Florence / Tuscan Wine School: Tasting Class with Local Pairings

Summary

Tuscan Wine Tasting in Florence with Food Pairings

Step into a cozy Florence classroom where you’ll taste classic Tuscan wines like Chianti and Brunello alongside local cheeses, meats, and olive oil. Learn pairing tips from a friendly local guide and hear stories behind each bottle. You’ll leave with new favorites—and maybe a few laughs—that stick with you long after you’ve left Tuscany.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely sat down at the Tuscan Wine School in Florence when our guide, Marta, slid a glass of Chianti Classico across the table and grinned like she knew a secret. The room smelled faintly of cork and toasted bread — someone had just drizzled olive oil over bruschetta nearby. I tried to swirl my glass the way she showed us (not as easy as it looks), and right away she was telling stories about old vineyards and how her grandfather used to sneak sips as a kid. It felt less like a class, more like being let in on something local.

We tasted six different Tuscan wines — not just Chianti, but also Brunello di Montalcino (which I’d only ever seen on menus and never dared order). Each pour came with some little bite: pecorino cheese that was salty and crumbly, cold cuts that left pepper on my tongue, even dark chocolate with the last red. Marta explained why certain foods work with certain wines, but honestly I was too busy trying not to spill anything on my shirt. She laughed when I tried to pronounce “Sangiovese” — apparently my accent is hopeless.

I kept noticing small things: the way sunlight hit the bottles lined up along the wall, or how everyone’s voices got softer after the second glass. There was this moment when we all went quiet tasting the Brunello — it’s hard to describe but it felt like time slowed down for a second. Afterward, Marta gave us tips for picking wines at restaurants around Florence (I wrote them down but probably lost the paper already). Walking out into the street after, everything seemed warmer somehow — maybe that’s just Florence or maybe it was the wine. Either way, I still think about that last sip.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tuscan Wine Class Experience

• Attend wine class with local expert
• Learn history and legends of Tuscan wines
• Swirl, smell, and sip 4-5 iconic wines
• Taste wines paired with local cheese and cold cuts
• Receive food pairing tips for Tuscan wines

Top questions

How many wines do you taste during this class?

You’ll taste six different local Tuscan wines during the class.

Is food included in the wine tasting experience?

Yes, you get sample bites of local cheeses, cured meats, bread with extra virgin olive oil, and chocolate paired with each wine.

Where does the wine class take place?

The class is held at the Tuscan Wine School in Florence.

Who leads the wine tasting class?

An English-speaking local expert guides you through the tasting.

Is this wine class suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s designed for all levels—even if you know nothing about wine.

Are there vegetarian options for food pairings?

The included foods are mainly cheese, bread with olive oil, and cold cuts; check directly for full vegetarian options.

Is this experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Can children join this activity?

Infants and small children can attend but will need to sit on an adult’s lap; wine tasting is for adults only.

What’s included

Your experience includes guided tastings of six classic Tuscan wines—like Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino—paired thoughtfully with local pecorino cheese, cured meats, fresh bruschetta topped with extra virgin olive oil, and even chocolate to finish. All led by an English-speaking local expert at a welcoming spot in Florence’s center before you head back out into city life again.