Rome: Pasta, Gnocchi & Tiramisù Cooking Class with Wine

Summary

Learn to shape gnocchi and whip tiramisù from scratch in Rome

You’ll roll fresh pasta in a Roman kitchen, shape gnocchi by hand, and layer your own tiramisù under a local chef’s guidance. Sip Italian wines as you cook and swap stories with fellow travelers—all ingredients included, plus vegetarian or gluten-free options if you need them. Expect laughter, floury hands, and food memories that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s already dusting flour across the table when I walk in—turns out it’s Chef Marco, grinning under his apron. He waves me over like we’re old friends, even though I’m still shaking off jet lag. There’s this faint smell of espresso (not sure if that’s just Italy in general) and the clink of wine glasses being set out. We start with tiramisù—Marco says it needs time to chill, which makes sense now but at the time I was just eager for dessert. My attempt at folding mascarpone is… well, let’s say not graceful. The chef laughs and shows me how to do it without turning everything into soup.

Making pasta dough from scratch is messier than Instagram makes it look. My hands are sticky, there’s flour on my jeans, but kneading the dough feels kind of meditative after a while. Marco talks about his nonna’s ravioli and warns us not to overwork the dough (“it gets grumpy,” he says). The kitchen fills up with this warm tomato smell as someone else stirs sauce on the stove. We all take turns rolling out sheets for ravioli—mine come out lopsided but nobody seems to care.

I didn’t expect gnocchi to be so soft before baking—like little pillows. We mix up a truffle sauce that honestly smells like autumn woods (I probably used too much). When the tray comes out of the oven, there’s this golden crust on top that everyone pokes at before serving themselves. Between bites, Marco gives tips on where to buy cheese nearby or which market has the best tomatoes (he writes down names for us—my handwriting is hopeless). Someone asks about gluten-free pasta and he just shrugs: “Of course! We do it all.”

The wine tasting sneaks up on you—white first, then red—and suddenly everyone’s talking louder and swapping stories about their hometowns. I end up scribbling restaurant recommendations on a napkin because my phone died halfway through class. By the time we finally dig into our tiramisù (it really is better after sitting), I realize I’ve stopped thinking about sightseeing altogether. That feeling sticks with me even now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Italian cooking class with wine tasting

• Make tiramisù cream and assemble
• Set tiramisù in fridge
• Learn to make fresh pasta
• Prepare pasta sauce and cook pasta
• Make gnocchi from scratch
• Prepare truffle sauce
• Bake gnocchi dish
• Enjoy wine tasting with Italian wines

Top questions

Is this cooking class in Rome suitable for vegetarians or gluten-free diets?

Yes, all dishes have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available during the class.

What dishes will I learn to make in this Rome pasta class?

You’ll prepare fresh ravioli pasta with ricotta filling, truffle gnocchi baked with cheese, and tiramisù from scratch.

Is wine included in the cooking class?

Yes, there is a wine tasting featuring both white and red Italian wines included for guests over 18 years old.

Do I get to eat what I cook during the class?

Yes! You’ll enjoy all the food you prepare during your session.

Are children or people using wheelchairs able to join?

The experience is wheelchair accessible; infants can join if seated on an adult’s lap or in a stroller.

How long does it take for tiramisù to set during class?

The tiramisù is made first so it can chill for a couple of hours while you cook other dishes.

Does this Rome cooking class include pickup or transportation?

No hotel pickup is included; however, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for making fresh ravioli pasta, truffle gnocchi, and tiramisù from scratch; aprons and kitchen tools; bottled water; soda; a guided Italian wine tasting (for those 18+); plus recommendations from your chef on local restaurants and markets before heading home full—and maybe a little flour-dusted.