Praiano: Italian Cooking Class with Family Meal & Wine

Summary

Praiano home cooking class fresh pasta wine family recipes

You’ll join a Praiano family in their own kitchen, learn hands-on how to make fresh pasta and local starters with produce from their garden, sip homemade wine, and share stories around the table. Expect laughter, honest flavors, and a sense that you’ve really been welcomed in—even if your pasta comes out crooked.

What’s the experience like?

You walk up the narrow lane just above La Praia beach and there’s this faint smell—like tomatoes simmering and something a little sweet, maybe basil. Rocco is already at the gate, waving, and honestly I was nervous but he just grinned and handed me a glass of their own wine right away. Carla had Alessandro on her hip, and Mamma Annamaria was already bustling around in the kitchen. There’s laughter bouncing off the tiled walls and someone’s radio playing softly from next door. It felt like stepping into a real home, not just a class.

After a quick toast (I tried to say “cin cin” but probably butchered it—Carla laughed), we started chopping eggplants from their garden for the starter. The knife wasn’t as sharp as mine at home but somehow that made it better? Rocco showed us how to roll pasta dough by hand—my first one looked like a lopsided shoelace but he said it was “full of character.” The sauces bubbled away while we talked about Praiano life and how Papa Beniamino used to cook for travelers back in the ‘60s. I kept sneaking tastes when no one was looking.

The meal itself happened around their big wooden table, windows open to the sea breeze. We passed plates of pasta “Praiano style,” whatever was freshest from their garden that morning. Dessert was Mamma Annamaria’s trifle—light, citrusy, not too sweet—and then came this strong herbal digestive they call “Bè.” I can still taste it if I think hard enough. The whole thing lasted hours but felt like no time at all. When we finally left (a little tipsy), Rocco pressed leftover cake into my hand for later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cooking and dining with local family

• Meet near La Praia beach
• Enjoy welcome wine and aperitif
• Prepare starter dish
• Make two types of homemade pasta
• Prepare dessert with family recipes
• Dine on prepared meal together
• Finish with handcrafted digestives

Top questions

Where does the cooking class take place?

The class is held in a local family’s home in Praiano, just steps from La Praia beach.

What dishes will I learn to make?

You’ll prepare a traditional starter (like stuffed eggplant or pepper), two types of homemade pasta with seasonal sauces, and a classic dessert such as Italian trifle or citrus pudding.

Is wine included during the meal?

Yes, you’ll enjoy house-made wine throughout the class and meal.

Are vegetarian options available?

The menu depends on what’s fresh from the garden but can accommodate vegetarians; check ahead for details.

How long does the experience last?

The cooking class plus meal takes several hours—plan for either lunch at 10:00 or dinner at 16:00.

Is pickup included?

No hotel pickup is provided; guests meet near La Praia beach in Praiano.

Are children allowed?

Yes, children are welcome; infants must sit on an adult’s lap during the experience.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for hands-on cooking in a Praiano family home, welcome drink with homemade wine and aperitif, full meal featuring traditional starter, two types of fresh pasta using seasonal produce or daily catch when available, dessert crafted by Mamma Annamaria herself, water throughout the meal, and their special house digestive to finish—plus plenty of conversation along the way.