Art & wine retreat with shannon

24 - 29 July 2025 (5 nights)

in Puglia, Italy

  • Day One

    Arrivals

    Dinner

  • Day Two

    Breakfast

    Venue visit to La Salina dei Monaci for inspiration

    Lunch

    Art session (4 hours)

    Free time

    Wine tasting (in-house)

    Dinner

  • Day Three

    Breakfast

    Art session (3.5 hours)

    Free time

    Lunch

    Free time

    Wine tasting excursion

    Dinner

  • Day Four

    Breakfast

    Excursion & lunch in Lecce

    Art session (2 hours)

    Dinner

  • Day Five

    Breakfast

    Art session (3.5 hours)

    Lunch

    Art session (2 hours)

    Free time

    Optional pasta-making class

    Dinner

  • Day Six

    Breakast & goodbyes

About Shannon

I'm Shannon, a professional pet portrait and wildlife artist from Lancashire in the North of England.

I've always had a love for animals. I taught myself to draw them from a very young age, learning basic techniques from an art book my Grandad bought for me. 

After years of working as a professional commission artist, I now share my love and passion for drawing with others, teaching all of the tips and tricks I've picked up from a lifetime of drawing, in online tutorials and at in-person workshops.

In 2024 I had the privilege of hosting a group art trip to Kenya, Africa, where I shared incredible experiences with fellow art and wildlife lovers.

I am incredibly excited to be travelling to Puglia, Italy with Blossom and Dew in 2025, to make memories to last a lifetime at our art & wine tasting retreat.

Location & Accomodation

La Puglia


Puglia or Apulia, is the southernmost eastern region of Italy. Its coastline, the Adriatic in the east, the Ionian south and west, is one of the most beautiful in all of Italy, with silvery olive orchards stretching all the way to the long sandy beaches touched by the one of the clearest and cleanest seas in the Mediterranean. It is an ancient land, and one which was invaded many times in its history. One can still see towers built to ward off invaders centuries ago.

The food

Authentic Italian recipes cooked by Italian women. As Masseria Specula has a strong eco-friendly ethos, vegan and vegetarian food are predominantly served to help minimise the impact on the environment. In line with this ecological ethos, the chefs choose the best seasonal ingredients grown in the neighbouring fields.

Accomodation

Accommodation is at Masseria Specula: A wonderfully peaceful and recently restored Masseria, 15 minutes' walk from the sea.

The Rooms

Room pricing

Shared room (shared with 1 other person): € 1850 per person

Reserve your spot with a €1000 deposit.

Some example dishes at Masseria Specula:

BREAKFAST

  • Seasonal fruits, muesli, yogurt, artisanal croissants, tea/infusions, coffee/barley coffee, juices, oat/soy/almond milk, bread, jams, and eggs upon request.

LUNCH | DINNER

  • Tomato, lentil and basil soup, served with a side of focaccia or farinata.

  • Courgette, mint and sunflower seed fritters, served with a side of hummus/lentil dip and fresh vegetables, seeds and dried-fruits.

  • Parmigiana, made with layers of roasted aubergines, mozzarella and tomato sauce served with side of roast potatoes.

  • Artichokes and potatoes alla Maddalena (cooked on the hob), served with a side of hummus/lentil dip and fresh vegetables, seeds and dried-fruits.

  • Caponata (chopped aubergine, olives and tomatoes fried in olive oil) with side of focaccia or farinata.

  • Peppers/aubergine/zucchini rolls served with a side of farinata/focaccia.

  • Stuffed aubergine/peppers served with a side of hummus/lentil/yogurt dip.

  • Aubergine/chickpea balls served with a vegetarian/vegan yogurt dip.

  • Broad bean & cime di rapa (traditional Apulian greens).

  • Chargrilled pepper and mushroom pasta, served with side of fresh vegetables, seeds and dried-fruits.

  • Orecchiette al pomodoro (typical Apulian dish), served with side of of hummus/lentil dip and fresh vegetables, seeds and dried-fruits.

  • Artichoke risotto, served with side of hummus/lentil dip and fresh vegetables, seeds and dried-fruits.

What’s included?

Over this 5-night retreat you will experience the luxuries of creativity, nature, community, exploration, incredible food, beautiful sunrises and sunsets over the dramatic coastline views of turquoise still water:

~ Exclusive use of the entire property including all common areas, workshop spaces and gardens

~ Accommodation at Masseria Specula

~ Tables, chairs, glass jars, printer, ink and paper towels available at the venue

~ All meals at the venue Masseria Specula (freshly prepared breakfasts, home cooked lunches & dinners)

~ Complimentary water, coffee, tea

~ Day trip to the baroque city of Lecce (each guests pays for their own lunch)

~ Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Brindisi Airport (BDS) at prearranged times

~ All tourist taxes and fees

What’s not included?

~ Return flights

~ Additional experiences such as massages and transport to local towns (that aren’t mentioned above). We recommend you rent a car, so you can explore the surrounding towns and beaches during your free time.

~ Anything that isn’t listed in the ‘What’s included’ section above

Please note, that if a minimum number of 8 participants is not reached, the retreat will be cancelled and full refunds will be issued. Kindly do not make any travel arrangements prior to confirmation that the retreat has the minimum number of people to go ahead.

Book your spot here