We believe that the artisanal traditions of Tuscany can be preserved by providing learning opportunities for the next generation. Spannocchia offers two unique hands-on apprentice programs for people interested in learning the art of Italian salumi production or enhancing their culinary skills in a farm-to-table Tuscan restaurant. Our knowledgeable and experienced staff share their expertise and provide apprentices with an informal, intensive training. These immersive programs give participants practical experience and allow them to explore a unique career opportunity in a gorgeous and historic setting.
Spannocchia produces around 15 different types of salumi (cured meats) from the Cinta Senese pigs raised on our property. Named for their distinct white belted (cintura) band, they are a rare heritage breed that was at risk of extinction. These animals are all raised in an extensive, semi-brado (semi-wild) state, with access to forage and pasture year round. The unique qualities of the Cinta Senese breed pigs raised in a free-range system guarantee the quality of our products, which our norcino (butcher) produces on-site according to traditional techniques and recipes, and without the use of preservatives like nitrates or nitrites. Many of the seasonings and spices used in our salumi production are also harvested on the property, like the wild fennel, bay leaf, and juniper berries.
Our apprentices go through butcher training by working alongside our on-site butcher to learn all aspects of creating our award winning artisanal salumi. Butcher apprentices will be exposed to all phases of production, from slaughter to the meat curing process to assisting at markets.
While butchering can be physically challenging work but it is also extremely rewarding. There are opportunities to learn new skills and interact closely with the Italian workers, who can often provide a wealth of knowledge about Tuscan farming techniques and cultural traditions.
Butcher Apprentices can expect to work between 30 and 40 hours per week and will have free time to explore other areas of personal interest as well as the Tuscan countryside.
Spannocchia will be accepting a total of eight butcher apprentices each year. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. You may apply for multiple sessions with the same application. Please rank your session preferences.
Butcher Apprentices will work concurrently for a period of 85 days. All volunteers will also be responsible for rotating chores to help maintain the Tenuta.
During the summer months, Spannocchia’s orto (vegetable garden) offers a vast variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables creating an incredible cooking experience for culinary professionals interested in providing farm-to-table meals and service. Pietrina, our head chef, has decades of experience managing a kitchen and utilizing native Tuscan ingredients in traditional and modern dishes. The focus of meals at Spannocchia is local and fresh with the evening menu often highlighting products harvested that day. Our Chef Apprentice will have the opportunity to work alongside Pietrina learning the fundamentals of Tuscan cuisine in our family-style restaurant.
Our Apprentice program is for chefs serious about improving their culinary skills and seeking an understanding of Italian cuisine at a deeper level. This program is also perfect for chefs trained to prepare different cuisine types who wish to expand their skill-set and learn how to properly prepare Italian cuisine. Applicants should have previous experience and training in a professional setting; however, this program is not for well established chefs in leaderships positions. The ideal apprentice will have an interest in learning more about farm-to-table and Italian cuisine, a willingness to learn Italian, and a desire to become a part of a unique Italian/American community during their stay.
Our Chef Apprenticeship is a new program and we will be selecting only one participant for 2019. Interested applicants should submit a completed online application and email two reference forms to farmprogram@spannocchia.org.
Our apprentices live in Casa Pulcinelli, a large farmhouse located in the Castello complex. Casa Pulcinelli has seven bedrooms, three shared bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen.
Apprentices live in double-occupancy rooms with other apprentices or interns, share all meals together, work together, and often spend free time together. Apprentices and interns have use of a vehicle one afternoon a week for a trip to the neighboring town of Rosia for grocery shopping.
There are a number of recreational possibilities at Spannocchia including hiking trails, dirt roads for running, forests for foraging wild herbs and mushrooms and a swimming pool. The views of the countryside and surrounding farm inspire painting, drawing and other forms of artistic expression.