Art & Wine Untour: Tuscany!

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Live like a local! Stay in farmhouse apartments surrounded by breathtaking scenery and world-class vineyards! Explore the region by car, taking in hill towns and wineries, exploring museums and castles, and discovering the region’s best food and wine. Untours will coordinate all the logistics, including your flights, rental car and accommodations. And your on-site host will welcome you with the best local tips and insider information.

In addition, art and wine experts will unlock the best of the region for you:
The Art Untour: Our art instructor will host 6 morning painting sessions, open to all levels of experience, including beginners. He’s scoped out the most scenic spots for painting al fresco. Join him for all 6, or just try a few!
The Wine Untour: Join our wine expert as he tutors you on the basics of wine tasting and then hosts you for 6 afternoon sessions of vineyard tours and tastings. Discover why Brunello is king! Join all sessions, or as many as you like.

Do it all! Wine and art events are scheduled at different times of day, so it's possible to attend any and all painting and wine events! Plus optional food and cooking events are available for an extra fee.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS

KIM WEILAND, your painting instructor

Kim looks forward to joining you in Tuscany as your artist and part-time guide. He is an experienced traveler and teacher, and a graduate of the Tyler College of Art in Philadelphia. He studied painting three years domestically and one year abroad. He served as president of the American Society of Marine Artists, and has taught painting courses and workshops for many years. He was a featured artist in the Artist’s Magazine in May of 2006 and has lived, studied and painted in Italy and throughout Europe. To learn more, please visit his website at www.kimweiland.com.

"Qualities of a good teacher are demonstrated in Kim Weiland's approach to teaching art. Among the more salient characteristics of his style are mastery of his subject, patience and skill in guiding the beginning student, expert evaluations in helping the more experienced artist. Kim makes the classes fun! Students enjoy learning! Kim makes a point of giving each student individual attention during class. He also gives time to whole class demonstrations. His manner invites questions and his expertise answers them beautifully." -Pat Garza

GARY PAVLIS, your wine educator

Dr. Gary Pavlis is a professor and agricultural agent at Rutgers University. He works as a wine consultant in the USA, South Africa and China and has conducted classes for credit and leisure on all aspects of grape production, wine tasting and education. He has served nationally on the board of directors of the American Wine Society and is a Taste Vin member of the Dionysian Society. He is the president of "The Wine Docs" Promotional Wine Consultants, a teaching and wine education company, and a member of the Society of Wine Educators. Gary regularly appears in print, on the radio and television educating the public on the intricacies of growing grapes in New Jersey or touting the benefits of drinking wine. He has taught for over 20 years, has a 3000 bottle wine cellar, and never travels to anywhere that doesn't produce wine.

THE PAINTING WORKSHOPS

During your stay in Tuscany, Kim Weiland, your artist/guide, will offer 6 painting workshops. Kim is a fun and engaging leader, and each session is unique. You will travel the vineyards, towns and countryside of Tuscany, immersing yourself in the color and inspiration of the landscape. With your instructor as a guide, you will paint en plein air, discovering the joy of painting outside and working from the landscape, in the natural light. Beginners are welcome! And if you don't wish to attend every session, you don't have to! You are free to skip the morning painting and join us later for wine tasting!

We have carefully chosen some great locations for our painting workshops that offer a rich variety. The famous walled towns of Tuscany, the iconic cypress trees and vineyards, dramatic landscapes and rich Medieval townscapes will be explored. Your workshop sessions will also be staggered to allow you plenty of time to paint and explore on your own.

You will be in Tuscany in the high summer, so come prepared for sun. (Bring your hats and water bottles; each site will have shady spots, and nearby restroom facilities.)

SCHEDULE:

Attend any or all of these events.

• Wednesday, 7/28: Arrival day
• Thursday, 7/29: Orientation and Untour Luncheon with your local host
• Friday, 7/30: A free day to relax, explore, or buy art supplies in Siena
• Saturday, 7/31: Morning painting workshop in Montalcino (and afternoon Intro to Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours session with Gary)
• Sunday, 8/1: Free day
• Monday, 8/2: Optional Taste Tuscany Cooking Class and/or luncheon (extra cost involved)
• Tuesday, 8/3: Painting workshop (and vineyard tours with Gary)
• Wednesday, 8/4: Morning painting workshop at Le Chiuse farm (and afternoon vineyard tours with Gary)
• Thursday, 8/5: Free day
• Friday, 8/6: Morning painting workshop (and afternoon vineyard tour with Gary)
• Saturday, 8/7: Morning painting workshop at Fornacella Vineyards (and afternoon vineyard tour with Gary)
• Sunday, 8/8: Free day
• Monday, 8/9: Morning painting workshop at a historic abbey (and afternoon vineyard tour; optional wine-pairing lunch at an extra cost)
• Tuesday, 8/10: Free day
• Wednesday, 8/11: Departure for home (or add a night in Florence)

This schedule may be changed as needed. Painting workshops average 3-4 hours. Art supplies not included.

WINE EVENTS

During your stay in Tuscany, Gary Pavlis, your wine instructor, will offer 6 different wine events, including an intro class to wine tasting. Each session is unique. Gary will show you why Brunello is one of the world's most renowned wines and Italy's most prestigious export. Exploring the best vineyards in the area, Gary will teach you the basics of wine appreciation, from the mechanics of proper tasting technique to the agricultural story behind the cultivation of the land. Meet and talk to local winemakers. All levels are welcome—from expert to beginner.

Gary has hand-picked the best of the local vineyards and will lead you in winery tours and tastings in the area around Montalcino. Discover the wonders of Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino on tours at big, renowned producers like Castello Banfi and smaller, family-run vineyards like Le Chiuse. Events are staggered to leave your mornings free to relax or try your hand at painting with Kim. And you will have plenty of time on your own to explore the fertile wine regions around you—with Montepulciano and the Chianti Valley both within easy day trip distance.

