Savor the Stories
March 27, 2025

10 Reasons to Join Sip & Savour

More than just a retreat, Sip & Savour is an immersive journey through Tuscany’s finest wines, cuisine, and culture—curated exclusively for DARE Bottle Shop clients. From private vineyard tours to hands-on cooking with Chef Stephane, here’s why this experience is one you won’t want to miss.

1. A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience, Designed Just for You

This is not your typical wine tour—it’s an intimate, invitation-only retreat designed exclusively for DARE Bottle Shop clients. Every moment is carefully curated for connoisseurs of food, wine, and culture.

2. A Special Connection to Lennox & the DARE Community

Stephane, our Joyful Chef, is more than a retreat guide—he’s one of you. Having owned and operated Alta Restaurant & Wine Bar in Lenox, he has a deep connection to the local community. This retreat is his way of bringing his two worlds—Tuscany and Lennox—together in the most meaningful way.

3. Experience Tuscany Like a Local, Not a Tourist

Most visitors see Tuscany through a tourist’s lens, but you’ll experience it as an insider. With our deep local connections, you’ll gain exclusive access to family-run vineyards, hidden restaurants, and off-the-beaten-path experiences that most travelers never discover.

4. The People You’ll Meet

Some of the most unforgettable moments of travel come from the people you connect with. Whether it’s a winemaker sharing generations of family secrets, a truffle hunter and his loyal dog leading you through the forest, or the warm welcome of a family-run osteria, this retreat is about genuine human connection as much as it is about fine wine and food.

5. The Magic of Long, Slow Italian Meals

In Italy, a meal is never rushed—it’s an experience. You’ll gather around the table with like-minded guests, savoring multiple courses, lively conversation, and perfectly paired wines. These are the moments where friendships form, where laughter flows as freely as the wine, and where you’ll feel truly immersed in La Dolce Vita.

6. The Art of Doing Nothing (And Loving It)

One of the most underrated luxuries in life? Time.
Between wine tastings and excursions, there’s space to slow down—to sip your morning espresso on a sun-drenched terrace, to sit by the pool with a book, or to simply watch the Tuscan sunset with a glass of wine in hand. This retreat isn’t just about activity—it’s about finding joy in stillness.

7. Cooking with The Joyful Chef, Stephane

This isn’t a standard cooking class—it’s an immersive farm-to-table experience at Stephane’s beautiful Tuscan farm, Podere Monterosoli. You’ll:

  • Pick fresh ingredients straight from the land
  • Learn traditional Italian cooking techniques
  • Enjoy a slow, soulful meal with breathtaking countryside views

8. Capture the Magic with Professional Photography

Filippo, The Joyful Photographer, will be with us every step of the way, capturing candid, beautiful moments. Whether it’s a sunset over the vineyards or a joyful toast at dinner, you’ll receive a collection of stunning, professionally taken images as a keepsake.

9. Unwind, Recharge & Fully Immerse in La Dolce Vita

This retreat isn’t just about food and wine—it’s about embracing Tuscany’s slower, more intentional way of living. Take mindful morning walks, enjoy moments of reflection over coffee, and experience the magic of just being present in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

10. The Stories You’ll Tell

More than just a vacation, this retreat will become part of your story. Whether it’s the first time you truly understood a wine’s terroir, a meal that changed your perspective on food, or a conversation with a local that left a lasting impact, these are the moments that will stay with you long after you return home.

Ready to Sip, Savour & Escape to Tuscany?

With only six places available, this intimate retreat is an experience few will ever have. If this speaks to you, we’d love for you to join us.

Request Your Invitation

Un viaggio straordinario vi aspetta… ci vediamo in Toscana!

Paul

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