Solstice Savory Pies Foodie Retreat with Marnie Coots APRIL 2025
Saturday, 26th April to Friday, 2nd May 2025
**This retreat is now SOLD OUT! Limited spaces are still available for the September 18th–24th, 2025 (Co-Ed Retreat)**
Join Marnie from Solstice Savory Pies for an enchanting foodie retreat at Castello di Potentino, a 1000-year-old Tuscan castle beautifully restored by Charlotte Horton and her Bohemian British family. Beyond its rustic charm and sophisticated elegance, this retreat offers an authentic experience of Tuscany's rich culture and cuisine. Relish gourmet meals prepared by local chefs, enjoy the finest estate wines, and enjoy an afternoon at a celebrated Brunello region winery. Embrace the tranquility of foraging on the property and the tradition of harvesting grapes to make wine with ancient Etruscan stones. This retreat is not just about discovery, but also relaxation—immerse yourself in the real Tuscany, away from the crowds, in a serene environment that encourages you to unwind and soak in the beauty and simplicity of Tuscan life.
Marnie Coots, a name known to many in the culinary world as the co-creator of the famed Z Pie restaurants and brand established in 1998, has been no stranger to the allure of savory pies. Her journey with Z Pie saw their delightful creations making waves from restaurant franchises to prominent placements in high-end Northern Californian grocery stores and even gaining national attention through Harry and David.
However, Marnie's story took a momentary pause as she decided to step back from the sizzling world of pies to focus on the most important aspect of her life – her son, Zak. She delved into the academic world and took on roles in the wellness industry, specializing in corporate and sports massage. These roles were artfully juggled to revolve around Zak's schedule, making her both a dedicated mother and a professional.
As Zak grew, so did Marnie's affinity for travel. Together, they embarked on numerous voyages, with Italy and France holding special places in their hearts. These journeys were not just about sightseeing; they were culinary and cultural immersions that would later play a significant role in Marnie's next big venture.
The unforeseen events of 2020, marked by the global COVID-19 pandemic, brought many to a standstill. For Marnie, however, it reignited her age-old passion for savory pies. What began as an innocuous social media post mentioning her pie-making endeavors at home quickly snowballed into an avalanche of orders. A staggering demand for 500 pies in just a few days! The culinary phoenix was rising once more.
2023 saw Marnie, at the age of 52, challenge conventional thinking about age and retirement. With Solstice Savory Pies, she crafted a brand that was a tapestry of her travels, experiences, and culinary expertise. With mouth-watering offerings like the Porcini Portobello Truffle Risotto pie, Napa Steak, Provençale Chicken and the Tuscan Italian Sausage pie, each pie seemed to tell a tale of the places she'd visited and the people she'd met.
Solstice Savory Pies, named after the winter solstice – a time symbolizing rebirth after the longest night, stands as a testament to Marnie's spirit. It is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the undying belief that it's never too late to start anew. Marnie Coots embodies the adage, "Age is just a number," proving that passion and determination can craft success stories at any stage.
April 26th-May 2nd 2025
Six Nights / Seven Days
Book by 12/31/2024 to secure these special rates. Prices will increase after this date.
- Double Occupancy: $4,200 total for two people (6 rooms available). Price increases to $4,600 after 12/31/2024.
- Single Occupancy: $3,800 per person. Price increases to $4,200 after 12/31/2024.
- Triple Occupancy (3 Twin Beds): $6,000 total for three people (2 rooms available). Price increases to $6,600 after 12/31/2024.
Reserve your spot for the September retreat today and join us for an unforgettable experience!
Please note: Shuttle service from and to the Grosseto train station is provided. It's the closest train station to the Castle and easy to reach via Rome, Florence or any other city.
Includes:
Six gourmet seasonal family style dinners by local chefs/ Daily Continental breakfasts/ Daily lunches/ Cheese making class/ Morning Yoga/ Bread and Pasta making/ Special Winery tour with tasting and lunch/ Self guided Santa Fiora Exploration/ Sculpture Garden visit/ Nightly seasonal artisan cocktails by the pool (weather permitting) and Estate wines every night. A bottle of Castello di Potentino wine in your room when you arrive.
Activities: excursions, pool overlooking Castle and property nestled in ancient olive grove, two story library and exploration of the property and accommodations in the beautifully restored 1000 year old castle on Etruscan grounds for you to explore, swim and relax.
Day 1
- 3:30 pm shuttle pickup from Grosseto Train Station
- 4:00-4:30 pm: Check-in
- 5:30 to 7:00 pm: Wine tasting with Castle owner, Charlotte and her own estate wines. A lesson about the area, soil, climate and Etruscan culture and people.
- 7:30 pm: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle.
Day 2
- 7 am to 10 am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 9:30 am to 10:30 am Optional: Run/hike with Marnie
- Midday: Making cheese with Luisa, followed by Lunch
- 5:30 to 6:30 pm: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset (weather permitting)
- 7:30 pm: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle
Day 3 ( A day to unwind and relax).
- 7am to 10am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 9 am to 10 am: Morning Yoga- optional (if weather permits outside in courtyard)
- Free day for guests to explore the property, relax, go for hike on the grounds, read, draw. A day of rest and relaxation
- 1pm lunch prepared by Chef Pasquale.
- 5:30 to 6:30 pm: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset (weather permitting)
- 7:30PM: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle
Day 4
- 7 am to 9:30 am: Self- serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 10:00 am to 5:00 pm: Lunch and wine tasting, exploring Santa Fiora and visiting an outdoor sculpture garden. (shuttle included)
- 5:30 to 6:30 pm: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset (weather permitting)
- 7:30 pm: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle
Day 5
- 7 am to 10 am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 11 am-4 PM: Bread making class, along with a light lunch.
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset( weather permitting)
- Evening: 7:30 PM: Dinner prepared by guest chef with Castello di Potentino Estate wine at the Castle
Day 6
- 7 am to 10 am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- 9 am- 10 am: Morning Yoga-optional (if weather permits outside in courtyard)
- 11 am to 4 pm: Guided foraging walk on grounds of castle and pasta making with Luisa and cheese you made earlier in the week! Enjoy a pasta lunch you created!
- 5:30 to 6:30 PM: Artisanal Cocktails at the pool for sunset(weather permitting)
- Evening: 7:30 PM: Special Solstice Savory Pie dinner with Castello di Potentino Estate Wine. *** If weather permits in the castle courtyard under candle light.
Day 7
- 7 am to 10 am: Self-serve Continental breakfast with fresh pastries
- Check out 11am. Shuttle leaves by 11:15 am to take guests back to Grosseto Train Station. Ciao till our next retreat!
