Tours offer taste of Tuscan flavor

The traditional vacation season may be ending, but you can still get away this fall and experience Italy behind the scenes: the fascinating culture, gorgeous countryside and superb cuisine. In other words, the full flavor of Tuscan life.

Italian chef and Charleston restaurateur Massimiliano Sarrocchi will once again lead small group tours to his homeland, and there are two spots left for the Sept. 13-22 trip and two for Sept. 27-Oct. 6.

The first six nights will be in a remodeled 12th-century farmhouse in Montalcino, set amid the olive groves of the Tuscan hills. Visits to local vineyards and historical landmarks will uncover the regional culinary traditions of Tuscany. The tour also will explore some of the smaller antiquated hilltop cities, such as Pienza and Montepulciano, along with the historic cultural centers of Florence and Siena. The final two nights will be spent in the capital city of Rome.

In addition to dining in respected restaurants and sampling wine direct from the vineyards, tour participants can help prepare the occasional meal. Sarrocchi will lead informal cooking demonstrations prior to a dinner party at the villa.

For more information, call Sarrocchi at 822-8444.