You will be in Tuscany in the high summer, so come prepared for sun. And please remember, you will be driving yourself to and from all wine events.

SCHEDULE:
Attend any or all of these events.

• Wednesday, 7/28: Arrival day
• Thursday, 7/29: Orientation and Untour Luncheon with your local host
• Friday, 7/30: A free day to relax, explore, and lay in some some good wine
• Saturday, 7/31: Afternoon Intro to Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours Session (following morning painting workshop with Kim)
• Sunday, 8/1: Free day
• Monday, 8/2: Optional Taste Tuscany Cooking Class and/or Luncheon (extra cost involved)
• Tuesday, 8/3: Vineyard tours (or painting workshop with Kim)
• Wednesday, 8/4: Afternoon vineyard tour at Le Chiuse (following morning painting workshop)
• Thursday, 8/5: Free day
• Friday, 8/6: Afternoon vineyard tours (following morning painting workshop with Kim)
• Saturday, 8/7: Morning painting workshop at Fornacella Vineyards and afternoon vineyard tour
• Sunday, 8/8: Free day
• Monday, 8/9: Afternoon vineyard tour at Castello Banfi; optional wine-pairing lunch at an extra cost (painting workshop in the morning)
• Tuesday, 8/10: Free day
• Wednesday, 8/11: Departure for home (or add a night in Florence)

This schedule may be changed as needed.

YOUR HOME IN TUSCANY

Where will you be staying? In heaven, or nearly so...in private apartments on Le Chiuse farm and vineyard.

The site is surrounded by vineyards and the rolling hills of Tuscany. Next to the swimming pool is a comfortable outdoor seating area that is a favorite spot for guests to gather and relax before dinner, even if they aren't swimming.

Amid the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside, Le Chiuse is a working vineyard that houses a range of
lovely farmhouse apartments. An appealing combination of modern furniture and family antiques give each apartment a distinctive look, while wood-beamed ceilings, terra cotta floors and fireplaces add to the rustic charm. The living room, dining room and kitchen are combined in one large room, many with views of the vineyards. Bedrooms are well appointed and the bathrooms modern and bright. An outdoor swimming pool and adjacent seating area is a favorite spot for guests to gather and relax before dinner, even if they aren't swimming. Most apartments have great views.

Bicycles are on site for guests to use, along with a bocce court and ping-pong table. Guests may also use the old pizza and bread oven. The owners live off site but stop in to check on their guests, and the farm foreman is present on weekdays. Guests can buy wine, grappa and olive oil made on site. The grounds offer glorious vistas.

The farm is a 15-minute drive or a 25-minute hike (on a steep trail) up to Montalcino, one of the fabled and picturesque hill towns of Tuscany; the walking trail follows a section of the ancient Via Francigena used in the Middle Ages by pilgrims coming from Northern Europe to Rome. Siena and the Chianti Valley are among many easy day trips.

APARTMENTS IN THE LE CHIUSE FARM AND VINEYARD
To find out more about each Le Chiuse apartment, visit the links below for photos and details
Le Chiuse 1   Le Chiuse 2   Le Chiuse 3   Le Chiuse 4   Le Chiuse 5

OTHER APARTMENTS Other apartment options exist on neighboring farms and vineyards and also in the town of Montalcino. Inquire for details.

TUSCANY VIDEO SLIDESHOW:

Check out the scenery and surrounding of your Tuscan art adventure with this video, made entirely with the photos from the participants of the Tuscany Untour:

WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT LE CHIUSE:

Here is what guests have said about the location of the Art & Wine Untour:

"The host, Nicolo and his family made us feel so welcome. He invited us all to a pizza party one night. He had an open brick oven and made everything himself! The hike up to the town of Montalcino was invigorating and had beautiful vistas along the way." Kerry & Ken Washburn

"Our hosts invited all of the Untourists to their grape harvest party - wonderful experience!" Byron & Barbara Webb

"The pool was a great way to meet others in the apartments - with wine and cheese in the late afternoon." Dorothy Congdon

"The best part was the location and beauty. Le Chiuse was a perfect spot to get to other places easily. Right in the heart of the region. The apartment was overall typically Italian. Nice modern bath was wonderful. The owner was very friendly and generous - pizza and lots of Brunello. This spot was ideal!" Joan Roper

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Untour with Painting and/or Wine Workshop:

• $3,869* per person with air
• $2,409 per person ground only

Non-participants welcome:

• $3,319* per person with air
• $1,859 per person ground only

WORKSHOPS

Your fixed workshop fee of $550 covers all 6 painting sessions and/or all 6 wine events. It's an excellent value for even 6 sessions, but you are invited to do them all and you can attend as many as you like! Our expert instruction is geared to the beginner and the experienced artist or wine buff. This single fee allows you to cross over, or dabble in both!

YOUR UNTOUR ART & WINE UNTOUR INCLUDES:

• Two weeks in a private farmhouse apartment at Le Chiuse, or a comparable apartment.
• Air & ground transportation (ground only excludes airfare).
• Support services from knowledgeable, experienced staff, stateside and overseas.
• Our own carefully researched On-Site Guide and local travel information.
• All painting and wine events listed.
• Freedom! Experience Tuscany your way, knowing that a local expert is always nearby to help.

HOW DO I LEARN MORE?

• To learn more about the painting portion of your trip, call our artist instructor, Kim Weiland, at his studio: 609-398-3753
• To learn more about the wine events, call wine educator Gary Pavlis at 609-927-2867
• Call Untours (ask for Andrea) at 1-888-868-6871 to sign up, or learn more about the travel details, accommodations and logistics.