DETAILS

Sylvietta,

A great friend and colleague of Emily, this is Sylvia’s course that she will be leading, hosting and teaching.

The Wine Course

The WSET Level 1 course teaches the student the fundamentals so they leave Florence clear about what wines they like and how to verbalise that preference...plus other essentials such as - How wine is made, What are the "Noble" grape varieties, How to select a wine off a wine list, How to correctly serve and store wine and How to spot a faulty wine. Participate in food and wine matching workshops, tour the estate winery and vineyards and enjoy a sparkling wine breakfast.

WSET Level is an empowering course intended for those who have a little, or no prior knowledge of wines. It is designed to provide a sound but simple, engaging and fascinating introduction to wines.

The weekend includes a minimum of 6 hours course time and a very straightforward 45 minute multiple choice exam.

What you will learn:

• The main types and styles of wine

• Common (or better, “Noble”) wine grapes and their characteristics

• How wine is made

• Tutored tasting of 8 wines - the Noble 8 varieties plus Sparkling and an introduction to the wines of Fattoria di Poggiopiano hosted by winemaker Martina Galardi.

• How to store and serve wine and recognise a faulty wine

• The principles of food and wine pairing

• How to describe wine using the WSET Level 1 Systematic Approach to Tasting Wine® (SAT)

Fattoria di Poggiopiano

Location

Poggiopiano is a winery nestled in the hills of Fiesole with views over the Arno Valley. Poggiopiano has been officially certified organic since 1999 and is part of the Distretto Biologico di Fiesole, promoting sustainable and healthy food and drinks.

Olive oil and wine production

Plenum Olive Oil 2024 is a blend of Frantoio, Moraiolo, and Leccino. The olive oil received the highest rating of “3 Foglie” in Gambero Rosso’s Guida Oli d’Italia for the sixth year in a row. “Tre Foglie” represents top quality.

In addition to olive oil, Poggiopiano produces a variety of organic wines. Grapes are hand-picked between late August and early October from vineyards grown on limestone-rich soils near Fiesole.

Wine styles

The winery offers a diverse range of wines, including various styles within the Chianti DOCG and Toscana IGT classifications:

• Chianti Superiore DOCG “Voce alla Terra”

• Chianti Riserva DOCG

• Rosso di Toscana IGT “Com’era”

• Rosso di Toscana IGT “Poggio Galardi in Anfora”

• Bianco di Toscana IGT “Erta al Mandorlo”

• Bianco di Toscana IGT “VinOrange”

• Rosato di Toscana IGT “RosaÈ”

Accomodation

You stay in charming rooms and apartments in a rustic Tuscan farmhouse. The property includes a swimming pool surrounded by vineyards and olive groves.

LOCATION

Fattoria di Poggiopiano is located in Girone, a borough of Fiesole municipality, just 7 kms from the historic centre of Florence and 6 kms away from the highway A1 (Bologna-Roma) exit Firenze Sud. Poggiopiano is just a few steps away from the historic centre of Florence and situated at the crossroads of the main routes that connect the most important art cities in our Region: Siena, Lucca, Pisa, San Gimignano… can be reached in 45-60 minutes by car but also by public transport from Florence train station.

Airport

Florence Airport Amerigo Vespucci (FLR) is situated approximately 20 km from the property. The drive from the airport takes around 30 to 35 minutes. Tram T2 connects the airport to the city center in 20 minutes.

By car

Easily reached from the A1 motorway (Firenze Sud exit), the route to our estate takes you on a scenic 6 km drive through the gentle hills toward Girone and Fiesole.

Please note: the final stretch is narrow. There is a single-lane road uphill. Drive carefully and watch for oncoming traffic.

Once you arrive in the village, simply follow Via dei Bassi. You’ll find the farmhouse 600 meters ahead, and the wine cellar just 1 km further.

By public transport

Arriving by train? From Florence’s Santa Maria Novella station (Firenze S.M.N.), take a bus to Fiesole. Once there, you can reach Via dei Bassi by taxi, local bus, or on foot.

Bus lines:

• Line 7: Firenze S.M.N. – Fiesole

• Line 47 or 47E: Firenze Piazza Mino – Il Girone

• Line 14A: Firenze – Direct to Girone

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 Thursday, November 12, 2026

Evening
The weekend begins with an aperitif in the dining room of Agriturismo Poggiopiano, hosted by Martina.

Martina Galardi is the owner and winemaker of Poggiopiano. She will introduce you to the award-winning organic wines and olive oil of the estate.

Dinner in the dining room of Agriturismo Poggiopiano.

Day 2, Friday November 13, 2026

Morning
A fresh start: breakfast and the beginning of the course: “Introduction to Wine: Grape Varieties, Types, and Styles”.

Afternoon
After a light lunch with local specialties, a guided walk will be followed through the historic vineyards.

Evening
Dinner in the dining room of Agriturismo Poggiopiano.

Day 3, Saturday November 14, 2026

Morning

The day begins with a Champagne breakfast. We’ll explore the art of pairing food and wine and the profiles of noble grape varieties.

Afternoon

The session will begin with a 45-minute multiple-choice examination. Upon request, after the exam, a nice lunch will be served.

Evening

Free time to enjoy Florence.

 Day 4, Sunday November 15, 2026

Morning
Breakfast.

Saluti e arrivederci!

Course Cost and How to Sign Up

WSET Level 1 course fee

The cost of the WSET Level 1 course is €320 per person including ebook, all tastings and exam. Travel and accommodation are not included. See details below.

Registration:

All WSET courses are facilitated by Sylvia.

Maximum of 14 participants.

Once your course payment has been received, Sylvia will send you the Level 1 ebook. If you have the change to read through it before the course starts, you’ll be able to focus on the wines themselves.

The true essence of a wine expressed through its colour, aroma and flavours often speaks more clearly and more beautifully than any written description.

If you would like to combine the course with a 2-3 night stay at Poggiopiano, please contact Martina agriturismo@poggiopiano.it

When booking do mention you are a WSET Level 1 course student as there are prices set for students.

For any questions you might have, or to sign up for the course please contact Sylvia:  info@sylvietta.nl

Please note: there can be no refunds. You must accept the terms and conditions in order to participate.

Minimum age requirement (Italy). To join the WSET Level 1 Wines Course in Italy you’ll need to be 18 years or older to take part in the wine tastings.