Join The Oenophile Institute for the Autumn 2026 SOIL Enrichment Trip to Tuscany, an immersive educational journey designed to deepen your understanding of terroir through hands-on exploration. Over several days, we’ll travel through some of Tuscany’s most influential wine areas where rolling hills meet ancient soils, where tradition and innovation coexist, and where autumn brings a richness to the landscape that few regions can match.

Expect thoughtfully curated winery visits that connect geology to glass, guided tastings that highlight Sangiovese’s many expressions, cellar conversations with producers, and on-the-ground learning about farming practices, biodiversity, and the cultural forces shaping Tuscan wine today. Alongside the academic focus, you’ll enjoy regional cuisine, seasonal ingredients, and shared moments that bring the group together in the true spirit of SOIL.

This trip is not tourism; it’s enrichment. A chance to move slowly, study deeply, and experience Tuscany through its earth, its artisans, and its stories.

We firmly believe in maintaining an intimate atmosphere for our trips, ensuring that every experience is centered around you, our valued participant. To uphold this personalized approach, space is limited.

Therefore, the maximum number of attendees for each trip is set at 15 individuals.

• Potential Itenerary

  Sample Itinerary · October 25–November 1

  (Four nights in Pienza · Three nights in Chianti)

  Day 1 — Arrival in Pienza

  • Check in to luxury accommodations in Pienza at Hotel Relais il Chiostro (four-night stay)

  • Time to explore Pienza’s boutiques, piazzas, and panoramic views

  • Welcome gathering with dinner or heavy hors d’oeuvres

  • Evening at leisure

  Day 2 — Pienza Immersion + Regional Wine Seminar

  • Guided walking tour of Pienza, including museum visits

  • Free afternoon to shop, relax, or enjoy a long lunch

  • Masterclass on Montalcino & Montepulciano led by The Oenophile Institute

  Day 3 — Montalcino & Banfi Estate Experience

  • Transfer to Montalcino (30 minutes) for morning exploration and shopping

  • Visit to Banfi, Tuscany’s most influential large-scale producer

    • Winery tour of their impressive facilities

    • Visit to the Banfi bottle & glass museum

    • Lunch with paired wines at the Banfi castle estate

  • Return to Pienza via scenic drive

  Day 4 — Montepulciano & Boutique Winery Visit

  • Morning in Montepulciano

    • Drop-off at the top of the hill with time to wander downward through the historic center

  • Private tasting at Il Molinaccio

    • ~10,000-bottle production

    • Glass-walled tasting room surrounded by vineyards

    • A striking contrast to the previous day’s large estate

  Day 5 — Journey to Chianti

  • Depart Pienza and visit a Chianti winery en route

    • Final selection of winery coordinated with our Tuscan host, Corrado

  • Check in at Villa Campomaggio (three-night stay)

  • Free evening to enjoy the villa’s grounds, pool, spa, and restaurants

  Day 6 — Chianti Classico Winery Visits

  • Visit one or two nearby wineries selected for quality, diversity, and storytelling

  • Optional evening class or tasting at the villa

  Day 7 — A Day of Leisure & Learning

  • On-site offerings such as cooking lessons, bike riding, spa treatments, or a quiet day by the pool

  • Optional vertical tasting, themed seminar, or additional excursion

  • Luxury group dinner to close the trip

  Day 8 — Departure

  • Breakfast and check-out

  • Group transfer to Airport

• What's Included

  • Nine-day trip (six full days and seven nights in Italy)

  • Luxury accommodations in Pienza at Hotel Relais il Chiostro & Chianti TBD

  • Most meals at hand-selected restaurants while on tours

  • Complimentary wine at each meal selected by resident sommeliers and Chelsea Young

  • All in-country ground transportation (in well appointed, air-conditioned vans, and in chartered bus to airport on final day)

  • All wine classes and featured tastings

  • All cultural enrichment events including but not limited to

    • 4 winery tours and tastings;

    • talks on language, food, and Italian culture;

    • guided tour of various towns & cultural monuments;

    • Tuscan wine and cultural introduction;

• Cost and Payment Schedule

  Price: $5,150 single occupancy | $9,250 double occupancy

  Not included: roundtrip airfare, some meals, health insurance, and personal purchases

  Payment Schedule

  • $750 per person deposit to reserve a spot on the trip

  • $2000 per person due by April 15th

  • Remainder due by July 15th

  Initial deposits will be taken through the Oenophile Institute registration page. Once initial deposit is made a personalized invoice will be emailed to finish remaining payments.

  Deposits are refundable up until March 15th, 2026.

  Cancellations made after April 15th will get a partial refund of up to 50%. Cancellations after August 1st are non-refundable, except for illness, death, or natural disaster.

• Airfare

  TBD

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