Siena: Tuscan Cooking Class with Dinner & Wine Pairing

Summary

Handmade pasta laughter and Chianti in Siena’s old heart

You’ll roll up your sleeves in central Siena for a hands-on Tuscan cooking class led by a local chef. Prepare classic dishes from scratch (yes, even the pasta), then share dinner with your group over Chianti wine. Expect laughter, real kitchen chaos, and recipes to take home — plus that warm feeling only homemade food can give.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought flour could get everywhere so fast — but there I was, sleeves rolled up in the middle of Siena, trying to shape pici pasta like Francesco showed us. He’s the owner and our guide for the day, and honestly, he made it look so easy. The kitchen smelled like fresh basil and garlic (and maybe a little nervous sweat from me), and outside you could hear church bells bouncing off those old stone walls. I’d been walking Siena all morning, but this felt like stepping into someone’s home — a little chaotic, everyone laughing at their own lumpy dough.

Francesco has this way of explaining things that makes you want to try even if you’re sure you’ll mess it up. He told us stories about his grandmother’s recipes while we diced tomatoes for pappa al pomodoro — I never realized how much Tuscan food is about patience. There was a moment when someone asked if we’d ever made gnocchi before and half the room just shook their heads; Francesco just grinned and said, “Today is the day.” The main keyword here really is “Tuscan cooking class,” because you don’t just watch — you actually do everything yourself (even if your ravioli ends up looking more like dumplings).

By the time we sat down together for dinner, my hands still smelled faintly of rosemary. The meal tasted different knowing we’d made every bit of it — especially when the Chianti came out and everyone started swapping stories about their hometowns. Someone tried to say “grazie” with a heavy American accent and got a round of applause from Francesco. I still think about that view from the window: golden light on terracotta rooftops, plates clinking softly as people went back for seconds. If you’re thinking about a day trip or private lesson in Siena, this is one of those real moments that sticks around longer than any souvenir.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tuscan cooking class and meal

• Join Tuscan cooking class in Siena
• Learn to prepare starter and main courses
• Make fresh home-made pasta
• Prepare typical Tuscan dessert
• Enjoy meal with Tuscan IGT wine

Top questions

Is this Tuscan cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, no experience needed — the chef guides everyone step by step.

Are vegetarian or gluten-free options available?

Yes, both vegetarian and gluten-free menus are offered on request.

How many people join each class?

The maximum group size is 15 people per lesson.

Is the class held in English?

Group lessons are in English; private lessons can be arranged in other languages.

What dishes do we make during the class?

You’ll prepare five traditional recipes from starter to dessert; menu varies seasonally.

Is dinner included after the class?

Yes, dinner includes all dishes prepared during the lesson plus local Chianti wine.

Where is the cooking school located?

The school is centrally located in Siena with easy public transport access.

Are children or people with disabilities welcome?

The school is wheelchair accessible; infants can attend with an adult.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients and equipment at Lella’s well-equipped cooking school in central Siena. After preparing a full Tuscan menu from starter to dessert with your small group and chef Francesco, you’ll enjoy dinner together featuring your own handmade pasta and traditional dishes paired with Chianti wine before heading out into the evening air.