Boutique Cooking Class in a 17th Century Tuscan Estate in Chianti

Enjoy an authentic off the beaten cooking class in a 17th century Tuscan estate, in the heart of the Chianti region, only 8 miles away from Florence. You will learn a typical Italian five course menu to also make with your family and friends back home. The property is surrounded by 20 acres of land, cultivated with vines and 600 olive trees; we produce Trebbiano and San Giovese wine, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This property is drenched in history; it was purchased in the 1960s by the Chef's father, the abstract painter Francesco Clemente. The cottage, that used to be his painting studio, was turned into a cooking studio about 10 years ago, and still today, art and food blend together to create a magic atmosphere. After all, food is art, and your host will be happy to help you create your culinary masterpiece with extreme love and passion.

La Quercia Estate has been nominated by Forbes as the top 5 cooking schools and foodie vacations in Italy for 2019!

Immerse yourself in the Tuscan Chianti countryside, and get ready to prepare an Italian five course menu, using the freshest seasonal ingredients available! The cooking class begins at the cooking studio at 10 am; you will be welcomed with a nice cup of tea or coffee and a slice of home made cake or pastries, while you will receive a review of the lesson of the day.

Then get ready to roll up your sleeves, and begin to create a wonderful meal. At 12 pm, you will take a break by sipping a glass of the property wine, before putting the final touches to your creations. At 1.30 pm, you will take your seat and enjoy lunch with the fruits of the labor. The recipes belong to the family tradition, and the ingredients are listed in Italian, so you will also learn a few Italian words that you can take with you when shopping in the local markets. The class includes the wine of the estate, recipes and a terracotta bread warmer customized with the school's logo for keepsake. Transportation to/from your accommodation can be arranged upon request, at an additional cost. 

A sample menù can be the following (please kindly note the menu is seasonal, and it varies depending on the availability of the ingredients)

Appetizer

Home Made Focaccia Bread with Sage Leaves from Our Vegetable Garden, to Pair with Local Cheese and Ham

First Course

Potato Gnocchi with Fresh Tomato Sauce

Second Course

Lemon Scented Meat Balls with Parsley

Side Dish

Tuscan Peas Cooked in the Typical Brick Pot

Dessert

Melt in Mouth Chocolate Cake Dusted with Confectioner's Sugar