Authentic Culinary Experience in a Tuscan Family Estate

Our time at La Quercia Estate was nothing short of magical. Nestled in the serene countryside, this cooking class offered not only a hands-on culinary experience, but also a deeply personal and soulful connection to the land, the ingredients, and the people who nurture them. Maghertia, our gracious host and guide, welcomed us with warmth and generosity, making us feel like old friends returning home. Alongside her was her lovely mother, Veronica, whose calm presence and deep knowledge of traditional Italian cooking enriched the day beyond measure. Together, they created an atmosphere that was both joyful and contemplative, where laughter mingled with the aromas of onion, herbs, and fresh dough rising in the kitchen. We prepared handmade pasta, focaccia with sage and olive oil from their grove, and a rustic omelette that tasted like the very essence of the season. As we cooked, we talked about life, about family, about change, and living life with less stress. Veronica spoke about the ingredients and the importance of choosing what is local and fresh. Her words and advice carried a kind of reverence that stayed with us long after the meal was done. Maghertia shared stories of her upbringing and her passion for simple, nourishing food. The day was not just about cooking but about being present, about connecting over shared work and shared meals. We left La Quercia with full hearts, full bellies, and a renewed appreciation for the quiet magic of homegrown hospitality. I can’t recommend it enough.

Margherita and her mother are simply magic. The experience they created for me, my husband and our three college age girls studying in Florence for the semester was nothing short of amazing. The food was fresh, and most from their garden or farm. The setting was out of a fairy tail and the warm company was the icing on the cake. I’m writing this review a few months late (October visit) as we got incredibly busy at the end of our trip but it was important enough to me to make time to go back and write the review as it left an indelibly memory with my family. If you can find time to fit this experience in, please do so. It will be the highlight of your trip. Margherita - Hans and I hope to come see you and your lovely family again soon. This time, spending a few days with you all at the Inn. ????????????. Fondly, Hans and Georgia Z

The estate and cooking studio are beautiful. The effort to make us comfortable and teach authentic Italian cooking exceeded our expectations. Veronica and her daughter Margherita are wonderful hosts and teachers. Drinking estate Trebbiano and Sangiovese wine made from grapes grown on the grounds just added to the ambience. We made bruschetta, frittata, pumpkin velvet soup, green peppers with capers and olives, chocolate cake to die for and learning how to make real egg pasta was a culinary education. Her wonderful freshly cold pressed olive oil will make people on our Christmas gift list very happy. The olive trees on her farm supply the extra virgin olive oil. If you want a true eating and learning experience far from the crowds at museums or busy cities, please avail yourself this awesome experience.