Maremma at the Table

Maremma
at the Table

Wine, Food & Wild Southern Tuscany

hosted by: The Creek Dinner

“Staying at Tenuta del Fontino was everything we hoped for in a trip to Tuscany. Long tables, great wines, beautiful food, and preparing meals with local people, incredible views. It felt relaxed and genuinely special. We can’t wait to return!” — Anna Harbin, Boise, ID

SPRING 2026

May 29 – June 5, 2026

FALL 2026

Sept 30 – Oct 5, 2026

LATE SPRING 2025

May 30 – June 6, 2025

EARLY FALL 2025

Sep 26 – Oct 3, 2025

PROGRAM DETAILS

Day 1

DAY 1

Benvenuti / Welcome
We’ll pick you up at Pisa Centrale train station, and head towards our home for the week, the historic villa Tenuta del Fontino, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, and views of the quintessential Tuscan countryside. Our accommodations, owned by just two families since the 1700s, boast yoga, a gorgeous pool, tennis courts, bike rentals and walking paths. After check-in and time to relax, you’ll be greeted on the terrace with a glass of sparkling spumante. A gentle walk through the property on our way to dinner, introduces you to the estate’s history, the horses, the lake, and the vineyards. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner with a wine tasting and a pasta-making experience with our chef and the family who own the estate, a perfect way to meet the people who make this place feel like home.

Day 2

DAY 2

From Saddle to Cellar The day begins in the heart of the Maremma where we’ll meet the Butteri, Tuscany’s traditional cowboys, who will share their world with us. From there, we go for a short drive in our private vans to a very special, biodynamic winery surrounded by rolling hills, for a tour and a relaxed lunch featuring natural wines and seasonal pairings. In the afternoon, we’ll head out to explore the nearby medieval town of Massa Marittima, known for its beautiful cathedral, narrow streets, and layers of history. Enjoy some time to wander before dinner in a charming local restaurant within the old town walls.

Day 3

DAY 3

Ride, Grill, and Gather A peaceful morning invites rest before setting off for a horseback ride through the countryside, ending at an open-air barbecue lunch where the chef cooks outdoors and shares the stories behind each dish. For those who prefer, there’s also the option of taking a scenic walk through the property to reach the lunch spot. The afternoon is yours to relax: swim, have a massage, or enjoy a quiet moment among the vines. As evening falls, gather for aperitivo in the garden and dinner at the Tenuta under the stars.

Day 4

DAY 4

Meet the Makers Begin the day with an optional yoga session included in itinerary and breakfast before heading to a local sheep cheese farm with Slow Food Foundation certification, where we’ll meet owner and cheesemaker Angela, and her animals and learn the art of tasting cheese and pick some up to use in our evening class. We’ll also learn from the area’s famed “olive oil ladies” who will walk guests through a guided tasting on how to recognize fresh, delicious olive oil. Lunch will be served back the villa on the terrace overlooking the vineyards, a light and refreshing pause in the day. In the late afternoon, meet our chef instructor in the garden before heading into the professional kitchen for an engaging cooking class and dinner celebrating the fruits of your labor.

Day 5

DAY 5

From Rice Field to Farewell Our final day takes us to Tenuta San Carlo, a historic biodynamic rice producer set near the Tuscan coast. Stroll through the rice field with farmer/owner Ariane and enjoy her sensorial rice experience that highlights the unique landscape and the family’s dedication to sustainable rice farming. Join the chef for a risotto cooking show followed by a relaxed lunch under the cypress trees. After a day the farm we’ll return to Tenuta del Fontino for a farewell celebration dinner in the estate’s beautiful tasting room with sweeping views, live music, and dear friends from along the journey.

Day 6

DAY 6

Arrivederci! Morning departures after breakfast back to Pisa Centrale Train Station.

YOUR GUEST HOST: James Evans

Based in the heart of Tennessee, James Evans finds his greatest joy in connecting people through the land. After nearly thirty years of service in the Air Force, James traded his uniform for the quiet rhythms of viticulture and hospitality by founding Farmstead Market and Cellar in Culleoka, TN. There, he blends the discipline of his military background with a deep respect for artisan craftsmanship.

Driven by a simple desire to create community, James established The Creek Dinner series, his invitation for guests to slow down and share a farm-to-fork meal by the water’s edge. His journey has been defined by the local spaces he has helped grow, from the creekside gatherings at Wines in the Fork in idyllic Leipers Fork TN, to the warm, French-inspired atmosphere of Rue 6 Bistro.

For James, every bottle uncorked and every plate shared is an opportunity to honor the land and the people who gather upon it. Today, he remains committed to creating unique destinations where community and exceptional hospitality meet.

PRICE

The price of the “Maremma at the Table” Tour for 2026 is 6,400 euros per person for DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ONLY. Tour is limited to 12 guests DOUBLE OCCUPANCY ONLY.

