Extra Virgin Cooking Classes / Countryside Mill location

We are 3 sisters & 1 sister-by-choice, all in our 60s. This was our second class with Chef Giuseppe. Our first cooking class was in December 2022 in Lucca. It was such a wonderful experience that we knew we had to go again, this time at Giuseppe’s family home in Montecatini Terme. Another set of 2 sisters also joined in the class, for a total of 6 participants. I can confidently say that all 6 of us enjoyed every minute of it! The class starts at a local farmers market, where Giuseppe shared his knowledge of local vegetables, cheeses, etc. We then walked to a shop in town, Marietta’s, which offers freshly made pasta. From there, we were taxied to Giuseppe’s charming home for the class. Just like our first cooking class in Lucca, our day in Montecatini was unforgettable. With Giuseppe’s guidance and his assistant Paula’s help and encouragement, we made a hearty Tuscan vegetable soup, fresh pasta with a delicious ragout, and also taste-tested Giuseppe’s private olive oil along with two other brands. Giuseppe gave us a lesson about the various types of rice and their uses, and then surprised us with an addition to the menu: a creamy mushroom risotto. Throughout the food preparation, we were served wine; duringvthe meal, Giuseppe also provided wine pairings, offering several glasses and varieties of wine. Finally, for dessert, we made a heavenly zabiglione (Italian custard with Madera wine) served with raspberries. The cooking class with Giuseppe was a highlight of our week in Tuscany and Rome. Chef Giuseppe is a wonderful, welcoming host along with a being very knowledgeable and encouraging chef and sommelier. He is generous with his knowledge — sharing cooking tips and instructions throughout the class. Before we left, we each received an Extra Virgin Cooking apron and a booklet with recipes of the dishes we made. This class was a special opportunity for us to reconnect with Giuseppe; hopefully, there will be a next time! For an amazing, unforgettable experience, we highly recommend the Extra Virgin Cooking Class by Giuseppe!

This cooking class in Tuscany offers a unique experience to cook and share authentic Italian food in a beautifully restored kitchen, dining room, and gathering place that was once the site of the Chef’s great-grandfather’s olive press and his home. We had prosecco to start, with cheese, honey, and olive oil tastings. Then Chef Giuseppe described the dishes we were going to make from the ingredients we collected with him at the market that morning. He led the instruction and cooking, and we could do as much or as little "hands-on" as we wanted. Finally, we shared the delicious meal we had created together. On this chilly day, the fireplace was crackling, and Chef Giuseppe’s warm hospitality and delicious local food and wines made it feel like we were gathering at a friend’s house for a dinner party. The limited class size makes for a personalized experience, and we all left with new experiences, new recipes and new friends. Highly recommended!

My husband and I plus our two daughters (ages 18 and 20) spent Thanksgiving afternoon shopping and then cooking with Giuseppe at his beautifully restored Tuscan villa which was once an olive oil press. The experience was the highlight of our trip! Not only is Giuseppe a wonderful cook, he is a great teacher and he also knows his wine. It was the most spectacular way to spend Thanksgiving while in Italy. We highly recommend booking a cooking class with Giuseppe!