Experience the charm of Tuscany through a 6-hour tour that combines hands-on pasta making, a delicious regional lunch, and a wine tasting featuring some of Italy’s most renowned wines. This tour from Florence is led by an experienced professional in English, with options for private groups, making it ideal for food lovers eager to learn authentic Tuscan culinary secrets. The visit includes a trip to a Brunello di Montalcino winery, a local food market, and a variety of hand-crafted products like truffle oils and balsamic vinegar. With a provider rating of 4.4, this experience offers a well-balanced mix of education, tasting, and culture, suited for those seeking a full-day culinary adventure in Tuscany.

However, it’s important to note that this tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, or wheelchair users. Also, travelers should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the scenic moments.

Key Points

Hands-on pasta making with a professional chef in San Gimignano
Includes a full Tuscan lunch featuring three types of homemade pasta
Wine tasting of top regional wines including Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti Classico
Visit to a winery producing Brunello di Montalcino, with tastings of olive oils and balsamic vinegar
Tour duration of 6 hours, with pickup and return from Florence
English-speaking guides provide clear instructions and insights into Tuscan culinary traditions

You can check availability for your dates here:

Pickup from Florence and Transport to San Gimignano

The tour begins with a pickup from any hotel in Florence, saving travelers the hassle of arranging transportation. A van takes approximately 1 hour to reach San Gimignano, allowing time to enjoy the scenic drive through Tuscan landscapes. This setup makes the experience smooth and convenient, especially for those staying in central Florence.

Once in San Gimignano, the journey includes a visit to the historic town where the cooking class takes place, along with a visit to a local food market. After the activities, the van returns to Florence in about 1 hour, completing the full-day itinerary comfortably.

If wine interests you, we've examined these other wine experiences in Florence

Making Authentic Italian Pasta in San Gimignano

The core of this experience is a hands-on pasta class led by a seasoned professional chef. The class covers the preparation of three varieties of pasta: tagliatelle, pici, and ravioli. Participants learn how to knead, roll, cut, and fill the pasta, gaining practical skills they can replicate at home.

The class emphasizes the use of fresh, high-quality, local ingredients and adheres to Tuscan culinary traditions. The environment is described as relaxed and respectful, fostering a genuine understanding of Italian cooking techniques. Recipes are designed so that participants can recreate the dishes later in their own kitchens, with English instructions provided throughout.

The Tuscan Lunch Featuring Homemade Pasta

After the pasta is made, the chefs prepare a delicious lunch featuring the three types of pasta cooked during the class. This meal is served with Tuscan cheeses and salami, along with bruschetta as appetizers. The main course showcases the pasta varieties—tagliatelle, pici, and ravioli—prepared by the professional chefs, offering an authentic taste of Tuscany.

Dessert includes Cantuccini biscuits served with a dessert wine, completing the meal on a sweet note. The lunch provides a perfect opportunity to enjoy the flavors of Tuscany, paired with full wine tastings of Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and other regional wines.

Wine Tasting and Local Product Sampling

A significant highlight of this tour is the wine tasting session featuring top Tuscan wines. Guests sample a variety of hand-crafted wines, including Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Chianti Classico DOCG, and Morellino di Scansano DOCG. The tasting also includes Super Tuscans like Baldassarre Cabernet, Merlot, Sangiovese, and blends such as Cavaliere Sangiovese & Merlot and Bartolomeo Sangiovese & Cabernet.

Along With wines, the tasting features extra virgin olive oils, truffle oils, and balsamic vinegar, notably the Gold Reserve Balsamic. This offers a well-rounded experience of Tuscan flavors, emphasizing regional craftsmanship and quality.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visit to a Brunello di Montalcino Winery

Part of the tour includes a visit to a winery producing Brunello di Montalcino. Here, guests enjoy a full wine tasting session, learning about the production process of one of Italy’s most famous wines. This stop offers an insight into the local wine culture and the chance to sample some of the region’s best vintages.

The winery visit adds a layer of authenticity, showcasing the winemaking traditions of Tuscany and allowing guests to appreciate the connection between the land and its wines.

While in Florence, here are other experiences we've covered

Exploring San Gimignano and the Food Market

During the 3.5-hour stop in San Gimignano, the tour includes visits to a local food market. This offers an opportunity to see regional products such as truffle oils and balsamic vinegars up close. The historic town itself is renowned for its medieval towers and well-preserved architecture, providing a scenic backdrop for the culinary activities.

This stop enhances the experience by blending culinary discovery with cultural exploration, giving a sense of the authentic Tuscan atmosphere outside the main cities.

Physical Requirements and Practical Tips

Participants should wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking and standing, especially during the market visit and the pasta-making activities. Bringing a camera allows capturing the picturesque scenery and memorable moments. The tour is conducted entirely in English and welcomes those with dietary restrictions—gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian options are available upon request.

Since pets and smoking are not allowed, travelers should plan accordingly to ensure a smooth experience. The environment is designed to be relaxed, fostering enjoyment and learning.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most

This experience appeals most to foodies eager to learn traditional Italian cooking techniques, especially pasta lovers. It suits those interested in regional wines and local products, offering a comprehensive taste of Tuscany’s culinary scene. Travelers who enjoy interactive experiences and cultural insights will find this tour engaging and satisfying.

The tour’s 6-hour duration makes it ideal for a full day of exploring Tuscany’s gastronomic treasures without feeling rushed. However, it’s less suitable for young children, pregnant women, or people with mobility limitations due to walking and activity requirements.

The Sum Up: Authentic Tuscany in a Day

The Florence: Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in San Gimignano offers a well-rounded and enjoyable immersion into Tuscan cuisine. The combination of pasta-making, regional wines, and local products creates a memorable experience for those passionate about Italy’s food culture.

While the focus is on culinary hands-on learning and regional tastings, the tour also provides a beautiful setting in San Gimignano, making it a rewarding full-day escape from Florence. The professional guidance and authentic recipes ensure that every participant leaves with both skills and delicious memories.

For anyone looking to dive into Tuscan flavors and understand the traditions behind them, this tour stands out as a practical, authentic choice.

Ready to Book?

Florence: Cooking Class and Wine Tasing in San Gimignano

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Yes, menu variations like gluten-free, vegan, or vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

Can I participate if I do not speak English?
All classes and instructions are conducted entirely in English, so fluency is recommended for full participation.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, pickup from any hotel in Florence is included, with a van transfer to San Gimignano and back.

What should I wear for the cooking class?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since there may be some walking and standing during the activities.

Are children under 12 allowed?
No, this tour is not suitable for children under 12 years.

What wines are included in the tasting?
Guests sample Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, and several Super Tuscan wines, among others.

How long is the visit to the winery?
The tour includes a full wine tasting at a Brunello di Montalcino winery as part of the experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
A camera, sunscreen, water, and sun hat are recommended for comfort and photo opportunities during the day.

Is this experience good for a full day out?
Yes, at 6 hours, it offers a comprehensive taste of Tuscan culinary and wine traditions, making it perfect for a full-day excursion.