Washington Wine Academy
With AAA Mid-Atlantic Present:
AN ITALIAN CELLAR TOUR
Hosted By Jay Youmans, MW
October 16 - 25, 2009
Clear your calendar and palate to join sommelier, Master of Wine and Washington Wine Academy faculty member Jay Youmans, as he hosts an unforgettable week in Italy. Taking you to some of his favorite cellars in the best producing regions of Umbria, Tuscany and the famed Piemonte
If you love good food, wine, and history - this is a trip not to be missed |
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 About Your Host, Jay Youmans
Although Jay first became involved with wine in 1978, it was in 2004 Jay Youmans became the 21st American to be awarded the prestigious title Master of Wine, as set by the Institute of Masters of Wine in London. Besides his partnership interests in No Vineyards and Winery, of California, Manse Field, a Pinot Noir vineyard in New Zealand and owner of Rock Creek Wine Merchants, Jay also judges Starwine International Wine Competition, The Atlantic Wine Competition, the Mid-Atlantic Competition, the Dallas Morning News Wine Competition and the California State Fair wie competition. His unpretentious and humorous approach to wine can also be found in his writings and lectures that include The International Wine Review, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and of course his work with the Washington Wine Academy. We are lucky and honored to have his participation in visiting some of his favorite cellars in Umbria, Tuscany and Piemonte.
This is a handcrafted wine tour created for members of the Washington Wine Academy. You could find this no where else. We will be visiting 13 cellars from Todi to Turin, interspersed with walking tours, great meals, free time and even a cooking class in Italy’s most celebrated region for food - Emilia Romagna. Places we will see are Todi, Siena, Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Parma, Modena, Alba, Asti and Turin. |
ITINERARY
Day 1 - Arrival in Rome
Pickup at Rome airport and transfer to the historic, medieval town of Todi for a private walking tour (depending on time), some free time to walk about in this ancient place. Later, a welcome dinner and wine tasting. Stay in Todi at Hotel Fonte Cesia. Meals: DW
Day 2 - Sagrantino Of Umbria
Our first itinerary is to stop in Perugia for a private walking tour and possible visit of the Perugina choclate factory. On leaving Umbria we head to Montefalco and Bevagna to try some Sagrantino at two cellars. End the day in Siena where we check into our accomodations, Hotel Athena (inside the walls near P. San Marco) and spend the evening with free time to explore Siena. Meals: BW
Day 3 - Chianti Classico
This is a day of wine immersion in the Chianti Classico region of Tuscany seeing three Chianti cellars that Jay recommends. Dinner together at, Il Pozzo inside the classic Siena fortress of Montereggioni. Meals: BDW
Day 4 - Montalcino
After a morning walking tour of medieval Siena which will include the Duomo and its library, we head south to the land of Brunello. At days end free time to explore Montalcino for shopping, the Italian tradition of Passeggiata and recommendations for restaurants. Meals: BLW
Day 5 - Ferrari Bound
First we head to Carmignano for a glass of wine, Bologna for some walking and lunch. After lunch the Ferrari showcase gallery in Modena. Overnight in the food-famous Parma. Our accomodations, Hotel Palace Maria Luigia. Meals: BLW
 Day 6 - Cooking & Lambrusco
Before we leave this important culinary center we will have a cooking class at a well respected culinary institution school, and visit a cellar for the real Lambrusco. Overnight in Albergo l’Ostelliere near Gavi. Transfer to Asti for free time. Meals: BLW
Day 7 - Castle And Wine of Piemonte
Today we will mix history, food and wine with a tour and lunch at the Marchesi Alfieri between Asti and Alba, and visit two cellar visits and end the day in Alba. Meals: BLW
Day 8 - Torino
The morning of our last full day will be spent visiting Turin, the official seat of the Italian Kingdom until 1946, with a walking tour and some free time to explore. In the afternoon will be one more cellar and a farewell dinner at the l'Ostelliere. Meals: BDW
Day 9 - Departure
After breakfast we are off to Malpensa for our flight home. Meals: B
Some substitutions to itinerary may take place in order to deliver a unique and seamless trip. Air to be booked separately from the tour. Departure from Dulles/IAD to Rome, and return to Dulles from Milan Malpensa/MXP. Price for air is approximately $1700 per person including governmental taxes and fees; fuel surcharge. Should fuel surcharges increase, unticketed passengers and those that have not paid their second or final payment will be subject to the additional costs including surcharge imposed by airlines.
Key for meals provided: B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner W = Wine Tasting |
 Prices & Available Seats
There are 40 seats available. This tour includes all ground
transportation at destination, 8 continental breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3
dinners, 13 wine tastings, 5 guided tours, trip documentation and more.
Our accomodations include luxury hotels both historic and modern in
Todi, Siena, Parma and Montertondo di Gavi.
Prices are $4875* per person, double occupancy only. Single supplement of $1854.
AAA Members receive $100 discount.
Trip does not include air, cancellation insurance (recommended), most gratuities, museum entrance fees where required, pre or post trip arrangements; any additional taxes and fees. Minimum 40 passengers required. This tour is directed; administrated by AAA Mid-Atlantic. Hosted by Jay Youman, Wine Master and escorted by Rick London, AAA Mid-Atlantic Travel Ambassador to Affinity. Your itinerary handcrafted jointedly by Mr. Youmans and Mr. London.
*Price pending final itinerary confirmation. Minimum of 40 seats required for this excursion. Price may vary at time of balance payment. A possible of 40 seats for this trip. AAA Mid-Atlantic reserves the right to cancel this excursion based on the lack of minimum participation required. |
CALL AAA MID-ATLANTIC FOR RESERVATIONS: 703-549-1080 |
40 SEATS REQUIRED |
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