If it were necessary to prove to the world that an italian kitchen and a Tuscan wine cellar are compulsory cultural stops, Catherine of Medici would have been the person best suited to the task. She was born into the Cafaggiolo branch of the Medici family on 13 April, 1529, and was the daughter of Lorenzo II. She was well educated and developed a taste for parties, gaiety
and sophistication, as well as the "pleasures of the table". At the age of fourteen, she became Queen of France. When she left Italy, she took not only money and her trousseau, but also several cooks and sommeliers who had been chosen from among the noble families. This was the first and perhaps the most important contribution, to the world, as regards knowledge of both Tuscan cuisine and wine.

The restaurant "Giovanni da Verrazzano",
situated in the town of Greve in Chianti,
is one of the best restaurants in Tuscany.
It offers traditional Tuscan cooking with
excellent "Chianti Classico Gallo Nero"
wine. Its kitchen is very large and clean.

Participants can be offered hotel and
apartment accommodations in Florence
and farm-houses in the Chianti region as
well as 3 - 5 star hotels. Please contact
your agent for suggestions.

Duration of course: 6 days

• Lessons: six 3-hour morning lessons (8.00 am - 11.00 am)
• Lessons: two 3-hour afternoon lessons (a special lesson for Gala dinner organization and one visit to a supermarket in the area)
• Lessons: one 3-hour evening lesson with dinner and food/wine combination techniques
• Gala dinner
• six lunches with tasting of dishes prepared during the cooking lessons
• Participation diploma
• Interpreter
• Insurance
• Tax and service

No more than 15 participants and no fewer than 12

RATE:
1.209,00 euro
per person

The participants in the course will take part in the preparation of some typical dishes. One special lesson will be dedicated to Tuscan sweets; another one will explain "culinary marria-ges", that is, which food should be served which wine, and vice versa! This lesson will be taught by an official sommelier, during a special dinner.
A trip to an italian supermarket is also on the agenda. An interpreter will help both the chefs and the "students" during the lessons.
At the end of the course, the participants will prepare a Gala Dinner. Guests from the town of Greve in Chianti, for example the Mayor, will also take part. During the Gala Dinner each "student" will receive a certificate of participation from a Representative of the Tourism Department of Greve in Chianti.

Teachers: Chef Rossella Rossi, member of the "Italian Gastronomic Academy", and her staff

Sommelier: Massimo Sottani, registered with the Italian Association of Sommeliers