FOOD WRITERS IN ITALY : WESTERN RIVIERA

October 15 - 21, 2026 (registration is open)

Join James Beard Award-winning food writer Kathy Gunst and me for Food Writers on the Western Riviera, our latest Food Writers in Italy workshop series, in collaboration with Beautiful Liguria.

In this week-long tour and writing retreat, we will explore the lesser-known, western part of the Italian Riviera, an area known for its picturesque beach towns, profusion of flowers, excellent olive oil, unusual citrus fruits, and Mediterranean flavors. Our base will be the elegant, historic Grand Hotel Alassio overlooking the Ligurian Sea. From here, we will be conducting daily writing workshops and delicious excursions.

As always, we will steer clear of tourist-traveled areas, focusing on places that are off the beaten trail. We will meet an olive oil producer who grows and processes Taggiasca olives, prized for their delicate, buttery flavor; and we’ll taste Alassio’s famous chocolate “kisses.” We’ll discover two historic villages and enjoy a farewell dinner in a beautiful vineyard.

And we’ll hold daily classes where we will write and share our work in a supportive environment.

THE WORKSHOP

During our writing workshops, we will focus on building and strengthening voice in your writing. We will have daily writing exercises focusing on the senses and the role they play in food writing—and all writing.

We will also explore what makes a great interview, and get into interviewing techniques that work. We’ll teach you how to sharpen the beginnings and endings of your stories, and we’ll explore "emotional writing" and the role it can play in your storytelling.

Writing workshops will take place daily in the morning. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the towns and countryside of the western Riviera, not only for our own enjoyment, but also to inspire our writing.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

There will be writing sessions and opportunities to share our work every day. But we’ll also get to stretch our legs with daily outings into the countryside to meet with food producers and learn about the area’s specialties. Visits will include:

Guided walking tour of Alassio, with a stop at an historic pastry shop and a 19th Century botanical garden.
Visit and tasting at an acclaimed producer of Ligurian olive oil.
Tour of a medieval borgo and a visit to a Slow Food citrus producer.
Visit to Albenga, an undiscovered ‘gem’ of the Riviera.
Private cooking class where we’ll make and enjoy a traditional Ligurian meal paired with local wine.

This workshop is open to writers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner who wants to break into food writing, a professional already working in the field, or a dabbler for your own pleasure, you will benefit from this small-group, hands-on workshop. For returning students, all of the exercises we are devising for this workshop are new.

Want to bring a partner who isn’t interested in writing, but simply a lover of Italian food and wine? They are welcomed to join us.

THE LOCATION

Alassio is a lively, color-splashed town on the western Riviera of Liguria, located about 50 miles from the French border. It is surrounded by mountains and known for its spectacular views. It is a popular summer resort location, but also known for its wellness spas, shopping, bars and restaurants, lush gardens, and nearby picturesque villages.

The hotel: The Grand Hotel Alassio was built in the 19th Century in the dazzling neoclassical style and has been recently restored. It is centrally located and houses a luxury spa.