MORE ABOUT YOUR ACCOMODATIONS

Our home for the week will be the historic Tenuta del Fontino, a beautifully preserved villa dating back to the 1700s in the quintessential Tuscan countryside. Remarkably, the estate has had only two families in its long history. Today, it’s lovingly managed by a mother-and-daughter duo—dear friends of ours—who bring warmth and authenticity to every detail. During your free time, you can unwind with yoga or a massage, swim in the scenic pool, take horseback riding lessons, play tennis, explore the estate’s peaceful walking paths, or enjoy the small on-site gym. Please note, due to the unique nature of our carefully chosen accommodations, we reserve the right to adjust lodging to best suit the group’s needs, but rest assured, all options are of the highest quality and offer an authentic local experience.

PAYMENT

Reservations are secured by deposit on a first-come, first-served basis. Only a down payment of 25% is needed to reserve your spot, and monthly payment plans are available for the remainder. The cost is divided evenly by the number of months left before the trip with final payment needed 60 days prior to departure. Reserve your spot and we will send you a link to make your deposit and receive a full itinerary with all locations and timing for the day. Prior to making your deposit, you may also use the reservation form to ask any questions you may have.

DATES

Fall 2026
The start of the harvest season is a magical time to visit!
Sept 30 – Oct 5, 2026

SPRING 2026

May 29 – June 5, 2026

FALL 2026

Sept 30 – Oct 5, 2026

WHAT’S INCLUDED

• 5 nights
• Optional group Zoom call for packing tips, general trip planning for before and after tour, Q&A
• All group meals throughout the tour, including wine at each meal.
• Private driver throughout the tour
• Daily cooking experiences – some are hands-on, some are demo style, and some are tastings. You are always welcome to just watch (and eat!) if preferred.
• Visits to local farmers & tastings
• All tours and experiences
• Tips for bus drivers and guides (we want you to just relax and enjoy the moment so we have taken care of this)

NOT INCLUDED

• Airfare
• Travel & health insurance
• Shopping and personal expenses
• Food, drinks, and snacks that are not included in the itinerary
• All other expenses incurred during free time

TRIP FAQ

Cooking experiences

We will be immersed in food and wine during the week. Some of the experiences are hands-on, some are demo style, and some are tastings. You are always welcome to just watch (and eat!) if preferred.

Physical Activity

This is an active trip. Be prepared for lots of walking, cobblestones, stairs, and long, exciting days!

Rest time

This is a busy tour as we want you to get the most experiences that you can, however, rest time is important too! While we will be out most of the day, there will be quiet moments of downtime built in to allow for slow and leisurely moments to be sure you are soaking it all in. This is not a jam-packed trip to say you saw it all – this is about experiences you will keep with you for a lifetime.

An Exclusive and Inclusive Experience

Unlike most tours available, our tours are limited to 12 people. Why is this so important to us? This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience enhancing the quality of interactions and ensuring that everyone’s questions and needs are addressed thoroughly. A smaller group fosters a stronger sense of camaraderie among participants and facilitates deeper connections and more meaningful interactions with the locals you will soon call friends.

Food & Drink Allergies

Wine is culturally served at all meals – however there will always be an option for a nonalcoholic beverage like clean spring water, sparkling water or a nonalcoholic aperitivo. Italy is a wonderful place for people to visit with dietary restrictions as options are all around, however on this trip we are visiting local farmers and experiencing unique tastings that include regional cheeses, meats and seafood. For this reason this particular trip is not suitable for vegans. We will be organizing amazing vegan friendly tours so stay tuned!

Flight & Airport Tips

The closest airports are Pisa International (Galileo Galilei Airport) or Florence Airport (FLR-Peretola). We’d recommend you fly in at least 2-3 days prior to the start of the tour to acclimate to the time difference. We will meet the group at the train station in Pisa Centrale Train Station on day one of the trip so plan to head back to Pisa regardless of where you visit prior. Additional details will be provided after booking. We are happy to discuss more details on ideas for other places to see before or after the trip on our Group Zoom Call.

Payment, Refunds and Travel Insurance

How does booking work?
Your spot is reserved once the 25% deposit is received. Each trip is officially confirmed once the minimum group size is reached, and all guests will be notified at that time. We recommend waiting to book flights until confirmation is sent.

What happens if a trip does not run?
If a trip is unable to operate due to not meeting the minimum group size, all payments made, including your deposit, will be fully refunded.

What is your cancellation policy if I need to cancel?
You may cancel within 48 hours of booking for a full refund of your deposit. After 48 hours, the deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable. The remaining balance is due four months prior to departure.

If you cancel after the 48 hour grace period, we are happy to offer a credit toward a future Vita Casalinga trip as follows:

• 90 days or more prior to departure: 100 percent credit
• 30 to 90 days prior to departure: 50 percent credit
• Less than 30 days prior to departure: no credit available

Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and is not included with your booking. Coverage may include medical care, trip cancellation or interruption, theft, and lost property.

You may explore coverage options through TravelEx Insurance, including Cancel For Any Reason upgrades. Please note that TravelEx currently requires policies to be purchased within 15 days of paying your deposit to access the widest range of coverage options. Requirements are subject to change, so we recommend contacting TravelEx directly to select a plan that best fits your needs.