Italian Learning in Action

At Italian Community Services, we believe that learning a language also means discovering a culture—its history, traditions, and the values that bring people together. Thanks to the ICS Riccio Grant, students from Lowell High School and San Rafael High School had the opportunity to experience Italian culture beyond the classroom.

In January 2026, a total of 71 students participated in this memorable cultural trip to Napa Valley:

43 students from Lowell High School

28 students from San Rafael High School

Students visited Castello di Amorosa, where they explored a faithful replica of an Italian medieval castle and learned about key elements of medieval Italian architecture. The experience allowed them to connect their classroom studies with a tangible and immersive cultural environment.

Many students shared that the visit felt incredibly authentic.

“Many students described this experience as the closest they had ever felt to being in Italy.”

— Lowell High School

The day continued with an outdoor lunch at V. Sattui Winery, where students enjoyed a panino buffet along with tastings of Italian cheeses and cured meats—an opportunity to experience firsthand the importance of food, tradition, and shared time around the table in Italian culture.

A Letter from Lowell High School

We are proud to share these words from Chiara P., from the Lowell High School Italian Program:

“On January 28, thanks to the generous support of the Riccio Foundation and ICS, 43 students from the Lowell High School Italian program participated in an unforgettable cultural field trip to Napa Valley that brought language, history, and tradition vividly to life.

Students visited Castello di Amorosa, where they explored a faithful replica of an Italian medieval castle and took part in a guided tour focused on the key elements of medieval Italian architecture. The experience allowed students to connect classroom learning with a tangible, immersive cultural environment—many describing it as the closest they had ever felt to being in Italy.

The day continued with an al fresco lunch at V. Sattui Winery, where students enjoyed a panino buffet along with a tasting of Italian cheeses and cured meats. Beyond the meal itself, the experience highlighted the cultural importance of food, tradition, and shared time together—core values of Italian life.

The impact of the experience was immediate and deeply felt. Students shared that it was the best field trip they had ever attended and one they would remember forever. Parents also reached out to express their gratitude, emphasizing how meaningful it was for public school students to be exposed to such a rich and high-quality cultural opportunity.

Support from the Riccio Foundation and ICS continues to make a profound difference for the Italian program at Lowell High School—not only by creating unique educational experiences, but also by fostering a strong sense of belonging and pride among students. This community spirit is even visible in the Italian program sweaters made possible through the grant, a symbol of connection, identity, and shared experience.

Through this support, students are not only learning a language—they are creating lasting memories and meaningful connections that will stay with them far beyond the classroom.

Grazie grazie grazie! We would like to thank you all in person and we will be delighted to have you here at school or having us visit you!”

— Chiara P., Lowell High School Italian Program

Reflections from San Rafael High School

Students from San Rafael High School were just as enthusiastic about the experience. The Italian Club at San Rafael High School shared:

“The gita to the Castello di Amorosa was a blast! Students were happy and very curious about the experience. Some of them had never seen a vineyard before, and they learned about the layout of an Italian castle, the Crusades, and Italian cheeses.

Here are some amazing pictures.

Thanks so much for making this possible!”

— Italian Club, San Rafael High School

Experiences like this highlighted the powerful impact of cultural education. Through the support of the ICS Riccio Grant, students not only deepened their Italian language skills—they also built meaningful connections with Italian history, traditions, and heritage that will stay with them for years to come.