Nestled in the picturesque Val d’Orcia region, Podere Spedalone offers a truly authentic Tuscan dining experience. Guests can savor a farm-to-table gourmet lunch, featuring local delicacies like cured meats, Pecorino cheese, and handcrafted pasta. But the experience goes beyond just the food – it’s a chance to engage with locals and fellow travelers, all while sipping on curated wine tastings. This two-hour communal event promises to transport you to the heart of Tuscan culture. What else might you discover at this ancient farmhouse?
Key Points
- Enjoy a two-hour communal dining experience in the historic Podere Spedalone farmhouse, located in the UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia region.
- Savor a farm-to-table menu featuring locally sourced ingredients and traditional Tuscan flavors, including renowned Fiorentina steak and curated wine tastings.
- Immerse in the cultural experience by dining alongside locals, fostering connections and exchanging stories.
- Indulge in a menu showcasing fresh, organic produce from the on-site gardens, with highlights like cured meats, Pecorino di Pienza cheese, and handcrafted pasta.
- Customize your lunch with optional wine pairings and accommodate dietary preferences, ensuring an exceptional and authentic dining experience.
Gourmet Lunch at Podere Spedalone
Although the historic Podere Spedalone farmhouse in the UNESCO-protected Val d’Orcia region may seem unassuming from the outside, visitors who step through its doors are in for a truly exceptional gourmet lunch experience.
Over the course of 2 hours, guests enjoy a communal dining setting, sharing stories and connecting with locals and fellow travelers.
The farm-to-table menu showcases local ingredients and traditional Tuscan flavors, featuring cured meats, Pecorino cheese, seasonal pasta, and handcrafted desserts.
Diners can also opt for the renowned Fiorentina steak, grilled to perfection, and pair their meal with curated wine tastings.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Pienza.
Communal Dining Experience
At the heart of the Podere Spedalone experience is the communal dining setting, where guests come together to share stories and connect with both locals and fellow travelers.
The communal dining setting at Podere Spedalone allows guests to connect with locals and fellow travelers while sharing stories.
This social experience encourages:
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Interaction: Guests are seated together, facilitating conversations and the exchange of perspectives.
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Cultural Immersion: Dining alongside locals provides insight into the region’s traditions and everyday life.
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Shared Appreciation: The farm-to-table menu unites guests in their enjoyment of Tuscan flavors and the local culinary heritage.
This convivial atmosphere enhances the authenticity and richness of the gourmet lunch experience.
Farm-to-Table Menu Highlights
The farm-to-table menu at Podere Spedalone showcases the wealth of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients from the estate’s organic gardens. The meal starts with a selection of cured meats and Pecorino di Pienza cheese, followed by a traditional Tuscan pasta dish highlighting seasonal produce. For dessert, guests can indulge in a handcrafted sweet treat.
| Menu Highlights | |
| ————— | —————— |
| Appetizer | Local cured meats and Pecorino di Pienza cheese |
| First Course | Traditional Tuscan pasta with seasonal ingredients |
| Dessert | Handcrafted sweet treat |
| Beverages | Fresh spring water and Italian coffee |
| Optional | Fiorentina Steak, grilled to perfection (additional charge) |
Dietary accommodations are available upon request, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable dining experience for all.
Appetizer: Local Cured Meats and Pecorino Di Pienza
Nestled at the heart of the Tuscan farmhouse, the appetizer course delights guests with a carefully curated selection of local cured meats and the renowned Pecorino di Pienza cheese.
Nestled at the heart of the Tuscan farmhouse, the appetizer course delights guests with a carefully curated selection of local cured meats and the renowned Pecorino di Pienza cheese.
The regional charcuterie features:
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Prosciutto di Parma, a delicate dry-cured ham with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
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Salame Toscano, a traditional Tuscan salami with a bold, smoky flavor.
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Finocchiona, a fennel-infused salami with a subtle licorice aroma.
