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.
Your support and contributions enable us to meet our goals and fund our mission. Your donation is tax deduThe Tuscan Heritage Foundation is a fiscally sponsored project of MarinCreates, a California nonprofit corporation exempt from federal tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service #99-3474022
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.
The Tuscan Heritage Foundation will be providing cultural programs to immerse global citizens in authentic Italian experiences
to promote a deep understanding of the importance of forming pathways to better knowing ourselves, our environment and our
commonality with others.
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 some years ago.
We are continuing their legacy by updating this historic villa just south of Florence to accommodate
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.
December 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.
Retreat offering includes:
Olive harvesting and pressing.
6 nights double occupancy
16 meals traditional faire
Workshops on Tuscan culinary traditions, agriculture, art and craft
Information on sustainable land stewardship and 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)
Retreat offerings include:
6 nights double occupancy
16 meals traditional faire
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. All retreats include time for yoga and meditation as well as information on sustainable land stewardship and soil carbon practices. Prices vary from $3,000 to $6,000 per person with a $300 to $500 single supplement.
Retreat offerings include:
6 nights double occupancy
16 meals traditional faire
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 $3,500 per person ($300 single supplement)
Retreat offerings include:
6 nights double occupancy
16 meals traditional faire
Workshops on Tuscan culinary traditions, agriculture, art and craft
Learn to make 6 Tuscan dishes. Includes information on sustainable land stewardship & soil carbon practices.
Daily hands on workshop & practicum.
Time visit Florence and region by train.
June 1-7 $4800 per person ($300 single supplement)
Retreat offerings include:
6 nights double occupancy
16 meals traditional faire
Sculpt a figure or portrait in clay with Konrad Dunton
Five 3 hour sessions with a class model.
Guided visits to Carrara and Florence with focus on sculpture and technique. Meals out are not included.
June 9 -16 $5,500 per person ($300 single supplement)
Offering includes:
Join Daisy and Dante at the villa and beyond to visit the most celebrated foods, products and fashion of Tuscany. This unparalleled experience is a collaboration with The Tuscan Heritage Foundation, Good Things Pressed and renowned producers in the region will provide you an unparalled experience with Tuscan culture. Immerse yourself in a world where tradition meets luxury, showcasing exquisite foods, artisanal products, high-end fashion, and time-honored customs that have been perfected over generations.
7 days 6 nights - $6,000 ($500 Single supplement)
at The Villa Panoramica, Tuscany
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
