{"id":43382,"date":"2025-11-11T13:40:56","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T02:40:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/?p=43382"},"modified":"2026-01-15T16:10:14","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T05:10:14","slug":"italy-spain-best-food-experiences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/italy-spain-best-food-experiences\/","title":{"rendered":"Table for Two: The Best Food Experiences in Italy &amp; Spain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em><strong>From prosciutto in Emilia-Romagna, to post-pintxos Basque cheesecake in San Sebastian, these are the must-eats in Europe&#8217;s culinary capitals.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fresh pasta, sun-kissed Mediterranean produce, cured meats made with centuries-old techniques and crisp-based paella: it could be said, without much objection, that Italy and Spain dish up the best food in Europe. But any foodie worth their salt knows that the best culinary experiences are often off the beaten track \u2013 it&#8217;s a case of sniffing them out like a Catalonian truffle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider yourself an armchair expert when it comes to food and looking for your next adventure? Enter our two new Signature Series tours to <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-e79792ac-e43e-4de0-b682-fa4a1952518c\/signature-series-spain-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-gary-mehigan-base?\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-e79792ac-e43e-4de0-b682-fa4a1952518c\/signature-series-spain-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-gary-mehigan-base?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Spain<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-0206690e-757b-45e5-be63-d9601a648555\/signature-series-italy-exclusive-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-and-gary-mehigan-base?\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-0206690e-757b-45e5-be63-d9601a648555\/signature-series-italy-exclusive-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-and-gary-mehigan-base?\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Italy<\/a>, hosted by former MasterChef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan. Across these action-packed itineraries, you&#8217;ll witness gastronomy at its finest with handpicked, insider foodie experiences. Read on for a taste of what you&#8217;d have in store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best food experiences in Spain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Feast on suckling lamb at an ancient monastery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Ribera del Duero is a region known for its rich red wines and hearty Castilian fare steeped in tradition, but there is one dish that draws in foodies from around the world: <em>lechazo asado<\/em>. From a technique passed down through the generations, suckling lamb is prepared in a wood-fired oven to perfection, so melt-in-your-mouth meat pairs with a crunchy skin. <em>Lechazo asado<\/em> is best tried in an atmosphere that is as ancient as it is, so Monasterio de Valbuena Restaurant \u2013 fine dining haunt of Castilla Termal Monasterio de Valbuena, an ancient monastery turned five-star escape \u2013 should be at the top of your list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"lux_UI lux_single_dealcard cacheid_0e7efcb18207682bfdbc382d368f259d\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"dealcard_preview\">\n\t\t<div class=\"splide lux_dealcard_gallery\" aria-label=\"Luxury Escapes: Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &#038; Gary Mehigan  by \"><div class=\"splide__arrows\"><button class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--prev\"><\/button><button class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--next\"><\/button><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-e79792ac-e43e-4de0-b682-fa4a1952518c\/signature-series-spain-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-gary-mehigan-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour  LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &#038; Gary Mehigan \" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\"><div class=\"splide__track\"><div class=\"splide__list\"><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/tui9fxeivmtm2mgdg7m\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/tui9fxeivmtm2mgdg7m 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/tui9fxeivmtm2mgdg7m 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/tui9fxeivmtm2mgdg7m 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/tui9fxeivmtm2mgdg7m 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan  by  1\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/u9n90tnzik4hdjxls4d9\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/u9n90tnzik4hdjxls4d9 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/u9n90tnzik4hdjxls4d9 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/u9n90tnzik4hdjxls4d9 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/u9n90tnzik4hdjxls4d9 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan  by  2\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/2m4oh1dwlcbp95isk8ls\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/2m4oh1dwlcbp95isk8ls 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/2m4oh1dwlcbp95isk8ls 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/2m4oh1dwlcbp95isk8ls 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/2m4oh1dwlcbp95isk8ls 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan  by  