Small Group
Truffle Hunting, Truffle Cooking Class & Wine Tasting
Overview
Experience one of Tuscany’s most distinctive culinary traditions on an immersive journey from the woodland to the table in the countryside surrounding San Gimignano. Lasting approximately 4 hours, the experience includes around 1 hour of truffle hunting, 1.5 hours of hands-on cooking and 1.5 hours of dining and tasting.
The adventure begins in a natural truffle ground hidden in the nearby woods, where the area’s rich soil and favourable climate allow different varieties of truffle to grow throughout the year. Accompanied by an expert truffle hunter and trained dogs, walk through the woodland while learning how truffles are located, identified and harvested, along with stories and secrets behind this centuries-old Tuscan tradition.
Following the hunt, continue with a hands-on cooking class led by an experienced chef, learning how to clean, handle and cook fresh truffles while preparing a complete Tuscan menu. You will make homemade bruschetta with fresh truffle toppings, fresh handmade pasta with truffle, pork fillet with fresh truffles and tiramisù truffles for dessert.
Once the cooking is complete, sit down to enjoy the dishes you have prepared as your lunch, accompanied by a guided tasting of organic and biodynamic wines, extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegar. The fresh truffles served during the meal are supplied by the truffle hunter, as truffles discovered during the hunt must be analysed before they can be consumed or sold.
More than a traditional cooking class, this experience connects the entire journey of the truffle-from understanding its natural habitat and searching alongside trained dogs to learning authentic preparation techniques and finally enjoying it at the table. Combining nature, local expertise, hands-on cooking and Tuscan food and wine traditions, it is an excellent choice for guests looking for a genuinely immersive forest-to-table experience rather than a simple tasting or demonstration. The truffle grounds may be approximately 5–20 minutes by car from the winery depending on the season and guests arrange this transfer independently.
Duration
4 hours
Pricing
On request
Tailored to your dates and group.
Enjoy a guided truffle hunt near San Gimignano, followed by a hands-on cooking class and a Tuscan meal paired with organic wines, olive oils and balsamic vinegars.
- Tour Style
- Small Group
- Meeting Point
- At the winery estate
Gallery
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- Guided truffle hunt in the Tuscan woods with an expert truffle hunter and trained dogs
- Hands-on truffle cooking class with an expert chef
- Preparation of traditional truffle-based dishes
- Lunch or dinner featuring the dishes prepared during the class
- Organic and biodynamic wine tasting
- Extra virgin olive oil tasting
- Balsamic vinegar tasting
- Fresh truffles used during the cooking experience
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to and from the winery
- Transfer between the winery and the truffle hunting area
- Personal expenses
- Additional food or drinks not included in the experience
- Truffles found during the hunt to take home
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.
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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