Epitourean.com

Food, Fun and Tuscan Sun

Contact Information

Cortona, Italy
39 0575 601 782

Culinary Category

Cooking Classes
Cooking Demonstrations
Culinary Vacation
Guided Culinary Tours

Culinary Focus

Italian

Follow your heart and feed your soul. Come to Tuscany to learn from local chefs who cook with passion as a way of life. Participate in hands-on cooking events that will change the way you think about food in general and Italian cuisine in particular.

Learn the true meaning of “Si sposa” (it marries) in the context of food preparation, and why "Stare bene insieme" (meaning to stay well - or close - together) is a quintessential part of sharing a meal in Italy. The spontaneous convivial atmosphere that happens when family and friends get together is a highly valued keystone of Italian lifestyle and why we and so many others love living here!

The theme for our cooking classes is tradition, authenticity, education, and fun. We will complement step-by-step instructions and demonstrations with a history of the dishes we’re preparing. Our recipes come from the hearts of local Cortonese, the people whose families in and around Cortona date back centuries. We will explore age-old regional traditions in food preparation as well as contemporary twists on classic recipes, Expect to glean tips on savvy shopping from local vendors including topnotch butchers, vintners, farmers, and other specialty shops and markets.

We offer a One-Day Class, a Three-Day Culinary Experience...and our Week-Long Culinary Vacation. Please see our website for details by clicking on the "View Website" button above.

Sample Itinerary | The Olive Harvest

We will meet you at the Camucia-Cortona train station or in Cortona and take you to Il Rifugio. After a tour and orientation, you will settle into your room before a welcoming dinner. All transportation is provided during your stay at Il Rifugio including to the train station, Cortona and other surrounding communities.

Each day will start with a Tuscan (or American) style breakfast including fresh bread, pastry, sweet spreads, and cafe, cappuccino or tea. Fine wines from the region or IL Rifugio's house wine is included with our meals and wine tasting event.

Meet like-minded foodies and share the experience. Come and stay for a week with us at Il Rifugio and learn the culinary traditions of the region.

The Olive Harvest program will consist of:

At least four hands-on cooking lessons or demonstrations.
At least one visit to a private home or agritorismo for a lesson and a meal.
A Renaissance night including a presentation and authentic dinner with food from the period.
A guided wine tour to some of the regional wineries of Montepulciano and Montechino.
Excursions to other hill towns.
Visits to local outdoor markets.
Meals at selected local restaurants.
A free day to explore on your own. We will gladly provide transportation to and from the local train station or Cortona.
All meals except lunch on your free day.