PRIVATE Cooking Class & Wine Experience with Sommelier

If you’re craving a genuine Italian culinary adventure while in Milan, this Private Cooking Class & Wine Experience with a Sommelier offers an intimate peek into Italy’s beloved food traditions. Hosted in a cozy Milanese home, this 3.5-hour experience balances hands-on cooking, expert wine pairing, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s not your typical touristy meal—this is a chance to learn, taste, and create memories that go beyond just eating.

What we really appreciate about this experience are two things: first, the chance to prepare your own pasta from scratch with guidance from a professional chef, and second, the opportunity to sip expertly paired wines selected by a certified sommelier. These elements promise not just a delicious meal but a deeper appreciation of Italian flavors and techniques.

One thing to consider is that, as with many private experiences, the group size is limited to eight participants, which means a more personalized and relaxed environment—great for those who want to ask questions and get detailed tips. For travelers who love to cook or are eager to learn the secrets behind Italian dishes, this tour can be a real highlight. It’s especially ideal for foodies, couples, or small groups seeking an authentic, engaging culinary journey.

Key Points

• Hands-on cooking: You’ll create a full 3-course Italian meal, including homemade pasta and tiramisù.
• Expert guidance: A professional chef and a certified sommelier will teach techniques and wine pairings.
• Authentic ambiance: Hosted in a private Milanese home, giving a cozy, intimate feel.
• Local flavors: The menu features regional ingredients, sauces, and classic dishes.
• All-inclusive: Food, wine, limoncello, snacks, and all fees are included, making it a hassle-free experience.
• Limited group size: Small groups (up to 8) mean personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting with a Welcome Aperitif

The evening begins with a warm greeting and a welcome aperitif, featuring Prosecco alongside fresh salami and cheeses. This relaxed introduction is perfect for mingling and settling in before the cooking begins. It’s a small but meaningful touch that highlights Italy’s love for good, simple snacks paired with sparkling wine.

The Art of Making Pasta from Scratch

The core of this experience is learning to make various types of pasta—whether it’s fettuccine, pappardelle, or tagliatelle. Guided by a professional chef, you’ll learn essential techniques for rolling, cutting, and shaping pasta dough. The process is interactive and satisfying, especially when you see your creations come to life. The chef shares tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor, making this a genuine skill you can take home.

Creating Authentic Sauces

Next, you’ll prepare two fresh sauces that burst with local, seasonal ingredients. These sauces are paired with the pasta you make, giving you a hands-on understanding of Italian flavor combinations. The emphasis on vibrant, regional flavors ensures your meal isn’t just tasty, but authentic. The chef’s guidance helps you understand the balance between ingredients, so your sauces won’t just be delicious here—they can be recreated at home.

More Great Tours Nearby

End with a Classic Tiramisù and Dessert

No Italian meal is complete without a sweet finish. You’ll learn how to make the iconic Tiramisù, or opt for a chocolate version if you prefer. Closer to dessert, enjoy a glass of dessert wine and homemade limoncello—a delightful way to end the meal. The limoncello, made in-house, often surprises guests with its freshness and authenticity.

Wine Pairing by a Certified Sommelier

Between courses, a Certified Sommelier carefully pairs Italian wines to complement each dish. This is not just about drinking wine; it’s about understanding the pairing principles and appreciating regional varieties. Whether it’s a crisp white, a bold red, or a dessert wine, you’ll leave with a better sense of how Italian wines enhance food.

Practical Details

• Duration: 3.5 hours, allowing ample time for cooking, tasting, and relaxing.
• Price: About $181.26 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the personalized attention, quality of food, and wine.
• Group size: Limited to 8 participants ensures a friendly, engaging atmosphere.
• Availability: Check starting times as they vary, but typically include evening slots.

What Makes This Experience Stand Out

Authentic Setting in a Milanese Home

Unlike larger group classes or commercial kitchens, this experience takes place in a private residence. The cozy environment brings you closer to the heart of Italian domestic cooking, rather than a sterile studio. Guests often comment on how welcoming and personalized it feels, turning a cooking lesson into a shared social event.

Focused on Quality and Authenticity

With a curated menu that includes dishes like Gourmet chickpea with seasonal vegetables and Grandmum Bruschetta, this tour emphasizes local ingredients and traditional recipes. The chef’s tips and techniques help you gain confidence in recreating Italian classics, which is a big plus for home cooks.

Expert Guidance and Wine Pairings

The involvement of a Certified Sommelier elevates the experience beyond just cooking. The wine selections are thoughtful and enhance each course, giving you a deeper understanding of Italy’s diverse wine regions. Guests often mention that the wine pairings “really made the meal special” and helped them appreciate how wine and food work together.

Full, All-Inclusive Dining Experience

All drinks, snacks, water, coffee, tea, and dessert are included, removing the hassle of additional costs. You’re free to relax and focus on the learning and tasting, which is ideal for travelers wanting a seamless, quality experience.

Flexibility and Accessibility

With cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and options to reserve now and pay later, this booking process offers flexibility—important for spontaneous travelers or those with packed itineraries.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits foodies who want to learn authentic Italian cooking techniques in a relaxed setting. If you’re a couple, small group, or solo traveler eager to get hands-on with pasta and enjoy fine wines, you’ll find it rewarding. It’s especially good for those who appreciate local flavors, quality ingredients, and expert guidance.

However, keep in mind that wheelchair users are not accommodated, and comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended since you’ll be actively involved in the kitchen. If your goal is a quick, superficial meal, this might be more involved than necessary, but for those wanting a genuine, educational experience—this is a winner.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price of around $180, you receive more than just a meal. You gain cooking skills, wine knowledge, and a taste of Milanese hospitality in a private home. This isn’t a tourist trap but a carefully curated experience designed to give you a real slice of Italy.

You’ll walk away with new skills, a full stomach, and a handful of stories about how Italian food is made with love—and sometimes a dash of humor. It’s perfect for culinary travelers, couples, or small groups who want to turn a Milan visit into a memorable, tasty adventure.

If you’re looking for a culinary activity that’s engaging, authentic, and intimate, this cooking and wine experience is a solid choice.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
The menu includes cured meats and cheeses for the aperitif, but the main dishes focus on pasta and sauces. You might find the menu adaptable or ask the provider in advance about vegetarian options.

How long does the experience last?
It runs approximately 3.5 hours, giving enough time to cook, taste, and relax without feeling rushed.

What’s included in the price?
All food, drinks, wine, limoncello, snacks, water, coffee, and taxes are included in the price. You won’t have to worry about extra charges.

Do I need any prior cooking experience?
No prior experience is necessary. The chef provides step-by-step guidance, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Is transportation provided to and from the meeting point?
No, transportation is not included. The nearest metro station is Cenisio (Line M5), and the meeting point is a short 10-minute walk. Directions are provided for easy access.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your itinerary shifts.

Is this experience accessible for people with mobility issues?
Unfortunately, it’s not wheelchair accessible, as it takes place in a private home with certain mobility considerations.

To sum it up, this Private Cooking Class & Wine Experience in Milan offers a genuine chance to connect with Italy’s culinary roots. It’s ideal for those eager to learn, taste, and create in a friendly, intimate setting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to deepen your appreciation of Italian food, this experience is likely to leave a lasting impression—full of flavor and fun.

You can check availability for your dates here: