Debbie takes small groups of students to Italy one to two times a year to study Italian food, wine and, of course, the culture. The trips consist of hands- on cooking classes, visits to Artisan chef’s restaurants and kitchens, wineries, historical food venues as well as other cultural experiences. The trips are guided by Pamela Sheldon Johns who actually has a famous cooking school/bed and breakfast in Tuscany. In fact, Pamela has authored many well regarded Italian Artisan Cookbooks. The trips are always "back door" trips featuring experiences one would never have if they did not live in Italy or have the connections that Pamela's fame has brought her. Debbie and Pamela are working on a culinary food/.wine trip to Southern Italy in 2010.