Florence: Pasta Cooking Class with Wine Tasting near Duomo

Introducing the Florence Pasta Cooking Class with Wine Tasting

If you’re visiting Florence and want to get a true taste of Italy — both culinary and cultural — this pasta and wine experience could be perfect. Designed for those who love good food and fine wine, it combines a guided tasting of 11 Italian wines with a hands-on pasta-making session just steps from the Duomo. What’s more appealing than sipping regional wines and then recreating authentic dishes yourself?

Two things we especially like about this experience: First, the variety of wines offered, which span Italy’s diverse regions, provides a comprehensive look at Italy’s liquid treasures. Second, the chance to roll up your sleeves and make three types of pasta from scratch—an engaging way to learn about traditional techniques.

A potential consideration is that it’s a relatively short experience (about 2.5 hours), so it’s not a deep dive into either wine or pasta but rather a highlight reel. Also, it’s not suitable for children under 18, which makes sense given the alcohol component.

This experience suits food and wine lovers eager to combine tasting with hands-on learning. It’s particularly good for travelers who prefer interactive activities that also offer cultural insights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive wine tasting with 11 regional Italian wines, guided by a passionate sommelier
• Expert pairing of wines with cheeses, honey, and jams to highlight regional flavors
• Authentic pasta-making, including tagliolini, shrimp ravioli, and asparagus ravioli, from scratch
• Close proximity to Florence’s Duomo, providing an authentic and historic setting for the class
• Educational experience that explains Italy’s diverse wine regions and food traditions
• Family-friendly, with a focus on adult participants due to alcohol consumption

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

This class isn’t just about tasting; it’s a full sensory experience that combines the visual beauty of Florence’s historic center with the tastes of Italy’s most celebrated culinary traditions. It’s hosted in a cozy venue just a short walk from the Duomo, making it a convenient stop during your sightseeing day.

The wine selection truly impresses, featuring notable labels like Franciacorta, Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Barolo. Each wine is paired with artisanal cheeses, honey, and jams—items carefully chosen to bring out the nuances of each sip. A local sommelier guides you through the regions, explaining how soil, climate, and tradition influence each bottle’s character.

The pasta-making component is equally engaging. You’ll learn to turn simple ingredients—flour and eggs—into silky dough, then shape it into delicate tagliolini, shrimp-filled ravioli, and asparagus ravioli. The process is tactile and satisfying, providing a hands-on lesson many travelers find both fun and educational.

The Itinerary: What to Expect Step-by-Step

Starting at Rosso Crudo Restaurant, the experience begins with a warm welcome and a brief introduction to Italian wine regions. The real highlight kicks off with the guided tasting, where you’ll sample 11 different wines. Expect a mix of whites, reds, and sweet dessert wines, each accompanied by thoughtfully selected cheeses, honey, and jams.

• Wine Tasting: Guided by a local sommelier, you’ll explore wines from across Italy, such as Prosecco di Val di Chiana, Franciacorta, and Vin Santo. The sommelier’s explanations are accessible and engaging, making even novice wine drinkers feel comfortable. Many reviews mention the “expert guidance” as a highlight, emphasizing how much they learned about Italian wine regions and traditions.

• Pasta Preparation: Once the tasting wraps up, it’s time for hands-on pasta making. You’ll learn to make tagliolini, a type of thin pasta often seen in Tuscan kitchens, served with a simple yet flavorful tomato and basil sauce. The process involves kneading, rolling, and cutting, giving you a real appreciation for Italian craftsmanship.

• Ravioli Creation: Next, you’ll fill and shape ravioli in two styles—shrimp ravioli cooked in a sea mussel reduction that brings in the Mediterranean flavors, and asparagus ravioli with a creamy pecorino cheese sauce. These dishes are not only delicious but also showcase regional ingredients and techniques.

Throughout the class, the focus remains on creating a balanced experience that highlights Italy’s culinary diversity. Every dish is designed to complement the wines being tasted, creating a cohesive and satisfying meal.

The Value of the Experience

At a duration of about 2.5 hours, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of Italy’s wine and pasta traditions without feeling rushed. The inclusion of 11 wines and three different pasta dishes provides good value—especially considering the expert guidance and quality ingredients.

The price might seem modest for such a rich experience, but it’s important to consider the depth of knowledge gained. You’re not just tasting but also learning techniques you could replicate at home. Plus, making pasta from scratch is a skill that stays with you long after the class ends.

The venue’s proximity to Florence’s main sights makes this class easily integrated into a busy sightseeing day. It’s especially suitable for those who want a mix of education and entertainment, rather than a passive tour.

Authenticity and Atmosphere

Reviews consistently praise the warm, friendly atmosphere created by the instructor and staff. The venue’s cozy setting allows for a relaxed environment where questions are encouraged, and participants can fully enjoy the process. Many travelers comment on the “informative and engaging” guidance, which makes the experience accessible regardless of prior knowledge.

The setting’s closeness to the Duomo also means you’ll enjoy stunning views of Florence’s iconic cathedral while sampling and cooking—adding a visual feast to a culinary one.

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Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting Point: The class starts at Rosso Crudo Restaurant, easily reachable on foot from major attractions.
• Duration: About 2.5 hours—enough time to enjoy each step without feeling hurried.
• Availability: Check ahead for starting times, as they vary throughout the day.
• Language: Conducted in English, accessible for most travelers.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many.
• Children: Not suitable for under 18, due to alcohol consumption.

While transportation isn’t included, the meeting point’s central location makes it easy to combine with sightseeing. No hotel pickup or drop-off is provided, so plan to arrive on your own.

Overall Impressions and Who It’s For

This experience offers a delightful blend of education, taste, and hands-on activity. It’s perfect for travelers wanting to go beyond the typical sightseeing and truly engage with Italy’s culinary culture. Food and wine lovers will especially appreciate the diversity of wines and the authenticity of the pasta dishes.

The class’s intimate setting, expert guidance, and focus on regional specialties make it a standout choice for those eager to learn techniques they can recreate at home. The stunning views of Florence’s Duomo amid the tasting and cooking sessions add a memorable visual backdrop.

While it may not satisfy those seeking a very long or in-depth culinary course, it’s an excellent way to spend a couple of hours enjoying Italy’s favorite flavors in a lively, friendly environment.

FAQs

How much does the experience cost?
Pricing isn’t explicitly stated, but considering the inclusions—11 wines, cheeses, honey, jams, and three handmade pasta dishes—it offers good value for a half-day activity.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, the instructor’s explanations are accessible, and the focus is on enjoyment and learning. No prior cooking or wine knowledge is needed.

Do I need to know Italian to participate?
No, the class is conducted in English, making it straightforward for international visitors.

Where exactly does it start?
The meeting point is at Rosso Crudo Restaurant, conveniently located near Florence’s Duomo.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility for your travel schedule.

Is this activity family-friendly?
It’s not suitable for children under 18 because of the alcohol, but families with older children interested in food and wine might enjoy it.

Is transportation included?
No, participants are responsible for getting to the meeting point, which is easily walkable from main attractions.

To sum it up, this Pasta Cooking Class with Wine Tasting near Florence’s Duomo offers a balanced mix of engaging education, regional flavors, and authentic culinary skills. It’s ideal for those who want to deepen their appreciation for Italy’s food and wine, enjoy a memorable experience in a beautiful setting, and perhaps learn a few new skills to take home. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this class provides a genuine taste of Florence’s culinary soul without overwhelming your itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: