One-day cooking classes

Our chef Manuela lives with her family in the tower of a 16th century villa, in the countryside just outside Tavarnelle in the stunning Chianti area of Tuscany. The cooking classes take place in Manuela's beautiful kitchen. Her husband, daughters and friends always lend a helping hand.

The cooking classes take place in Manuela's beautiful kitchen, in the tower of the villa. The classes last around two and a half hours and are followed by lunch or dinner, often with several family members in true Italian style. They run all through the year on Tuesdays and make a great day trip from either Siena or Florence. This is either a half-hour drive, or a slightly longer bus ride (you can be met at the bus stop). We give you detailed directions if you are driving.

Manuela

Manuela
Manuela is a Tuscan mother of two teenage girls, and is from Impruneta in the heart of the Chianti. She will teach you how to make her melt-in-the-mouth sformati (vegetable flan-like souffles), aubergine croquettes (to die for!), and her amazing Torta della Nonna. As well as having a solid base in traditional Tuscan cuisine, Manuela enjoys adding her own twists to classic dishes (such as adding a few coriander seeds to her fresh basil pesto sauce - try it and see!)

Tina

Silvio
Silvio is Manuela's husband. He has been Manuela's helper in the kitchen for decades, and being bilingual English-Italian, can communicate well with everyone! He studied agronomy and is something of an expert in Montalcino wines. He also runs Brunello wine tours to that area. The couple's two daughters, in their early twenties, often lend a helping hand.

Prices

The price is €130 per cook and €30 for accompanying non-cooks.

Numbers are limited to six participants, so that your experience is as hands-on as possible.
Non-cooking guests are welcome to accompany cooks (there are some lovely walks to take while the meal is being prepared) and then join in the Italian family-style meal with local wines which follows each class. For groups of four or more people, please feel free to ask about other possible dates!