Italy 2025 - Terroir Knitting Retreat

We met in Florence at noon, then left by coach to Prato. There we visited two mills to watch and learn about post-consumer cashmere and wool sweaters being recycled back into yarn for the interiors, fashion, and knitting yarn industries. We then journeyed to Borgo di Pazzi to buy the recycled yarn for our projects. Mid-afternoon we hopped on our coach to the elegant town of Montecatini Terme, famous through history for its thermal spa treatments, and to the Montecatini Palace hotel for a private dinner and overnight stay.

We spent a relaxing morning spent exploring the town and park with its Art Nouveau spa buildings. Some people took the 1898 funicular train to the hilltop village of Montecatini while others knitted swatches by the hotel’s rooftop pool. In the afternoon the group set off for Villa Boccella, the 17th century estate set amid the gentle rolling hills 30 minutes north of Lucca, where we stayed for 7 nights. With lovely gardens, a large salt water pool, and air conditioning throughout the property, we were very comfortable and cool despite the early Tuscan summer heat!

At Cocoknits retreats, we don't hold formal classes. Instead everyone is welcome to move around and explore the property--choosing the perfect spot to knit: in the garden, by the pool, in the grand piano hall or the book-filled library, or any of the cozy sofas and chairs in the three sitting rooms. After a bountiful breakfast and plenty of caffeine (endless cappuccinos and espressos on demand!) everyone settled down to their knitting project while Julie and Tracy moved seamlessly around the group offering guidance and support, measuring swatches, helping with fit and sizing, and getting everyone started on their customer sweaters! It was a highly satisfying day that ended with a scrumptious 3 course dinner in the garden with a caprese starter, roasted lamb main course, and possibly the best-ever creme brulée for dessert.

After another day of knitting in and around the Villa, we strolled over to the neighboring estate for an al fresco evening of wine, cheese, and olive oil tasting. The 15th century Tenuta di Tramonte produces its own extra virgin olive oil as well as red and white wine, condiments, and jams. With rustic breads, local pecorino cheeses - fresh, six months old, and aged - and a plate of charcuterie, we dipped the oils and sipped the wines to a lively presentation by estate owner Lorenzo.  More culinary delights awaited us back at our Villa with a dinner of crostini, beefsteak, and apple tart with homemade ice cream.

Our knitters made excellent progress with their sweaters with some people starting on their worksheets and Julie and Tracy attentively on hand to explain the Cocoknits Method. We were joined for evening drinks by British textile artist Carole Waller, who screen prints and paints on cotton, silk and velvet to create unique wearable art. We marveled at Carole’s talent, which was evident from her slideshow of garments and glass art produced over a career spanning more than 45 years. Valentino and Larisa served a delicious supper of grilled meats, fish, and roasted vegetables.

With a trip to the delightful town of Lucca on our agenda , we set off by coach to discover its charms and secrets through a guided walking tour from Diletta. She took us to the Cathedral, the ancient town walls, the Via Filungo shopping street, and Amphitheatre Square amongst other places. With all Lucca's interesting artisanal and independent shops the coach arrived back at Villa Boccella far heavier than when it left. A great time had by all! 

After a relaxing day of knitting, we donned aprons and rolled up our sleeves for a hands-on cooking demonstration with Valentino, our fun and amusing chef. Under his guidance we made our own pasta which, we stuffed with ravioli filling, a classic ‘hunter’s’ chicken main course with lots of vegetables and the ‘pick me up’ Tiramisu dessert. Cheers to the cooks as we toasted with homemade Limoncello! Valentino generously shared his recipes and years of professional experience--in case anyone wanted to recreate the meal at home.

We knitted in the morning, then departed on foot to Tenuta di Tramonte for a wonderful farm to table lunch of cold soup, homemade pasta, and pannacotta in the shade of the garden.  Then it was back to our Villa for more knitting and our final evening together. The prosecco flowed as we dined outside with a backdrop of silhouetted hills in the distance, twinkling stars above us, and the sound of cicadas.

With warm hugs and promises to stay in touch, our group said their goodbyes and climbed aboard the coach bound for Florence, to where we began 9 days ago. Our fabulous week of knitting was a joy from beginning to end. We can’t wait for our next knitting retreat in Tuscany in the Fall.