Tasting of Calabrian Friselle, historic pizzas, and Italian wines in Turin

An Authentic Taste of Italy: Calabrian Friselle, Historic Pizzas, and Organic Wines in Turin

If you’re seeking an experience that combines genuine Italian flavors with a sense of family warmth, this Turin-based tasting tour offers just that. Set in a charming home environment, it promises not only delicious food and wine but also a glimpse into Italian tradition and conviviality.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, you get to taste Calabrian Friselle, a rustic bread that’s rarely found outside its native region. Second, the pairing of traditional pizzas with carefully selected organic wines brings the flavors of Italy’s diverse regions to your palate. Third, the intimate setting with just 14 guests creates a cozy, social atmosphere that’s perfect for genuine connections.

On the flip side, a potential consideration is that this experience is relatively short—around two hours—which might leave some wanting more time to savor each dish and sip. Also, since the experience is hosted in a private home, travelers should be comfortable with a smaller, more personal environment rather than a bustling restaurant setting.

This tour is ideally suited for those who love authentic food experiences, enjoy storytelling about regional traditions, and value intimacy over large-group tours. It’s especially perfect for travelers looking for a genuine taste of Italy without the touristy trappings.

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Key Points

• Authentic Italian flavors: Focus on regional specialties like Friselle and Tropea onions
• Intimate atmosphere: Only 14 guests, fostering a friendly, home-like vibe
• Culinary storytelling: Learn about the origins of each dish and wine from knowledgeable hosts
• Quality wine selection: Three organic wines from small, sustainable Italian wineries
• Gourmet pizza tasting: Four traditional pizzas served in tasting portions, highlighting Italy’s pizza heritage
• Family-style experience: Grandma’s homemade dessert and a friendly, convivial setting

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deeper Look at the Experience

Location and Setting: A Cozy Home in the Heart of Turin

The tour takes place at Nonna Cleme’s residence on Via Principe Amedeo, just a short walk from notable spots like the Egyptian Museum and Piazza San Carlo. This central location makes it easily accessible after a day of exploring. Once inside, you’re greeted like a guest in a welcoming Italian home, where the atmosphere is relaxed and intimate—just 14 guests seated around a single table.

Guests consistently mention how this setting creates a sense of camaraderie that’s hard to replicate in bigger restaurants. You feel like you’re sharing a meal with family, which adds a layer of authenticity that elevates the entire experience.

The Beginning: A Toast to Italy and the Mediterranean

The evening kicks off with a welcome toast, offering a choice between artisanal kombucha or wine, setting the tone for a laid-back, convivial gathering. Immediately, the aromas of warm bread, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil fill the air, promising a sensory journey.

Tasting of Friselle and Tropea Onions

The first course features rustic Friselle—a traditional Southern Italian bread. Topped with ripe cherry tomatoes, oregano, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, these bites offer a burst of freshness and a taste of Mediterranean simplicity. Reviewers note that the friselle are seasoned with cherry tomatoes and oregano, making for a rustic, authentic appetizer that’s difficult to find outside Italy.

Following that, Tropea onions, known for their sweetness and tender texture, are prepared according to Calabrian tradition. These onions are often marinated and served as a convivial family-style appetizer, broken into pieces with hands—something reviewers say adds to the authentic, home-cooked feel. One guest mentioned: _”You really feel like you’re in a family kitchen, breaking bread with nonna.”_

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The Italian Pizza Journey

The highlight for many is the tasting of four traditional Italian pizzas served in gourmet portions. These aren’t massive slices, but rather little gems of flavor designed to tell a story of Italy’s diverse pizza heritage. Each pizza is described by the host, explaining regional influences and ingredients.

Guests report that the pizzas are well-made, with a crisp crust and balanced toppings. The host’s storytelling about each pizza offers context, turning each bite into a mini cultural lesson. Some might say this elevates the experience from a casual meal to a mini culinary tour.

The Wine Pairings: Sips That Speak of the Land

Complementing each tasting are three glasses of Italian organic wines—carefully chosen from small, sustainable wineries. The wines include a lively white perfect to start, a young, fruity red for the middle, and a structured, intense red to bring the experience home.

Guests often mention how each sip feels connected to the land: the hills, sun, and artisan hands involved in production. Knowing that these wines come from small, eco-conscious wineries adds an extra layer of appreciation, especially for wine lovers.

Sweet Endings and Digestifs

As in many Italian homes, a homemade dessert concludes the meal, paired with a small glass of sweet or bitter digestif wine. Reviewers note that the dessert feels authentic, like Grandma’s own recipe, often described as a fitting, comforting end to the evening.

The experience wraps up with a final toast, leaving guests with a warm, lingering sense of conviviality and satisfaction. Plus, each guest receives a signed Polaroid photo souvenir—a charming keepsake of a memorable night.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Expect

For $68 per person, this experience offers exceptional value. Included are all the tastings, the wines, water throughout, and a friendly, storytelling host. You also get a cozy seat at the table and a shared experience that’s more like dining with friends than a commercial tour.

It lasts about two hours, making it a great addition after a day of sightseeing. The size of the group—no more than 14—ensures everyone has space to interact and enjoy each course comfortably.

A Few Notes on the Experience

• Language options are Italian and English, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Booking is flexible; you can reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The setting is in a private home, which enhances the sense of intimacy but might feel a bit different from typical restaurant environments.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re a foodie eager to explore authentic Italian cuisine beyond the typical tourist spots, you’ll find this tour a genuine treat. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate storytelling, regional traditions, and small-group settings.

Those who enjoy wine and want to learn about Italian small wineries will also find this especially worthwhile. Since it’s a family-style, informal gathering, it suits travelers looking for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere rather than a polished, commercial experience.

However, if you prefer larger, more structured tours or want a longer dining experience, this might feel a bit brief. Still, the quality and authenticity make it a memorable highlight of any Turin visit.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
The experience focuses on traditional Italian flavors, including bread, vegetables, and wine. While the menu is mostly vegetarian, it’s best to check directly with the provider for any specific dietary needs.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Yes, reservations are available with flexible booking options. Just ensure to book ahead if you’re visiting during peak times.

Is the experience accessible for guests with mobility issues?
Since it takes place in a private home, accessibility might vary. It’s best to contact the provider directly for specific concerns.

Are beverages included in the price?
Yes, the price covers three glasses of organic wines, water, and a choice of kombucha or wine at the start.

What language is spoken during the tour?
The experience is offered in both Italian and English, accommodating most visitors.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately two hours, making it easy to include in a packed day of sightseeing.

Is there a dress code?
Casual, comfortable clothing is perfectly fine—think relaxed, family-style dining.

Do I receive a souvenir?
Yes, each guest gets a signed Polaroid photo as a keepsake of the evening.

Can I purchase additional wine or food?
The experience includes everything listed; for additional purchases, check with the host upon arrival.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While designed for adults, children who enjoy food and family atmospheres might find it enjoyable.

To sum it up, this Calabrian Friselle and Italian wine tasting in Turin offers an authentic, charming window into Italy’s regional cuisine and family traditions. Its intimate setting and storytelling approach elevate a simple dinner into a memorable cultural experience. Perfect for travelers craving genuine flavors served with a slice of Italian hospitality, it’s a highlight worth considering during your time in Piedmont.

You can check availability for your dates here: