Besides daily yoga classes, our VINO+VINYASA retreats offer another way to fully experience your time on the retreat – by engaging your senses with wine tasting classes! For individuals new to wine study, these classes provide a hands-on introduction to the world of wine.
You’ll explore the main types and styles of wine through sight, smell, and taste, while also gaining the basic skills to describe wines accurately, and make food and wine pairings.
Wine tasting classes will be led by award-winning wine writer and expert Emily O’Hare. A certified sommelier, she considers herself first a wine-lover, someone passionate about sharing the history, cultural aspects, and genuine enjoyment of this ancient drink with others.
This beginner level introduction is a perfect way for anyone interested in wine to take their interest further, experience stimulating classes and on-site visits to producers.
Best of all, at the end of the week, there is the option for a WSET Wine Certification! The globally recognized WSET (Wine & Spirit Educational Trust) course is step one of three for becoming an official sommelier, and upon successful completion you will receive a WSET certificate and lapel pin. This is a chance to gain a specialized wine knowledge in a relaxed, non-judgmental atmosphere.
Guests will not only enjoy the villa and encompassing estate, but the richness of the Italian cities in nearby regions.
Day trips will allow students to add arts, culture, adventure, and natural beauty to their retreat experience.
They include visits to the nearby cities of Siena, as well as private wine tours of the on-site winery, and other vineyards in the neighboring “wine-famous” areas of Montalcino and Chianti.
Some of what to expect from a typical day on the retreat:
Daily morning yoga to wake up and get us moving and ready to mindfully approach the activities ahead
2 hours of learning though wine tastings, study, and wine classes
Daytrip to nearby area to see on-site winery production, food-pairings, etc
Time to relax and explore on city + village visits
Amazing meals provided at villa, on cooking demos, or at gourmet restaurants
Tuscan thermal spa day with treatment
Full details and booking can be found here.
