Last updated on November 27th, 2024
There really couldn’t be a better way to spend your time in Tuscany than by taking a cooking class and indulging in good food and wine.
If you’re planning a trip to Tuscany and are interested in a memorable experience that you can relive at home… a cooking class is for you!
But which one should you choose? If you’re looking for an authentic and memorable experience, let me help! I’ve been living here since 2012 and working in the culinary industry. I’ve had plenty of time to take part in several cooking classes in Tuscany.
In this article, I will share with you six tried and true cooking classes in Tuscany that I have experience with. I recommend each of these classes based on:
- my experience in the class and/or knowledge of the teacher
- what the class offers
- feedback from participating friends, family, and readers
For each Tuscan cooking class, I’ve included:
- who it’s best for
- location
- maximum number of participants
- length of class
- what to expect
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Quick Guide To Cooking Classes In Tuscany
| Cooking Class | Location | Best For | Good To Know |
| Market Day Cooking Class | San Miniato (between Pisa and Florence) | Curated farm to table culinary experience | Group class, max 8 people, plant-based food (but not exclusively) |
| Pici Class (Hand rolled pasta) | Camporsevoli in Cetona (Southern Tuscany) | Families (younger kids welcome) or large groups | Private classes for families and even large groups |
| In-Home Cooking Class in Chianti | Chianti (near Gaiole and Radda) | Pasta lovers, families, those seeking an authentic experience in a Tuscan home | Group class, max 8 people, menu is set but private classes can be organized for up to 12 people |
| Tailor Made Italian Cooking | In your rental or in collaboration with other wineries (Anywhere you are staying in Tuscany) | Special diets like Vegan or cooking lesson in the comforts of your rental villa OR pizza making class | Can be paired with a wine tour at wineries such as Conti Costanti Winery and tailored to any kind of need/desire/interest |
| Luxury Cooking Class in Chianti | Castello La Leccia (Castellina in Chianti) | Luxury / high end experience | Minimum 2 people, maximum 4 people only for guests staying at the Castle |
| Traditional Four Course Tuscan Cooking Class | Villa Bordoni in Greve in Chianti | Afternoon cooking experience from Florence (for folks who don’t want to travel too far) | Maximum 8 people for an experience lasting 6 hours |
Market Day Cooking Class with Emiko Davies
Emiko Davies is a chef, food writer, and photographer who has made a significant impact on the culinary world with her authentic and heartfelt approach to Italian cuisine. Originally from Australia with Japanese heritage, Emiko now resides in the picturesque region of Tuscany where she has immersed herself in the rich culinary traditions of her new home.
Her deep appreciation for Italian culture and cuisine captures all of us in her cookbooks, articles, and photography. Most recently, she and her husband, Marco, have opened up an enoteca or wine bar Marilu in San Miniato outside of Florence where they offer various culinary experiences including cooking classes and wine tastings.
Emiko’s classes are deeply rooted in tradition, emphasizing seasonal ingredients, simple techniques, and the stories behind her recipes (all of which is reflected in her many Italian cookbooks). Emiko’s passion for preserving and celebrating the authenticity of Italian makes her cooking classes one of the most valuable experiences you have while in Italy.
This cooking class (maximum 8 students) in Tuscany starts at the weekly market of San Miniato before heading to the MariLu cooking school at the enoteca where you will learn to prepare several courses (antipasto or two, main, dessert and our signature focaccia) and enjoy a long Italian-style lunch paired with wines selected by her and her husband. The work will be very hand-on and feel intimate. You will walk away from this class with a new appreciation for ingredients and cooking but also with new friendships.
Check her website for the most updated class schedule, cooking immersions and wine experiences.
Market Day Cooking Class with Emiko Davies – more info.
Pici Class at Camporsevoli
Taking a hand rolled pici pasta class at Camporsevoli is the ideal cooking class to book in Tuscany xx if you are traveling with family (including kids of all ages) or for large groups. Camporsevoli’s indoor and outdoor space can accommodate around 35 people and with extensive experience teaching children, this cooking class in Tuscany is perfect for all ages or agendas.
Making pici, a hand rolled spaghetti pasta from the municipality of Siena, is an ancient shape of pasta beloved throughout all of Tuscany. Easy to learn and simple to recreate when you get home, this pici pasta class is for any level of expertise (or lack thereof). Valentina takes you through the steps of making pici from scratch, including the traditional meat sauce or aglione sauce served with it, appetizers and of course, dessert and plenty of Tuscan wine to go around.
Situated in the professional teaching kitchen at Camporsevoli in Cetona, a medieval hamlet in the Tuscan hills on the edge of the Valdichiana and the Val d’Orcia, this cooking class in Tuscany couldn’t be in a better location from a touring point of view. Conveniently, this cooking class can be paired with your stay at Camporsevoli’s agritourism, a farmstay with endless experiences and opportunities just outside your front door including biking, hiking, historical tours, horseback riding and wine tastings, all with a pool to come home to.
Pici Class at Camporsevoli – more info.
Toscana Mia’s In-Home Cooking Class in Chianti
Sisters Paola and Simonetta invite small groups into their home for a 4-hour cooking class that includes a delicious lunch of the Tuscan dishes you cook.
