Semi-Private
Montalcino Cooking Experience
Overview
Italy as a country is home to some of the best food and wine in the world. Year after year, in global wine competitions Tuscany, located here in central Italy close to where we live, wins out internationally for best wine. It's the Brunello di Montalcino wine variety that wins out, time and time again in wine spectactator and elsewhere, so where better to cook and enjoy wine that right here in Montalcino with us?
Join us in the heart of the Brunello di Montalcino region for a refined culinary immersion on a historic vineyard estate, where centuries of wine making tradition meet the warmth of authentic Tuscan hospitality. Your half-day “Tuscan Vine & Kitchen” experience begins with a welcome sparkling aperitivo followed by an intimate guided tour through sunlit vineyards, atmospheric cellars, and the estate’s iconic Brunello barrels.
From here, you’ll don your apron and step into the kitchen alongside our expert local chef, learning the secrets behind classic Tuscan recipes. Working hands-on, you’ll prepare fresh hand-rolled pasta, slow-cooked regional mains, and a traditional dessert — all using seasonal ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside.
After the cooking is complete, settle in for a leisurely al-fresco lunch on a panoramic terrace overlooking rolling vineyards. Enjoy each dish you’ve created, thoughtfully paired with the estate’s award-winning wines, including their signature Brunello. Whether shared as a private experience or with a small group of six to eight guests, this class offers an intimate, luxurious, and deeply delicious way to travel, cook, taste, and truly experience Tuscany.
Includes: Welcome sparkling aperitivo • Guided estate & cellar tour • Hands-on cooking class • Four-course lunch with wine pairings • Recipe booklet • Luxury round-trip transfer from your hotel or villa
Availability: Daily except Sundays. Private option available on request. Early booking is strongly recommended.
Duration
0 hours
Pricing
On request
Tailored to your dates and group.
Join us in the heart of the Brunello di Montalcino region for a refined culinary immersion on a historic vineyard estate. Beginning with a guided tour of the cellar and vineyards, you will then don your apron to create classic Tuscan dishes — working hands-on with fresh pasta, slow-cooked mains and a signature dessert. Enjoy your creations al-fresco on a panoramic terrace overlooking vineyards, paired exquisitely with the estate’s Brunello wines. A delightful way to travel, cook, taste and share. Limited to six to eight guests.
- Tour Style
- Semi-Private
- Meeting Point
- Hotel - Villa - Meeting Point
Gallery
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Excellent Photo Opportunities
- Personalized Service
What's Not Included
- Food and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Gratuities of any type
- Transfers to or from the hotels on arrival or departure days
Traveler Reviews
Emily and David DavisonMy husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.
Ron and Deb CrosbyDear Guiseppe and Jesse,
We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.
Hotels
1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.
2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.
3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.
Wine Tour
Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!
The various wineries we visited on tour:
Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.
Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.
Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.
Leon and MicheleThe trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.
Bob & SandyJesse & Giuseppe,
Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.
Location
Italy Montalcino
Montalcino and beyond
Every stop on this journey is chosen by the people who live here.
Where we meet
Hotel - Villa - Meeting Point
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?
Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.
Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?
Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.
How do we start planning?
Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.
When should we book?
The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.
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