Empowering people to safeguard traditions deeply rooted in quality of life and sustainability.
Empowering people to safeguard traditions deeply rooted in quality of life and sustainability.
At the Tuscan Heritage Foundation, our mission is to preserve and promote Tuscany’s rich cultural heritage. We achieve this through educational programs, hands-on retreats, and artist residencies that connect people with the land and its traditions.
At the Tuscan Heritage Foundation, we develop interactive programs that share Tuscany's elegant vision of sustainability, a tradition that has endured for millennia. This dolce far niente culture has, perhaps ironically, given rise to some of the world’s most iconic landscapes, foods, arts, and delightful creations. Come experience a home and landscape rooted in history—one that offers timeless lessons for building a sustainable future.
Offerings include:
Our programs are designed for cultural travelers, lifelong learners, and creative professionals seeking depth, inspiration, and a meaningful connection to place.
A living heritage site in the heart of Tuscany, lovingly restored by Remo Tani and Mirella Benvenuti.
We are continuing their legacy by updating this historic villa just south of Florence to create:
Good Things Pressed, written by founder Daisy Carlson, explores Tuscany's rich history and traditions—its food, fashion, and art—all refined and elevated under pressure.
The Tuscan Heritage Foundation was founded by Daisy Carlson, whose design and import company, Daisy Arts Inc., specialized in traditional Italian crafts. An avid art historian and advocate for sustainable, perennial agriculture rooted in historic Tuscan landscapes, she has long championed the preservation of culture and place. In honor of Remo Tani and Mirella Benvenuti—who embraced her as family, made the villa possible, and instilled in her the values of Italian life—she established the Tuscan Heritage Foundation to create an authentic environment for travelers seeking a deeper connection to Tuscany’s heritage and
way of life.
September 2025 and May 2026 | Dates TBA
We are opening the villa for a special working retreat to prepare it for future guests. This week is designed for friends, supporters, and creative collaborators who want to help bring the Tuscan Heritage vision to life while enjoying the beauty of the region.
Join The harvest.
Offering includes:
Olive harvesting and pressing.
7- night double occupancy
16 - Meals Traditional Fair
Workshops on Tuscan culinary traditions, agriculture, art and craft
Information on sustainable land stewardship & soil carbon practices.
Time to visit Florence and region by train. Traditional Tuscan fall meals. Go home with a liter of Olive oil and many fine memories.
November 1-7, 2025 $2700 per person ($300 single supplement)
Offering includes:
7- night double occupancy
16 - Meals Traditional Fair
Let Tuscany inspire your creativity and expand your personal vocabulary of expression. Hosted in a historic villa just south of Florence, this retreat blends cultural immersion, hands-on learning, and time for your own creative practice.
Information on sustainable land stewardship & soil carbon practices
May 2026 Date TBA $2800 per person ($300 single supplement)
Offering includes:
7- night double occupancy
16 Meals Traditional Fair
Workshops on Tuscan culinary traditions, agriculture, art and craft
Information on sustainable land stewardship & soil carbon practices.
Daily hands on workshop & practicum.
Time visit Florence and region by train.
May 23 - 29 $3100 per person ($300 single supplement)
Offering includes:
7- night double occupancy
16 Meals Traditional Fair
Workshops on Tuscan culinary traditions, agriculture, art and craft
Information on sustainable land stewardship & soil carbon practices.
Daily hands on workshop & practicum.
Time visit Florence and region by train.
June 1-7 $3400 per person ($300 single supplement)
Offering includes:
7- night double occupancy
16 Meals Traditional Fair
Sculpt a Figure or portrait in clay
Five 3 hour sessions with a class model
Guided visit to Carrara and Florence
June 9 -16 $3400 per person ($300 single supplement)
Want to experience the delicious elegance of Tuscany's beautiful and sustainable traditions? Become a friend of the Tuscan Heritage Foundation and help us preserve the essence of La Dolce Vita.
Mill Valley, CA, USA and San Donato in Fronzano, Florence
