Cooking Class/Wine Tour

I thought it was expensive also when I checked into classes, plus you have to give up most of a day to do so. Instead we stayed at a villa that served authentic Italian food that the family ate every night also. We ate there three nights and staff readily shared how foods were prepared. We'd also ask at restaurants how foods were made, what ingredients were in a dish, etc. I think I got more out of coversing with cooks, owners, and staff than I ever would have in one class. In fact I've used many things I learned there in my cooking since returning. In fact, I bought a cookbook in Italian at a small book store that was full of pictures and have therefore expanded my Italian by looking up and converting into English.

We took a class in Florence though In Tavola that was a lot of fun and not expensive. You can check their website www.intavola.org We did the market and lunch class with Roberto which was great.

Melissa:

For a fun fun wine tour try Volpaia. Just google and you'll get to their website. Volpaia is near Greve between Florence and Siena in the heart of Chianti. A neat experience and some very nice wines. Be sure to make reservations. Have fun.

Thanks everyone for your replies! Did you all rent a car when you were in Tuscany to get around? If so, did you pick it up in Florence? Do you find it fairly easy to navigate? Thanks again.

Hi Melissa,
I will be in Italy in Sept also. I am also taking some cooking classes. I found one that I am interested in-her name is Barbara, and you can find her at THe international Kitchen website. She is a little pricey, I believe about 190E for the day, but she takes you to the market with her and you get to pick out the food that you will be using for the day..you can also back to her villa and cook at her home..
I am also going to travel from Florence to Bologna (food capitol of Italy) to take a class there as well. I had posted the same inquiry in early July on this message board and recv'd a couple of responses that you may find helpful...ONe of them sounded pretty good and I think the price was only $70 Euros..the other in Bologna that I have found was about the same price..I will take a look at post the websites for you to take a boo at..
Hope this helps!
Have a great time in Italy!
Lisa

Here are some sites..

http://www.intavola.org/cal2.asp?id=3&language=_en

www.cookingintuscany.net/

http://www.bolognacookingschool.com/ ( i have read some great reviews about this one, and I plan to take courses here...70Euros

http://www.cookitaly.com/

http://www.fattoriacorteroeli.it/

check out Accidental Tourist http://www.accidentaltourist.com/

My husband and I did the full day wine tasting/cooking class from Florence in October 2008. One hundred euros per person, but it was by far the best day of our 3 week trip! Recommended by Rick

Hi Melissa,
Here is another great website full of cooking school links I just found..

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/planning/cooking_classes.asp