3\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/6qr0v6t1eku9bzo5a\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/6qr0v6t1eku9bzo5a 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/6qr0v6t1eku9bzo5a 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/6qr0v6t1eku9bzo5a 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/6qr0v6t1eku9bzo5a 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan  by  4\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/h02cw8lxbx6i4u0wpas\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/h02cw8lxbx6i4u0wpas 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/h02cw8lxbx6i4u0wpas 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/h02cw8lxbx6i4u0wpas 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/h02cw8lxbx6i4u0wpas 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan  by  5\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/7ui3dusvrdnymifzhjst\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/7ui3dusvrdnymifzhjst 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/7ui3dusvrdnymifzhjst 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/7ui3dusvrdnymifzhjst 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/7ui3dusvrdnymifzhjst 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan  by  6\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/5h2zkxnp2vplxa47bmm\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/5h2zkxnp2vplxa47bmm 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/5h2zkxnp2vplxa47bmm 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/5h2zkxnp2vplxa47bmm 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/5h2zkxnp2vplxa47bmm 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan  by  7\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/2iwh5zq8gknud2pvdchf\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/2iwh5zq8gknud2pvdchf 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/2iwh5zq8gknud2pvdchf 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/2iwh5zq8gknud2pvdchf 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/2iwh5zq8gknud2pvdchf 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan  by  8\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"dealcard_details\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-e79792ac-e43e-4de0-b682-fa4a1952518c\/signature-series-spain-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-gary-mehigan-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour deal_card LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &#038; Gary Mehigan \" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t\t<div class=\"dealcard_details_inner\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><\/div><div class=\"location\"><span>Starts in <strong>Barcelona<\/strong>, Ends in <strong>Madrid<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Signature Series: Exclusive 12-Day Spain Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &#038; Gary Mehigan <\/div><div class=\"meta\">12 days \u00b7 8 places \u00b7 2 countries<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">12 days from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$11,549<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\">\/person with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$11,899<\/span><\/div><div class=\"tax\">Taxes &#038; fees apply<br>Twin regular room<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<span class=\"btn_view_offer\">View offer<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Be initiated into a secret gastronomic society<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Nothing screams glamour and excitement quite like a secret society, and behind closed doors in Basque Country you\u2019ll find exclusive members-only gastronomic societies, called <em>txokos<\/em>, within the communities. Members might pay an annual fee to access a large dining space where they can savour a delectable three-course meal with friends, plus a fully stocked kitchen and bar. Budding chefs can experiment in the kitchen and guests can have as much tea, coffee and wine as they like \u2013 if they abide by the honour system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit the birthplace of the original Basque cheesecake&#8230;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"577\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1024x577.png\" alt=\"Chefs eating basque cheesecake, one of the best foods in Spain and Italy - Luxury Escapes\" class=\"wp-image-43444\" srcset=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1024x577.png 1024w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-350x197.png 350w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image.png 1348w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan, Signature Series Tour hosts, at La Vi\u00f1a. Source: supplied.