Tuscany: Cooking Class Near San Gimignano at Family Farmhouse

Summary

Handmade pasta, local wine and laughter in a Tuscan farmhouse kitchen

You’ll join Katia & Fulvio in their Tuscan farmhouse near San Gimignano to cook a full meal from scratch — handmade pasta, antipasti, local cheeses with honey, plus wine pairings throughout. Expect laughter around the table as you learn family recipes and share stories over food that tastes like home.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clatter of pans and the smell of tomatoes simmering — not fancy, just real. Katia waved us in with flour on her hands, and her uncle Fulvio grinned like he’d known us for years. Their farmhouse is only a few minutes from San Gimignano but it felt like another world, quieter except for birds outside and someone chopping herbs at the big wooden table.

I’ll admit I was nervous about making pasta from scratch (my ravioli usually stick together), but Fulvio just shrugged and said, “It’s about feeling, not rules.” We crushed tomatoes for bruschetta, drizzled olive oil that tasted grassy and sharp, and tried cheeses with honey that Katia’s neighbor makes. At one point she caught me licking my fingers — she laughed and told me that’s how you know you’re doing it right in Tuscany. The main keyword here is Tuscan cooking class, but honestly it felt more like being part of their family for a few hours.

Making tagliatelle was messier than I expected. Dough stuck to my hands and flour dusted my shirt (I gave up trying to stay clean). Fulvio poured us glasses of red wine — he called it “fuel for the chef” — while we rolled out pasta and argued gently over which sauce was best. There was meat simmering too, something rich with rosemary; the whole place smelled warm and savory. I kept glancing at the window where late afternoon light hit the hills outside San Gimignano.

Lunch took forever in the best way. We ate what we cooked: bruschette, pasta with two sauces (I still dream about the tomato one), then a second course with meat or veggies if you wanted. Everyone talked at once — English, Italian, some hand gestures when words failed. It wasn’t perfect or polished but it felt honest, you know? By dessert I’d stopped worrying about my accent or my messy plate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tuscan cooking class and meal preparation

• Arrive at family farmhouse
• Learn to prepare antipasti
• Make handmade pasta
• Prepare two pasta sauces
• Cook second course with meat or vegetarian
• Enjoy 5-6 course Tuscan meal with local wines

Top questions

How far is the cooking class from San Gimignano?

The farmhouse is about 4 km from San Gimignano.

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

Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free options are available if you let them know in advance.

What dishes do we prepare during the class?

You’ll make antipasti (like bruschetta), handmade pasta with two sauces, a second course (meat or vegetarian), plus cheese tasting.

Are children or infants allowed at the cooking class?

Yes, infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas are wheelchair accessible including transportation options.

Does this include wine pairing?

Yes, each course is paired with local Tuscan wines during your meal.

Who teaches the cooking class?

Katia and her uncle Fulvio run and teach the cooking class themselves.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for a full multi-course Tuscan meal prepared by you under Katia & Fulvio’s guidance in their farmhouse kitchen near San Gimignano; every dish comes with local wine pairings; vegetarian or gluten-free menus can be arranged if needed; wheelchair access is available throughout; infants and service animals are welcome too.