I must apologise for the radio silence and lack of any posts over the past few of weeks. I have been in London, working as a food and drinks judge for the Guild of Fine Food, as Great Taste 2024 gets underway. My days were spent with colleagues from the food and drinks industry, deliberating over the taste of hundreds of products including meats, sauces, ice creams, chocolates, olive oils, vinegars, honeys and spirits, in the hope of finding some delicious gems to award a one, two or three star rating.
I judge with fellow food writers, MasterChef champions and culinary experts, where as well as tasting and writing constructive feedback to the producers, networking and collaborating takes place too. This often leads to exciting opportunities, always centred around food and wine.
I am delighted announce such a collaboration with UK MasterChef Champion 2019, Olive Oil Sommelier, Honey Sommelier and proud Cretan, Irini Tzortzoglou. With our knowledge and experience of the indigenous produce of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, we will be leading an unforgettable week-long culinary and cultural retreat in the Peloponnese region of Greece, from 5th November -12th November 2024, inclusive. Throughout the week you will experience the culinary and viniculture of this historic peninsular.
Irini and I will host you on your food and wine journey, where we will explore the origins, health benefits and bounty of the famed 'Mediterranean Diet’ native to this beautiful landscape, lined with olive and orange groves.  Together we will embark on a culinary adventure where ancient tradition meets modern gastronomy whilst enjoying plenty of relaxation in a 4* spa hotel.
We will savour native delicacies and wines from indigenous grape varieties, whilst experiencing a working olive grove and the making of extra virgin olive oil, as well as visiting the only honey museum in the country, where we will make beeswax candles. Irini and I will give you demonstrations, tastings and pairings in olive oils, honeys and grains, whilst sharing our knowledge and expertise on the foods of the historic landscape and the staples of this healthy cuisine. We will guide you through a culinary odyssey like no other, enjoying only the very best of the local food and wines.
There will be plenty of culture too, with a visit to the Epidaurus theatre, and not forgetting the Panathenaic stadium and the Corinth canal. There will be plenty of time to swim in the sea, take advantage of the spa facilities in the hotel, and just relax and recharge in the autumnal sunshine.
Whether you're a seasoned traveller or embarking on your first solo journey, our carefully planned, intimate retreat promises a safe and supportive environment to thoroughly enjoy this beautiful, gastronomic region of Greece.
If this has whet your appetite, and left you wanting to find our more please email me by return at ruthnieman1@gmail.com or leave a message for me in the comments, and I will send you our full itinerary and retreat brochure. With limited spaces available, be sure to register your interest, reserve your place, and join us on on this epic culinary escapade.
Not sure if I will catch up with you at the award judging this year as I’m only do 1 day. Part due to the fact I’ll be off for our 3rd month long stay in the Peloponnese. We fell in love with the area a couple of years ago. Your retreat sounds like it’s going to be amazing and any one new to the area will I’m sure be as blown away by its beauty as we were.