Pick Vegetables at the Farm & Cook Pasta

Imagine spending a day at a picturesque Tuscan villa, immersed in the rich culinary traditions of the region. Guests can explore the estate’s lush gardens, handpicking the freshest vegetables and aromatic herbs to craft homemade pasta. Under the guidance of an expert chef, they’ll master the art of pasta making, learning to transform simple ingredients into a delectable meal that captures the essence of Chianti Classico. This hands-on experience promises to ignite the senses and leave you craving more.

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Key Points

Participants hand-pick fresh vegetables and herbs from the villa’s gardens under the guidance of an expert chef.
The cooking class teaches the process of making homemade pasta, including kneading the dough, rolling it thin, and cutting it into noodles.
The class takes place in a historic villa located in the Chianti Classico region, known for its iconic Sangiovese grape and Chianti Classico wine.
The 3.5-hour immersive experience is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and a hands-on learning environment.
The class includes opportunities to explore the villa’s vineyards, taste the estate’s olive oil and wine, and receive a surprise gift and access to an online recipe book.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Tuscan Villa Experience

What better way to learn about the Tuscan countryside than at a historic villa dating back to the 1600s?

This cooking class takes place at a charming villa in the heart of the Chianti Classico region, just 25 minutes from Florence.

The intimate group size is limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the instructors.

Throughout the 3.5-hour experience, you’ll have the opportunity to stroll through the villa’s vineyards, pick fresh vegetables and herbs, and learn to prepare traditional Tuscan recipes, including homemade pasta.

A 3.5-hour immersion in Tuscan culture – stroll vineyards, harvest ingredients, and master traditional pasta-making.

Savor the fruits of your labor by tasting the estate’s own olive oil and wine.

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Exploring the Chianti Classico Region

The Chianti Classico region, nestled in the heart of Tuscany, offers a captivating blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant culinary tradition.

This historic area, known for its iconic Sangiovese grape and world-renowned Chianti Classico wine, provides the perfect backdrop for the cooking experience.

Visitors can explore the rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves that define the region’s character.

The villa’s location offers easy access to the charming towns and villages that dot the Chianti Classico landscape, allowing participants to enjoy the local culture and gastronomy.

Vegetable Picking and Herb Gathering

Participants begin their culinary adventure by wandering through the villa’s lush gardens, where they hand-pick an array of fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs.

Under the guidance of the expert chef, they learn to identify the best produce, considering factors like ripeness, color, and fragrance.

Whether it’s plucking juicy tomatoes, snipping fragrant basil, or unearthing earthy carrots, the hands-on experience heightens their appreciation for seasonal, local ingredients.

This intimate connection with the land informs their cooking, as they masterfully incorporate the just-harvested produce into their homemade pasta dishes.

Homemade Pasta Making

After gathering the fresh ingredients, participants move to the kitchen to begin the homemade pasta making process.

Under the guidance of the experienced chef, they learn the art of crafting authentic Italian pasta. The steps include:

Mixing the flour and eggs to create the dough
Kneading the dough until it reaches the perfect consistency
Rolling the dough into thin sheets using a pasta machine
Cutting the sheets into long, ribbon-like noodles

The participants then watch as the chef demonstrates how to properly cook the fresh pasta.

Soon, the savory scent of homemade pasta fills the air, whetting everyone’s appetite for the delicious meal to come.

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Savoring the Local Olive Oil and Wine

With the pasta-making complete, participants now have the opportunity to savor the local olive oil and wine produced right on the historic villa’s grounds.

They’ll sample the estate’s own extra virgin olive oil, made from olives picked on the property. Complementing the oil is the villa’s homemade red wine, a classic Chianti Classico.

Participants can appreciate the flavors and aromas of these artisanal products, all while taking in the picturesque Tuscan countryside setting.

It’s a chance to fully take in the region’s acclaimed food and wine culture.

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The Cooking Class Curriculum

Though the day begins with the tranquil exploration of the villa’s vineyards and vegetable gardens, the real culinary experience takes center stage during the hands-on cooking class.

Participants dive into the preparation of a full traditional Tuscan menu, including:

Crafting homemade pasta from scratch
Mastering the art of making authentic sauces
Learning to cook seasonal vegetables to perfection
Experimenting with the villa’s signature olive oil and wine in the recipes

Throughout the class, the chef-instructor provides expert guidance, ensuring each dish is a delectable success.

The chef-instructor’s expert guidance ensures each dish in the cooking class is a delectable success.

The experience culminates in a satisfying feast enjoyed together.

Included Amenities and Personalized Touches

The experience comes with a variety of included amenities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable time.

Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a complimentary coffee. Cooking aprons are provided for the hands-on class.

Throughout the session, water with ice and free Wi-Fi are available. An optional transfer service can be arranged if needed, making transportation to the historic villa convenient.

As a personalized touch, participants receive a surprise gift and access to an online recipe book, allowing them to recreate the Tuscan dishes at home long after the class has ended.

Planning Your Visit and Booking Details

The historic villa is located 25 minutes from Florence in the Chianti Classico region.

Nestled in the Chianti Classico region, the historic villa lies a short 25-minute drive from the heart of Florence.

Transfer service can be arranged by contacting the cooking class organizers.

When planning your visit, keep in mind:

Vegetable picking depends on seasonality, but aromatic herbs are generally available year-round.
Overnight accommodation is possible at the villa upon request.
Reservations can be made without upfront payment, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Check availability for starting times to secure your spot in this limited-group cooking experience.

The Sum Up

The Tuscan Villa cooking class offers an immersive experience, allowing participants to connect with the land and craft delectable homemade pasta. From picking fresh produce to mastering the art of pasta making, this hands-on activity celebrates the flavors of the Chianti Classico region. It’s a must-do for those seeking an authentic taste of Tuscany.