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For the culinarily inclined, the word Basque means one thing \u2013 cheesecake. Caramelly on the outside, smooth and light on the inside, this rich, custardy delight is beloved across the globe. Make a pilgrimage to the humble seaside city of San Sebastian to this birthplace: La Vi\u00f1a, which has been dishing up its signature crustless Basque cheesecake since the 1980s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#8230; and explore San Sebastian&#8217;s most beloved pintxos street<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If Basque cheesecake is dessert, then pintxo is the obvious starter: bite-sized snacks that may be small in size, but are big on flavour. A Basque specialty named after the small cocktail sticks used to hold each dish together, the moreish morsels are unassuming yet masterfully packed with intricate flavours, from anchovy, olive and guindilla peppers, to breaded Manchego cheese served with quince paste. Fermin Calbeton Kalea in San Sebastian is the place to taste them all at pintxo bars, each with its own inventive creation. Eat standing up like a true Basque would for an authentic experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Master the secrets of paella with a cooking class<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Arguably the most famous Spanish cuisine is paella, and creating a richly complex dish that effortlessly melds together saffron-scented rice, seafood and salty chorizo (which is just one variation) is an artform. So why not learn how to craft it at home like a master? Across Spain, kitchens are prepped to show you how to craft the perfect dish with that coveted socarrat (crispy base layer), and usually serve a glass of wine and pintxos to boot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The best food experiences in Italy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Uncover Rome&#8217;s best bites by golf cart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Roman street food is usually savoured on foot or by bike, but what about by golf cart? Chauffeured in style, zip across the city to taste mouth-watering local favourites like <em>carciofi alla giudia<\/em> (crisp, deep-fried artichokes) and molten <em>suppli<\/em> (enticing mozzarella-stuffed croquettes). It wouldn\u2019t be a food escapade in Italy without a tipple, so wine, beer and even a refreshing spritz are also on the menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Take lunch at the most famous butcher in the world<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Consider yourself <em>carne<\/em> crazy? In east Tuscany is the unassuming town of Panzano in Chianti, home to legendary butcher Dario Cecchini (who you might have seen on the show <em>Chef\u2019s Table<\/em>). The eight-generation butcher redefines what it means to perfect a craft, and patrons of his shop \u2013 Antica Macelleria Cecchini \u2013\u00a0can watch him work meticulously to ensure no meat is wasted. Head into the dining room to see Dario\u2019s nose-to-tail philosophy at work with exceptional beef tartare, seared rump and bone-in ribeye, plus a surprisingly hefty vegetarian offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SS-Italy_1-Star-87-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"Ristorante Cavallino, one of the best places to eat in Spain and Italy - Luxury Escapes\" class=\"wp-image-43413\" srcset=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SS-Italy_1-Star-87-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SS-Italy_1-Star-87-350x197.jpg 350w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SS-Italy_1-Star-87-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SS-Italy_1-Star-87-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/SS-Italy_1-Star-87.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ristorante Cavallino, Tuscany. Source: supplied.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dine at Ferrari&#8217;s original canteen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The original staff canteen for Ferrari factory workers in Maranello has been given a gastronomic facelift \u2013 but without forgetting its past. At Ristorante Cavallino, you\u2019ll find living pieces of history around every corner, with memorabilia and photographs of Enzo Ferrari himself adorning the walls. The menu seamlessly combines regional Emilian favourites, like aged Parmigiano Reggiano flan and <em>Cotechino alla Rossini<\/em> (pork sausage and foie gras, served with brioche, sour cherry and black truffle), with international classics like sachertorte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Taste the world&#8217;s finest prosciutto in Emilia-Romagna<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If the word prosciutto makes you say \u2018molto bene\u2019, then a stop by the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy to sample the nation\u2019s best. Crisp mountain and sea breezes that waft through the region make it an exemplary spot for curing this antipasti classic, which Italians have been doing since the Middle Ages. Tours take prosciutto pundits through a traditional factory to learn the secrets of the curing before being treated to a decadent tasting (paired with exceptional Italian wines of course).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Savour each sip at a centuries-old winery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"574\" src=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-1024x574.png\" alt=\"Torre a Cona, one of the best places to eat in Spain and Italy - Luxury Escapes\" class=\"wp-image-43450\" srcset=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-1024x574.png 1024w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-350x196.png 350w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-2.png 1350w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Dining at Torre a Cona. Source: supplied.