October 22-27, 2026 | 6 days, 5 nights |
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Step into the heart of Tuscany this October with one of Wine Enthusiast’s Cork & Compass Travel escapes, where harvest season is the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable wine journey. Guests will experience Tuscany at its most vibrant, staying at the five-star restored medieval Castello di Spaltenna, which is set amidst elegant gardens surrounded by rolling vineyards and olive groves. |
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Meet your expert, Danielle! |
Dr. Danielle Callegari is a reviewer of Italian wines on the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Panel. Fluent in both English and Italian, Danielle is a Dartmouth Associate Professor specializing in Italian literature, food, and beverage studies. As an author on Dante and Italian food history as well as the co-host of the Gola podcast, Danielle brings a wealth of cultural and regional knowledge to the Cork+Compass Travel experience. |
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Let Danielle introduce you to the makers behind the bottles and take you inside world-class estates. Here's a quick look at the places—and people—that make wine worth traveling for. |
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Upon arrival in Florence, transfer independently to the enchanting Castello di Spaltenna, a historic estate nestled among rolling vineyards and cypress-lined hills. As evening falls, the tour begins with a curated welcome tasting at the hotel. Here, the first sips of Tuscany reveal themselves—elegant, expressive wines showcasing the region’s depth and artistry. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant to experience vibrant Tuscan flavors. Cork + Compass host Danielle Callegari will talk about the wines poured with dinner and how they pair with the dishes on the menu.
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Included Meal: Dinner
Accommodations: Castello di Spaltenna |
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At Il Borro, an enchanting medieval village meticulously restored by the Ferragamo family, a guided tasting unveils the estate’s elegant Lamelle Chardonnay and the rich, full-bodied Il Borro Toscana IGT, poured alongside their exquisite olive oil. Continue to Tenuta Sette Ponti, a prestigious estate known for its masterful Super Tuscans. Here, we explore the estate’s cellars and savor wines like the refined Oreno, a bold Bordeaux-style blend, and the expressive Crognolo, a Sangiovese-driven delight.
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Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Castello di Spaltenna
Wineries: Il Borro, Tenuta Sette Ponti |
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Our exploration begins at Col d’Orcia, one of the region’s pioneers in organic viticulture. As we visit the estate’s historic cellars, we uncover the philosophy behind their exceptional Brunello di Montalcino, tasting the elegant Brunello Vigna Nastagio and the bold, age-worthy Poggio al Vento Riserva. A curated tasting of six wines is complemented by a traditional Tuscan lunch, highlighting the harmony of wine and regional cuisine. The afternoon brings a visit to Siena for an independent dinner.
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Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Castello di Spaltenna
Wineries: Col d’Orcia |
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Our first stop is the historic Bindi Sergardi estate, where generations of winemaking tradition come alive. A tasting of five wines—including the elegant Chianti Classico La Ghirlanda and the opulent Calidonia Gran Selezione—is paired with authentic Tuscan fare. After a light lunch, continue onto the magnificent 900-hectare estate of Castello di Albola, once home to some of the most famous noble families of Tuscany and now producing exceptional high-altitude Chianti. |
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Castello di Spaltenna
Wineries: Bindi Sergardi Estate, Castello di Albola |
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Today, we explore the renowned Avignonesi estate, celebrated for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and commitment to organic winemaking. Our visit includes a tour of the vineyards and historic cellars, followed by a wine-paired lunch featuring elegant selections like the bold Vino Nobile, the velvety Desiderio Merlot, and the luscious Occhio di Pernice Vin Santo. Return to the hotel to gather for a farewell dinner, where Danielle will share some of her best-kept secrets from the world of Tuscan wine.
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Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Castello di Spaltenna
Wineries: Avignonesi Estate |
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Depart hotel for individual flights home. |
Included Meals: Breakfast |
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Exclusive access to world-class wineries, guided by the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Panel experts.
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For Questions or Booking: |
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200 Summit Lake Dr Valhalla, New York 10595 US |
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