Providence, RI: Chef Kaitlyn Roberts, founder & owner of Easy Entertaining Inc., and Jessica Granatiero, proprietor of The Savory Grape and The Savory Affair, have strategically joined forces to blend their extensive knowledge of food and wine in order to provide local consumers with events and experience unlike any other.

In the coming months, Chef Roberts and Granatiero will be partnering on progressive tasting dinners, local winery excursions, and in-home private dinners. For instance, the duo is planning a dinner with vintner Barr Smith of Barlow Vineyards on March 28, 2014. Also, taking a cue from the enormous, sold-out success of their first Italian adventure in 2013, they have coordinated yet another culinary tour where guests can eat and drink their way through Tuscany this October.

“We knew that the businesses doing the best in the travel industry were not offering ‘trips,’ they were offering experiences,” stated Granatiero. “From a business perspective, Kate and I knew we had the expertise, passion and proper skill set to enter into this market.”

According to US Travel Association, direct spending on leisure travel by domestic and international travelers totaled $597 billion in 2012.

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The success of last year’s trip confirmed Roberts and Granatiero’s theory that consumers were seeking opportunities beyond those you can receive with large tour groups. They wanted personalized experiences that explore the true culture of a country.

“Savoring Italy” begins October 5, 2014 with Roberts leading the cooking classes and demonstrations, while Granatiero will provide a behind-the-scenes look at some of the top Tuscan vineyards. Granatiero has been recognized by the Wall Street Journal, Wine Spectator, and has received RI Monthly’s best wine shop award from 2006-2012. Roberts completed her culinary training in Tuscany, speaks fluent Italian and returns frequently to lead educated tourists in hands- on, one-of-a-kind experiences.

“The luxury accommodations we have chosen are unparalleled and each vineyard is different from past years,” stated Roberts. “Lucca is very near and dear to my heart, as that is where I was married so I know first hand just how amazing the food and wine is there. We are looking forward to dining and toasting with another fabulous group again this year.”

Highlights from Savoring Tuscany Include:

• Guests will arrive at the Villa Daniella Grossi, a restored 17th century luxury villa located in the hills of Lucca. Chef Roberts and Granatiero will greet guests with a welcome wine and a sampling of Tuscan cheeses. Following the tasting, guests will be treated to a traditional Tuscan welcome dinner.

• Each morning a delectable breakfast will prepared by Chef Roberts before guests board a luxury coach to visit, tour, and taste at four exclusive Tuscan vineyards guided by Granatiero. • In the afternoons, guests will return to hands on cooking and wine pairing lessons from Roberts and Granatiero.

• In the evenings, guests will dine on gourmet dinners including three at the villa with custom wine pairings, two off-site in the city of Lucca and one Florence paired with wine.

To book your reservations please contact Ann Petronio, at Annie’s Escapes Custom Travel Planning at 401-270-4834. To view a downloadable brochure of the trip, please visit www.thesavorygrape.com/vineyards

For more information about Easy Entertaining Inc. please call Katie Roberts at 401.437.6090 or email her at Katie@EasyEntertainingRI.com

For information on The Savory Grape wine shop or for local event planning needs with The Savory Affair, please contact Jessica Granatiero at Jessica@thesavorygrape.com or at 401-261-4966.