Il Vicolo Luxury Wine Tours are run by Gerry McMahon of Galway’s Il Vicolo restaurant and wine bar, in partnership with Colm Carter of Honest2Goodness Wine Company. Launched in 2017, the tours take a group of wine-lovers off the beaten track to some of the most beautiful regions of Italy to discover the essence of the country and all it has to offer through its wine, food, and culture.
The next tour will take place from the 21st to the 25th of October with a five-day trip to Tuscany, venturing into the cultural heartlands of Siena, Florence and Montalcino, visiting local vineyards where the group will meet passionate winemakers and immerse themselves in the region’s scenery and produce.
Gerry will act as tour guide and translator, taking the intimate group of 14 on an exploration of the idyllic Italian countryside, visiting wineries and trattorias along the way, enjoying the slower-paced Italian way of life.
Gerry said, “We will visit rustic farms, meet local winemakers, and enjoy t-bone steaks in the Tuscan hills with a glass of Brunello. Each region in Italy is so diverse and our tours will give people the opportunity to experience what makes each region unique. For me, seeing Italy off the beaten track awakens the heart and sings the soul’s sweet melody.”
In Tuscany, guests will stay in Chianti Rufina, one of its most famous wine regions, at the Castello del Trebbio castle and winery. The castle was built by the Pazzi family in 1184 and has a rich heritage, having once been owned by the Medici family. As well as learning about winemaking, guests will learn how to cook like a Tuscan with a half day cookery class.
Over the course of the five days, the group will travel to the scenic hill town of Montalcino in the colourful hills of the Val d’Orcia to visit Fattoria La Magia, a natural and organic wine estate with stunning views of an amphitheatre shaped vineyard which produces Brunello di Montalcino.
A highlight of the trip will be a visit to Panzano in Chianti to meet Dario Cecchini, a world renowned butcher and restaurateur of Netflix’s Chef’s Table fame. Guests will experience Cecchini’s theatrical food preparation and service, and enjoy Tuscany’s signature Bistecca alla Fiorentina as they sit outside soaking up the views of the idyllic Chianti countryside.
The group will experience Suvereto – considered to be one of Italy’s most beautiful towns – in the Maremma Region on their visit to Tenuta Casadei, an organic and low intervention winery which showcases the terroir of the Tuscan Coast. Guest will also have time to explore the scenic village of Bolgheri and Florence, the capital of Tuscany.
The cost is €1,600 per person which includes flights to and from Ireland, luxury transfers, four star accommodation, cookery class, tours, tastings, breakfasts, and featured dinners. Contact [email protected] to book.
Il Vicolo is an authentic, modern Italian restaurant and wine bar located in Galway’s 200-year-old Bridge Mills building on the banks of the River Corrib in the city’s West End.
For more information on Il Vicolo visit www.ilvicolo.ie and on Honest2Goodness visit www.h2gwines.ie.
Keep up to date with the latest news by following Il Vicolo on Instagram at @ilvicolo_galway and Facebook and Twitter on @ilvicologalway.
