Cooking Class: Italian Authentic Recipes with Lunch

Discover the Authentic Flavors of Tuscany with a Hands-On Cooking Class in Siena

For those eager to bring home a taste of Italy’s beloved cuisine, this Cooking Class: Italian Authentic Recipes with Lunch offers an engaging, practical experience in Siena. Priced at $131.70 per person, the class lasts approximately 3 hours and includes not only cooking but also a guided wine tasting and a full Tuscan meal. The tour is operated by Agricola Poggio ai Laghi and features a mobile ticket for easy access.

This experience is ideal for anyone interested in learning how to craft traditional Tuscan pasta shapes, such as Tagliatelle and Pici, from scratch. While the focus is on simple, delicious recipes, guests also enjoy tasting exquisite local wines and oils, making this a well-rounded culinary immersion. Keep in mind that this tour is best suited for those who appreciate a hands-on approach and are comfortable with a moderate pace.

Key Points

• Hands-on pasta making with Tagliatelle and Pici workshops
• Includes a 3-hour cooking class complemented by wine, oil, and vinegar tastings
• Expert guidance from a professional chef and a wine specialist
• Tasty Tuscan lunch featuring local meats, cheeses, and desserts
• Meeting point at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi in Monteriggioni, conveniently near public transport
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience

Starting Point at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi in Siena’s Monteriggioni Area

The tour begins at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi, located at Strada di Sant’Antonio, 56, 53035 Monteriggioni SI. This spot is easy to reach and provides a cozy setting for your cooking adventure. The meeting point is the same for the start and end, making logistics straightforward. The activity is a private experience, so only your group participates, allowing for a more personalized atmosphere.

Guests receive confirmation at booking, and the tour is suitable for those comfortable with basic kitchen activities. Since it’s near public transportation, reaching the venue is convenient, and there’s no need to worry about crowding—your group has the space to cook and enjoy the experience at your own pace.

Learning to Make Fresh Italian Pasta with a Skilled Chef

The core of this class is learning the art of making fresh pasta. Guided by a professional Italian Chef, you’ll master how to create the perfect dough, roll it out by hand, and shape two traditional Tuscan pasta varieties: Tagliatelle and Pici. The chef’s step-by-step approach makes the process accessible, whether you’re a culinary novice or have some experience.

Participants get to see the authentic techniques used in Tuscan kitchens, and the chef explains each step clearly, emphasizing the importance of fresh ingredients. After the pasta is prepared, it’s cooked with authentic local sauces, providing an immediate taste of what you’ve created.

Tasting an Extensive Selection of Tuscan Wines and Oils

Following the cooking part, a wine expert introduces guests to a curated selection of wines and condiments. The wines include Arella Spumante Cuvée Extra Dry, Firmina Spumante Rosé Extra Dry, Lucilla Chianti Classico DOCG 2022, Oletta Chianti Riserva DOCG, and Aranda Supertuscan IGT. These choices highlight the variety of Tuscan reds and sparkling wines.

Plus, the tour features balsamic vinegars such as Aceto Balsamico di Modena IGP GOLD and Lacrime Viola Balsamic Onion Vinegar. For oils, you’ll taste Olio EVO Toscano, White Truffle Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Chili Pepper Extra Virgin Olive Oil. These tastings deepen the appreciation for the region’s culinary culture and premium ingredients.

A Hearty Tuscan Lunch with Local Specialties

The meal that follows combines the dishes you’ve prepared with traditional Tuscan fare. The lunch menu includes Tagliatelle and Pici served with the sauces you helped make. You also get a serving of Tagliata di manzo, a flavorful sliced grilled beef, accompanied by roasted potatoes.

Dessert options feature Cantucci, the famous almond biscuits, paired with Vinsanto, a sweet Tuscan dessert wine. The lunch showcases local ingredients and offers a satisfying conclusion to the cooking session, all within a convivial, relaxed setting.

Meet at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi in Monteriggioni

The activity departs from and concludes at the Agricola Poggio ai Laghi location in Monteriggioni, a scenic area known for its medieval walls and countryside views. The meeting point is conveniently situated near public transport, making it accessible for most travelers.

The experience is private, meaning only your booked group participates, which enhances the personal touch and allows the guides to tailor their explanations to your group’s needs. The tour’s flexibility means you can expect a smooth, well-organized event, with confirmation received immediately upon booking.

Practical Details and Cancellation Policy

Booking this experience requires a minimum of 36 days in advance, and free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If canceled less than 24 hours before the start, no refund is issued. The tour depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants, but in case of cancellation due to weather or low bookings, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The experience is suitable for those who enjoy interactive cooking, wine tasting, and local culinary culture. No extensive physical activity is involved, but a moderate level of dexterity is good for pasta shaping.

Overall Experience and Who Will Enjoy It Most

This Tuscan cooking class in Siena offers a comprehensive taste of regional cuisine and wine culture in a manageable 3-hour format. The combination of hands-on pasta making, expert guidance, and local wine and oil tastings makes it a worthwhile choice for foodies. The lunch that caps the experience ensures that participants leave satisfied and educated about Tuscan flavors.

While the price point of $131.70 reflects the quality of ingredients and expert instruction, it remains accessible for those seeking a culinary day in Siena. The private setting and small group size foster a relaxed environment for learning and tasting. It’s particularly suited for travelers looking to deepen their appreciation for Tuscan cuisine in an engaging, authentic setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the cooking class last?
The class lasts approximately 3 hours.

What recipes will I learn?
You will learn how to make Tagliatelle and Pici, including creating the dough, rolling, and finishing with authentic sauces.

Are wine tastings included?
Yes, the tour features tastings of several local wines, including Chianti and Super Tuscan varieties, plus balsamic vinegars and olive oils.

Where does the tour start and end?
It departs from and ends at Agricola Poggio ai Laghi in Monteriggioni.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a full Tuscan lunch with pasta, beef, and dessert is served after the cooking session.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

Is this experience suitable for children or vegetarians?
The data doesn’t specify restrictions, but the menu and activity focus on traditional Tuscan dishes and pasta, making it potentially suitable for vegetarians.

What is the price per person?
The cost is $131.70 per participant.

Is transportation provided?
No, transportation is not included, but the meeting point is accessible by public transit.

What makes this tour different from other cooking classes?
Its combination of authentic recipes, wine tasting, and a delicious Tuscan lunch in a private, small-group setting creates a well-rounded culinary experience.

This Tuscan cooking class offers a flavorful journey into Italy’s culinary traditions, perfect for those eager to take home new skills and a deeper love for Siena’s food culture.