Spannocchia, Tuscany Septmber 27th toOctober 4 2026

Vendemia, Wine Harvest, Spannocchia, Italy watercolor by Doris Rice

Tuscany - Spannocchia September 27 - October 4, 2026 Sunday-Sunday

Join me for our annual artist retreat to Spannocchia, a unique and utterly delightful heritage farm in the heart of Tuscany's rich wine country. There's so much to paint, and so many delights to savor. But that's not all! 

In addition to painting, we'll enjoy:

• Long walks in the gorgeous countryside

• Winery tours

• Possibly a Traditional cooking class

• Sustainable harvest tour

• Optional sight-seeing excursions to Siena or San Gimignano

• Delicious, locally sourced organic meals and wine, right from our own farm.
  

(Content from Spannoccchia.com):

“Spannocchia is a magical place. It is a unique integration of historic architecture and landscape.  Our 1,100 acre property hosts a working organic farm, a center for education and enrichment, and a multinational community.  There is something to excite everyone at Spannocchia: hiking paths, farm animals, verdant gardens, cooking classes, beautiful vistas, eight centuries of rural history, a swimming pool, friendly people, great wine, and fantastic food. In addition, our proximity to destinations such as Florence, Siena, Chianti, San Gimignano, the Tuscan coastline, and many small hill towns makes Spannocchia the ideal base for exploring Tuscany."

Details

Program Fee: $500 painter fee, $400 non painter/companion

Non-refundable deposit $500 due to register

Estimated total cost for program 7 nights: $2390 /artists. $2055/companions, non-painters.

Room & Board. The rates below are per person for the full length of the conference.

• Accommodations, private room with bathroom ensuite. Est $1530 for the week.

• Room can be shared for a $335 total cost savings per person.

• Membership to Spannocchia, required $60

• City tax, Shared Studio fee $20

• Transportation from Florence to Spannocchia and back. est $120

• Shared rental cars for our time at Spannocchia. Drivers need a US drivers license and it is recommended to get an international license c/o AAA. est $160.00

Travel: Mid day, 9/27, you will be picked up at Florence airport or Center Florence train station/Santa Maria Novella. Shared van rides.

If you rent your own auto, see you at Spannocchia for 6 pm 9/27 orientation.

Not included, but recommended: If you wish to spend a day or so prior to or after the workshop days, we have lots of suggestions: Florence? Lucca? overnight in Siena? Rome?

Field Trips: Opportunities....We will spend time in Siena; we'll make a trip to a vineyard for a day of painting and vineyard tour/wine tasting. We'll find an afternoon to visit San Gimignano, shopping extraordinary. We might be invited to a neighboring estate for a painting day. So much to do!

Extra Activities not included/payable at Reception:

Cooking Lesson/Tuscan cuisine, very delicious fun!,

Taste of the Farm Tour (includes wine and olive oil from Spannocchia tastings).

Supplies: Bring your choice of materials. Suggestions list:

Easel, if you don't mind carrying it. There are some misc variety easels in the studio to share.

Folding stool

Watercolor paints, palette for mixing, gouache (not agrylic gouache)

Brushes: Bring your favorites, but you will need: Rounds: 4,6,10,14" Flats: 1/2", 1"

plastic water dish, clips/masking tape,

paper towels. (pull off a few per day, no need for thge entire roll)

SKETCH BOOK mandatory and pencis or pens to use.

Water bottle for drinking and painting water.

Permanent marker pens, .5 or .8 are my favorite sizes.

100% cotton/rag watercolor paper, cut to size you prefer (or a block) with a backer board/waterproofed also cut to size of selected paper.

And of course, hat and sun block! We always have nice sunny days!

Questions? Bring them on! This is an extraordinary trip!