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Amateur sommeliers and lovers of countryside scenery alike will be enchanted by the historic Torre a Cona in Tuscany, southeast of Florence. Not only has this palatial villa, now home to a luxe hotel and osteria, stood since the 18th century, but the 200 hectares of rolling hills and verdant grounds have been producing exceptional wines for just as long. A tour of the winery will take you into the ancient cellars but also the <em>vinsantaia<\/em>, a special area used to age the sweet and oh-so-caramelly dessert wine, Vin Santo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div  class=\"lux_UI lux_single_dealcard cacheid_2ebe0010c5fdecc6a26a8bcb5e02f726\">\n\t\n\t<div class=\"dealcard_preview\">\n\t\t<div class=\"splide lux_dealcard_gallery\" aria-label=\"Luxury Escapes: Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &#038; Gary Mehigan by \"><div class=\"splide__arrows\"><button class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--prev\"><\/button><button class=\"splide__arrow splide__arrow--next\"><\/button><\/div><a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-0206690e-757b-45e5-be63-d9601a648555\/signature-series-italy-exclusive-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-and-gary-mehigan-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour  LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &#038; Gary Mehigan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\"><div class=\"splide__track\"><div class=\"splide__list\"><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/wi60guz14ibek2vyp4wn\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/wi60guz14ibek2vyp4wn 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/wi60guz14ibek2vyp4wn 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/wi60guz14ibek2vyp4wn 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/wi60guz14ibek2vyp4wn 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan by  1\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/jo6ro0t7afbbg44bzn6\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/jo6ro0t7afbbg44bzn6 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/jo6ro0t7afbbg44bzn6 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/jo6ro0t7afbbg44bzn6 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/jo6ro0t7afbbg44bzn6 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan by  2\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/6gipoxlubdji0455wal\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/6gipoxlubdji0455wal 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/6gipoxlubdji0455wal 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/6gipoxlubdji0455wal 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/6gipoxlubdji0455wal 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan by  3\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/rqhffn7pft7exanlvyzr\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/rqhffn7pft7exanlvyzr 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/rqhffn7pft7exanlvyzr 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/rqhffn7pft7exanlvyzr 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/rqhffn7pft7exanlvyzr 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan by  4\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/tpmqra5y1bnob8nvm92\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/tpmqra5y1bnob8nvm92 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/tpmqra5y1bnob8nvm92 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/tpmqra5y1bnob8nvm92 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/tpmqra5y1bnob8nvm92 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan by  5\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/zk6at1rvip9xc6vn32y\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/zk6at1rvip9xc6vn32y 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/zk6at1rvip9xc6vn32y 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/zk6at1rvip9xc6vn32y 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/zk6at1rvip9xc6vn32y 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan by  6\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/v3e7y4x1hb5p8p1m0ht\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/v3e7y4x1hb5p8p1m0ht 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/v3e7y4x1hb5p8p1m0ht 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/v3e7y4x1hb5p8p1m0ht 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/v3e7y4x1hb5p8p1m0ht 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan by  7\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><div class=\"splide__slide dealcard_img\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/bzimotan8ldzkpdbfxv\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_400,h_400\/bzimotan8ldzkpdbfxv 400w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_600,h_600\/bzimotan8ldzkpdbfxv 600w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_800,h_800\/bzimotan8ldzkpdbfxv 800w, https:\/\/images.luxuryescapes.com\/q_auto:eco,c_scale,w_1200,h_1200\/bzimotan8ldzkpdbfxv 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 400px) 400px, 400px\" alt=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &amp; Gary Mehigan by  8\" width=\"1200\" height=\"1200\"><\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/a><\/div>\t<\/div>\n\t\n\t<div class=\"dealcard_details\">\n\t\t\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/us\/tour\/tour-0206690e-757b-45e5-be63-d9601a648555\/signature-series-italy-exclusive-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-and-gary-mehigan-base\" data-le=\"promo\" data-type=\"tour deal_card LuxPlus \" data-name=\"Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &#038; Gary Mehigan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"offer_link_wrap\">\t\t<div class=\"dealcard_details_inner\">\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"tags\"><\/div><div class=\"location\"><span>Starts in <strong>Rome<\/strong>, Ends in <strong>Milan<\/strong><\/span><\/div><div class=\"name\">Signature Series: 11-Day Italy Exclusive Foodie Tour with Matt Preston &#038; Gary