Florence: Medieval Tower Pasta Cooking Class & Unlimited Wine

Summary

Fresh pasta making in florence’s medieval heart with wine and laughter

You’ll roll fresh pasta dough by hand inside a medieval Florence tower steps from Brunelleschi’s Dome, guided by a local chef who keeps the wine flowing. Taste ravioli with butter and sage, tortelli all’arrabbiata, and pappardelle with ragù—then sit down for lunch together in a place where Dante once walked. You’ll leave full—and maybe a bit nostalgic.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the cool stone under my hand as we stepped into the old tower—Florence just humming outside, but inside it was all flour dust and that buttery smell you only get when someone’s already started melting sage. Our chef, Matteo, grinned at us like he’d known us for years. He pointed out the window at Brunelleschi’s Dome, so close it almost felt like you could lean out and touch it. I kept thinking about Dante (Matteo said his wife’s family owned this place once), which made me laugh because I was mostly worried about getting egg yolk on my shirt.

We started with flour—just a mound on the table, nothing fancy—and Matteo showed us how to make pasta from scratch. His hands moved fast but he slowed down for us, especially when I got stuck rolling out pappardelle. “No rush,” he said, and poured another glass of Tuscan wine for everyone (it really was unlimited). The arrabbiata sauce simmered somewhere behind us; you could smell tomatoes and garlic mixing with something spicy. Li tried to pronounce “tortello” right and cracked up when she got it wrong—Matteo just winked. There was this moment where we were all quiet, kneading dough together, listening to the city bells echo through the thick walls.

I didn’t expect to feel so at home in a place that old. Eating what we made—ravioli with butter and sage that tasted way better than anything I’ve managed at home—felt like some kind of reward. We laughed about our weird-shaped pasta and finished every drop of wine. Honestly, I still think about that view from the window while we ate lunch together. It’s hard to explain but there was this feeling that time had slowed down a little in that kitchen.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Learn and cook fresh Italian pasta

• Select best seasonal vegetables and products
• Make fresh pasta from scratch
• Prepare ravioli, tortelli, and pappardelle
• Chef prepares matching sauces
• Enjoy eating the prepared dishes
• Drink good Tuscan wine, unlimited

Top questions

Where is the cooking class held?

The class is inside a medieval tower near Brunelleschi’s Dome in Florence.

What types of pasta do you make?

You’ll make ravioli with butter and sage, tortelli all’arrabbiata, and pappardelle with Tuscan ragù.

Is there unlimited wine included?

Yes, unlimited Tuscan wine is served during the experience.

Do I need to bring any equipment or ingredients?

No, all equipment and ingredients are provided for you.

Is lunch included after the cooking class?

Yes, you eat everything you prepare as your lunch at the end.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are infants or small children allowed?

Yes, infants can attend; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available.

How close is it to public transportation?

The cooking school is very close to public transportation options in Florence.

What’s included

Your day includes hands-on instruction from a professional chef inside a medieval Florence tower near Brunelleschi’s Dome, all ingredients and equipment for making three kinds of fresh pasta from scratch—with unlimited Tuscan wine served throughout—and finishes with a shared lunch of everything you’ve cooked together before heading back out into the city.