They work with you to cook classic, authentic Tuscan recipes like handmade fresh pasta with tomato and herb sauce, lemon-marinated chicken, Tuscan-style green salad, and olive oil cake. Ingredients used are fresh and organic, often coming from their garden.
Paola and Simonetta welcome all cooking abilities and all ages, and they tailor the details to make the class special for everyone. Seasoned chefs can learn Tuscan secrets, children can help roll pasta or sprinkle herbs, teens can chop vegetables with the mandoline, and reluctant partners can stir the sauce on the stove!
One of the best parts of the Toscana Mia class is the location – in the family’s house. You work downstairs together and then gather at the family table to eat together (and of course, enjoy some Chianti wine!). And, if you need a break during the class, you can always walk outside and soak up the incredible views of the Chianti countryside.
Simonetta and Paola can also accommodate special diets like gluten-free, lactose-free, vegan, and vegetarian.
Toscana Mia’s In-Home Cooking Class in Chianti – more info.
Francesco’s Tailor Made Italian Cooking in Tuscany
Many guests who come to Italy end up renting a house or villa in the countryside for a week or two, allowing them to take day trips to the city, small towns, go wine tasting and book other experiences such as cooking classes.
If this is you, then you should be in touch with chef Francesco who primarily works at the cooking school at Villa Vetrichina in San Casciano dei Bagni but also specializes in personalized cooking classes in the comforts of your villa or other rental in Tuscany.
Cooking classes can be tailored to your dietary restrictions, including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and lactose-free diets, making him the best choice for guests looking to create the perfect menu for your special needs.
Not only are these classes professional and fun but can be booked 12 months a year, including holidays for a minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 16. Choose from either their traditional Italian meal plan with a wide selection of first and second courses to be decided or opt for a pizza night in which you will learn the ins and outs of making Italian pizza and traditional Italian bread.
And if you are staying at any other accommodation that doesn’t have access to a dining room and kitchen but would still like the idea of a tailor made experience, you can work with Francesco in collaboration with local Tuscan wineries such as Conti Costanti that have professional kitchens to use.
Francesco’s Tailor-Made Italian Cooking Classes in Tuscany – more info.
Chianti Cooking School’s Traditional Four Course Tuscan Cooking Class
The afternoon “fine dining” cooking class held at the Chianti Cooking School in Greve in Chianti (50 minutes south of Florence) is my top pick for visitors looking to stay close to the city center yet take part in a hand-on cooking class in the heart of some of Italy’s most famous wine country.
These classes, carefully curated and crafter over 18 years of experience, offer groups of only 8 guests to see first hand how to make a traditional four course Tuscan meal (antipasto, primo, secondo and dessert plus baking fresh focaccia bread) that can easily be replicated at home. This is essential to the philosophy at the Chianti Cooking school, and is the reason it makes my list for the best cooking classes in Tuscany. I have participated in numerous cooking classes over my years living in Italy and the ones that stick out are the ones that allow you to roll up your sleeves and leave you with an experience that you can ‘relive’ once you are back home.
Not only are the recipes easy to recreate at home but are tailored to the season’s local products and produce and any dietary restrictions. The cooking classes start at 3:30 pm and last about 6 hours (only from March through November). The first 2 ½ hours are spent hands on preparing the food in the kitchen while the remaining time is spent leisurely at the table enjoying what you have just learned to make.
Keep in mind that if you would like to book a private class, this can be done and the maximum number of guests can be ‘stretched’ to 10 guests.
Chianti Cooking School’s Traditional Four Course Tuscan Cooking Class – more info.
Luxury Cooking Class at Castello La Leccia In Chianti
The cooking class at Castello La Leccia is my top pick for guests in Italy looking to book a luxury stay at a high end accommodation in Tuscany. Castello La Leccia is a working wine farm with four star rooms available for rent in the hills of Chianti.
The intimate cooking classes (minimum 2 people, maximum 4) at La Leccia are exclusively curated for guests staying at the hotel, making it my top pick for luxury or exclusive experience cooking classes in Tuscany. I suggest this class for travelers who want to splurge for great wine, sweeping views of Tuscany, excellent food and of course, the perks of a four star hotel all in one spot.
Their chef will walk you through a traditional four course Tuscan meal (adhering to any specific requests or dietary restrictions) paired with organic wine made on site. When possible, all ingredients and seasonal produce come from their garden. You can also speak to them about pairing your cooking class with a wine tasting.
Luxury Cooking Class at Castello La Leccia In Chianti – more info.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in other foodie experiences and articles on Tuscany including
15+ Food Souvenirs & Gifts From Tuscany
Montepulciano Vineyards You Should Visit
Montalcino Wineries – My Top 5 Montalcino Wine Tours
10 Foods You Must Try On Your First Visit To Florence
Traditional Tuscan Food – A Local’s Tips on Food In Tuscany You Must Try
Top Markets In Tuscany – A Local’s Guide To Tuscany’s Food, Clothing and Antique Markets
15 Restaurants to Try on Your First Trip to Florence
Montepulciano Restaurants – My Favorite Spots For First Time Visitors