Mehigan<\/div><div class=\"meta\">11 days \u00b7 6 places \u00b7 1 country<\/div><div class=\"deal_info\"><div class=\"nights\">11 days from<\/div><div class=\"range luxplus\"><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$10,188<\/span><span class=\"with_luxplus\">\/person with <em><\/em><\/span><\/div><div class=\"range range_small\"><span class=\"label\">Non-member<\/span><span class=\"currency\">US<\/span><span class=\"price\">$10,539<\/span><\/div><div class=\"tax\">Taxes &#038; fees apply<br>Twin regular room<\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<span class=\"btn_view_offer\">View offer<\/span>\n\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><em>Love the sound of these gastronomic adventures? Then you\u2019ll love our exclusive Signature Series tours to <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-0206690e-757b-45e5-be63-d9601a648555\/signature-series-italy-exclusive-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-and-gary-mehigan-base?\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-0206690e-757b-45e5-be63-d9601a648555\/signature-series-italy-exclusive-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-and-gary-mehigan-base?\" rel=\"noopener\">Italy<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-e79792ac-e43e-4de0-b682-fa4a1952518c\/signature-series-spain-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-gary-mehigan-base?\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/tour\/tour-e79792ac-e43e-4de0-b682-fa4a1952518c\/signature-series-spain-foodie-tour-w-matt-preston-gary-mehigan-base?\" rel=\"noopener\">Spain<\/a>, hosted by former MasterChef judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From prosciutto in Emilia-Romagna, to post-pintxos Basque cheesecake in San Sebastian, these are the must-eats in Europe&#8217;s culinary capitals. Fresh pasta, sun-kissed Mediterranean produce, cured meats made with centuries-old techniques and crisp-based paella: it could be said, without much objection, that Italy and Spain dish up the best food in Europe. But any foodie worth [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":57,"featured_media":43447,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[55,4,85,69],"tags":[21,6,316,7],"location":[393],"customertype":[366],"class_list":["post-43382","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-destinations","category-italy","category-spain","tag-arts-culture","tag-city-break","tag-five-star","tag-food-wine","location-barcelona","customertype-pre-purchase"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"lux_id":43382,"lux_link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/italy-spain-best-food-experiences\/","lux_title":"Table for Two: The Best Food Experiences in Italy & Spain","lux_excerpt":"From prosciutto in Emilia-Romagna, to post-pintxos Basque cheesecake in San Sebastian, these are the must-eats in Europe\u2019s culinary capitals. Fresh pasta, sun-kissed Mediterranean produce, cured meats made with centuries-old techniques and crisp-based paella: it could be said, without much objection, that Italy and Spain dish up the best food in Europe. But any foodie worth [\u2026]","lux_excerpt_trimmed":"From prosciutto in Emilia-Romagna, to post-pintxos Basque cheesecake in San Sebastian, these are the must-eats in Europe\u2019s culinary capitals. Fresh pasta, sun-kissed Mediterranean produce, cured meats made with centuries-old techniques","lux_image_url":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1.png","lux_image_url_medium":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1-350x196.png","lux_image_url_large":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1-1024x574.png","lux_image_url_square":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/image-1-500x500.png","lux_categories":[{"label":"Europe","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/destinations\/europe\/"},{"label":"Destinations","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/destinations\/"},{"label":"Italy","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/destinations\/europe\/italy\/"},{"label":"Spain","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/destinations\/europe\/spain\/"}],"lux_tags":[{"label":"Arts &amp; Culture","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/arts-culture\/"},{"label":"City Break","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/city-break\/"},{"label":"Five-Star","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/five-star\/"},{"label":"Food &amp; Wine","link":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/tag\/food-wine\/"}],"lux_locations":[{"label":"Barcelona"}],"lux_customer_types":[{"label":"Pre-Purchase"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43382","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/57"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=43382"}],"version-history":[{"count":55,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43382\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45468,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/43382\/revisions\/45468"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/43447"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=43382"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=43382"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=43382"},{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=43382"},{"taxonomy":"customertype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luxuryescapes.com\/inspiration\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/customertype?post=43382"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}