Mirella and Francesco are the hosts and the teachers of their Tuscan cooking break.

A love and understanding of excellent quality cuisine and produce has been engrained in Mirella, your chef for the week, from a young age. Her parents grow organic fruit and vegetables, produce extra virgin olive oil and wine in the Chianti region and so she is a strong follower of the slow food movement; always cooking with excellent quality ingredients and the freshest produce. Mirella began cooking early on learning from her family member and developing her passion for Italian cooking over the years, and constantly experimenting with new innovative ideas.

Francesco is also Italian and your sommelier. He grew up surrounded by some of the world’s best wines in the world in the Chianti region where his father was a wine producer for over 50 years. Being surrounded by experts, Francesco developed his passion for good wine on his visits to his father’s cellar and has continue his working in this area and is now a state qualified sommelier with many years of experience. Francesco’s favourite wine regions are Tuscany and Piedmont which he considers the jewels of his collection though he is always interested in discovering other regions and claims to be able to talk about wine all day long. His passion and extensive knowledge for wine will be shared with you throughout your stay through guided tastings and tours.