Florence Cooking: Gluten-Free Pasta Class with Local Chef

Summary

Florence gluten-free pasta making with expert chef & wine

You’ll join a small group in Florence for a hands-on gluten-free pasta class led by a certified local chef. Choose your menu together, learn new techniques using natural flours, sip local wine as you cook, then share your creations over lunch or dinner — an experience you’ll remember every time you make pasta at home.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked down a quiet street in Florence, following the smell of something warm and familiar — not quite bread, but close. The kitchen was tucked behind an old wooden door, and our guide (Francesca) greeted us like we were cousins she hadn’t seen in years. I’d never done a gluten-free cooking class before, let alone in Italy, so I was half-expecting to feel left out or limited. But right away, Francesca asked what we actually wanted to make — “Tagliatelle? Ravioli? Gnocchi?” She said it in that sing-songy Italian way that makes everything sound like an invitation.

The flour felt softer than I expected as we mixed it by hand — rice and corn instead of wheat, but still somehow sticky between my fingers. Someone tried to say “farina di riso” and Francesca laughed, correcting our pronunciation gently (I think I got closer on the second try). We all picked our sauces together; I went for a classic tomato-basil while another person wanted something creamy but dairy-free. There was this moment when the room went quiet except for the scraping of dough on the table and the clinking of glasses — she poured us local wine while we waited for things to cook. It smelled faintly sweet, almost grassy.

I didn’t expect to actually enjoy kneading dough without gluten — it’s different, sure, but there’s a kind of satisfaction in seeing it come together anyway. When we finally sat down to eat what we’d made (three kinds of pasta, three sauces), everyone compared notes on texture and taste. The gnocchi was so soft it almost melted; even the non-celiacs at the table looked surprised. Francesca told us stories about her grandmother’s kitchen and how she learned these tricks after her own diagnosis years ago.

Walking out into the evening air after that meal — full but not heavy — I realized I hadn’t thought about missing out once. That’s rare for me when it comes to food travel. If you’re looking for a gluten-free pasta class in Florence that feels welcoming and real (and yes, includes wine), this is honestly worth it. Still thinking about that first bite of ravioli.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Gluten-Free Pasta Cooking Class

• Gluten-Free Pasta Class with Chef
• Prepare 3 types of fresh gluten-free pasta
• Make 3 delicious sauces
• Relax with local wines or craft beers
• Enjoy your handmade gluten-free dishes

Top questions

Is this gluten-free cooking class safe for celiacs?

Yes, the class uses a dedicated gluten-free kitchen completely separate from the main one to avoid contamination.

What types of pasta will I learn to make?

You’ll prepare three types: tagliatelle, ravioli (with your choice of filling), and gnocchi.

Are vegan or lactose-free options available?

Yes, you can choose from vegan gluten-free or lactose-free menus when booking.

Is wine included in the class?

Yes, local wines or craft beers are served during the meal portion of the class.

How many people are in each class?

The maximum group size is 8 people per booking.

Can children join this cooking class?

Yes, children under 16 are allowed but infant meals aren’t included.

Will I get recipes to take home?

Yes, recipes are provided so you can recreate dishes at home.

Where is the cooking school located in Florence?

The school is centrally located with public transportation options nearby.

What’s included

Your experience includes all tools and ingredients for making fresh gluten-free pasta from scratch with guidance from a certified chef; you’ll also enjoy local wine or craft beer during your meal plus recipes to take home after either lunch or dinner depending on your booking time.