Villa Delia Hotel and Tuscany Cooking School delivers a gastronomical and cultural experience for travelers seeking total Tuscan immersion—food, wine, and excursions, all in a sun-drenched country setting. Tuscan native and celebrity chef Umberto Menghi realized a long-held dream when he restored a picturesque sixteenth-century villa in the ancient village of Ripoli di Lari. Today 27 deluxe guest rooms on 90 secluded acres provide a tranquil haven within easy driving distance of Pisa, Florence, Siena, Lucca, and the Italian Riviera.
Villa Delia’s restaurant, Il Ripolino, draws its daily menu from the estate’s own vegetable gardens, olive groves, and vineyards. Even better, guests can sign up for all-inclusive cooking school packages. These five- and ten-day adventures feature hands-on instruction in the art of cucina povera (authentic family-style cooking) as well as visits to regional markets, wine and olive oil tastings, and escorted cultural excursions.