Alongside the cured meats, the Pecorino di Pienza cheese, a local specialty, enchants the palate with its creamy, slightly tangy profile, a perfect complement to the savory cured meats.
More Great Tours NearbyFirst Course: Traditional Tuscan Pasta
Following the traditional recipes of the Tuscan countryside, the first course showcases a handcrafted pasta dish that highlights the season’s freshest ingredients from the on-site organic garden.
The pasta is made in-house using locally sourced flour and prepared with a light touch to allow the natural flavors to shine.
The sauce is crafted from the garden’s seasonal produce, offering a burst of vibrant, earthy notes that complement the pasta’s delicate texture.
This authentic Tuscan first course provides a delightful and satisfying introduction to the farm-to-table dining experience.
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Dessert: Handcrafted Sweet Treat
A handcrafted sweet treat caps off the farm-to-table lunch experience at Podere Spedalone.
The delightful dessert showcases the chef’s culinary artistry:
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A bite-sized confection made with locally-sourced ingredients, offering a harmonious blend of flavors.
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A traditional Tuscan pastry, meticulously prepared to showcase the region’s time-honored baking traditions.
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A seasonal dessert that celebrates the bounty of the organic garden, perfectly complementing the savory courses.
These handcrafted sweets provide a satisfying conclusion to the communal dining experience, leaving guests with a memorable taste of Tuscany.
Wine Tasting Options
To enhance the farm-to-table lunch experience, Podere Spedalone offers curated wine tasting options. Guests can choose from three formulas, each showcasing a distinct selection of wines.
Formula 5 features premium red wines, including the renowned Poderi Boscarelli Nobile di Montepulciano. For a more approachable experience, Formula 6 offers entry-level red wines. Formula 7 highlights crisp whites and delicate rosés.
Wines can be pre-ordered or requested upon arrival, allowing guests to tailor their lunch with the perfect pairing. These wine tasting experiences elevate the gourmet meal and immerse visitors in the flavors of the Tuscan terroir.
Dietary Accommodations and Booking Information
Podere Spedalone caters to dietary preferences, including vegetarian, gluten-free, and allergy-related requests. Guests are encouraged to inform the staff in advance to ensure a tailored experience.
Podere Spedalone caters to various dietary needs, ensuring a tailored experience through advanced notification to the staff.
The booking process is straightforward:
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Price: From $47.49 per person
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Flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
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Reserve now and pay later option available
The historic estate is wheelchair accessible, and guests can arrive early to explore the panoramic views of the Val d’Orcia.
Ask Away
Are Gratuities Included in the Lunch Price?
The lunch price does not include gratuities. Guests are welcome to tip the staff at their discretion based on the quality of service received during the 2-hour dining experience.
Is There a Dress Code for the Dining Experience?
There is no strict dress code for the dining experience. Guests are encouraged to dress comfortably and in casual attire appropriate for the relaxed, farm-to-table setting. The focus is on enjoying the authentic Tuscan cuisine and hospitality.
Can I Request a Private Table for My Group?
Yes, guests can request a private table for their group. The experience offers a communal dining setting, but private tables may be available upon request, subject to availability. Guests should contact the venue directly to inquire about this option.
Do You Offer Vegan or Dairy-Free Menu Options?
Yes, Podere Spedalone offers vegan and dairy-free menu options. They cater to dietary preferences and guests are encouraged to inform the team in advance for a tailored experience. Just let them know your needs when making your reservation.
How Far in Advance Should I Book the Experience?
For the gourmet lunch experience, Podere Spedalone recommends booking at least a few days in advance to secure your preferred date and ensure availability. They offer free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to the event.
Final Words
Enjoy the rich culinary traditions of Tuscany with a gourmet lunch at the historic Podere Spedalone farmhouse. Savor locally-sourced ingredients expertly crafted into a farm-to-table feast, complemented by curated wine tastings. This communal dining experience offers an authentic glimpse into Tuscan culture, where you’ll engage with locals and fellow travelers in a warm, rustic atmosphere.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Lunch Experiences in Pienza
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