Imagine a place where the tempo of life is more relaxed, the air is filled with inspiration, and the food is incredible. Feel the warm Tuscan sun as it fills the olive trees, the fields of poppies, even the paving stones of the piazzi with life. Smell the fresh fruits and vegetables as you linger at the corner market. Taste how good life can be.

This workshop is the perfect opportunity for people who love to cook to sharpen their technique, expand their repertoire of Italian cuisine and wine, and to discover a few of the secrets that bring joy to the Italian dinner table.

You will wake each day, swing open the shutters of your room in a beautiful stone farmhouse set on a Tuscan hillside, and look across the valley to the ancient town of Montepulciano glowing in the morning light.

The workshop will include hands-on instructional sessions that focus on particular techniques, and the preparation of complete meals (some simple/some elaborate). The class will visit the local shops to take advantage of fresh ingredients and to learn about Tuscan specialties.

Beginning with escorted group travel from Rome to Cortona, your week will also include seven nights accommodations in Cortona, all meals (prepared in-house and at local restaurants), daily wine tasting opportunities, a wine tour, a trip to Assisi, and all local transfers for programmed workshop events.

Cortona is a beautiful hill-town, off the tourist route, overlooking the Valdichiana. Narrow alleyways wind between medieval stone buildings stand atop Roman foundations, resting on Etruscan ruins.

Mark Putnam is an accomplished chef and cooking instructor who specializes in classical cuisine featuring fresh ingredients, remarkable flavors, and beautiful presentation. He has studied with, and worked beside, chefs from many parts of the world to build a truly exciting repertoire of techniques and recipes.

Putnam enjoys teaching people with many different levels of experience in the kitchen. He listens to each student to evaluate what they hope to learn, and finds a path of instruction which promises success... and satisfaction.

The cuisine of Tuscany holds a special place in his heart because it typifies how beautiful ingredients can be combined simply to evoke the history and culture of that wonderful country. In true Italian fashion, Putnam cooks authentic Tuscan foods as a celebration of la vita bella.

This workshop is limited to 8 participants. Register early. Click here to visit the Toscana Americana website and view an Enrollment and Reservation form for this workshop.

Picture yourself in beautiful and romantic Tuscany: olive groves, vineyards, centuries-old buildings, winding streets, vibrant sunlight, experiencing the joy of learning Italian cooking techniques in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere with expert instruction and the camaraderie of a small group of new friends.