not included). 1 dinner in a local trattoria (beverages not included) one 4 hours excursion to another Chianti classic area and one 8 hours excursion to Siena and san Giminano. Daily shuttle from villa Mangiacane to Florence and back.