The art of Pasta & Wine tasting with local sommelier

Exploring the Art of Pasta & Wine Tasting with a Local Sommelier in Florence

If you’re dreaming of a true taste of Italy, this Pasta and Wine tasting experience in Florence might just be what you’re looking for. It’s designed for those eager to get their hands dirty in the kitchen, learn from top chefs, and pair their creations with carefully selected Tuscan wines. The class is intimate, with a maximum of six guests, making it perfect for a personalized, memorable afternoon.

What sets this experience apart? First, you get to make pasta from scratch, guided by a chef with a Michelin-starred background—a real treat for anyone serious about cooking. Second, the wine pairing is led by a professional Italian sommelier, ensuring that each bite is complemented by the right sip.

One thing to consider: This isn’t just a quick demonstration—it’s an active, hands-on class. If you’re expecting a leisurely tasting without much involvement in the kitchen, this might not be your best fit. But if you’re passionate about food and wine or simply eager to learn authentic Italian techniques, this tour offers incredible value.

This experience is ideal for food lovers, wine enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates small-group, authentic experiences. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with friends, you’ll come away with not just new skills but also delightful memories of Florence.

Key Points

• Hands-on pasta making with guidance from a Michelin-starred chef ensures authentic learning.
• Expert wine pairings by a professional sommelier elevate each dish with regional Tuscan wines.
• The small group size (just 6 guests) guarantees personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• All tools and ingredients are provided, so no need to bring anything but your enthusiasm.
• Participants get to taste three pasta dishes paired with wines, plus a downloadable recipe book and a free apron.
• Vegetarian options are always available, making it accessible to all dietary preferences.

Why This Experience Matters: A Deep Dive

Florence’s Culinary Heritage is world-renowned, and this class offers a tangible way to connect with it. The focus on making pasta from scratch means you’ll learn how to knead, roll, and shape your dough just like an Italian nonna. The chef, described as detailed and patient, will reveal tips that can be used long after your trip, turning your own kitchen into an Italian trattoria.

The guidance from a Michelin-starred chef elevates the experience. From the reviews, we learn that the instructor makes everyone feel comfortable, regardless of past cooking experience. One reviewer mentioned that their chef, Marco, was “amazing” at making participants feel at ease and was very knowledgeable—an important factor when learning a craft that can seem intimidating at first.

Wine pairing is another highlight. The sommelier’s expertise ensures each wine complements the dishes perfectly, from white to rosé to red. Reviewers noted that even those who don’t usually drink wine found themselves appreciating the good quality and clever pairings. One guest observed that “bad wine is easy to dislike,” but “good wine doesn’t have to be expensive,” which speaks to the accessible nature of the tastings.

The menu varies slightly with the seasons, but expect to make three types of pasta, each with its own sauce or ragu. The fact that you get to taste your own creations with wines makes the cooking feel even more rewarding. Plus, the take-home recipes and apron are thoughtful keepsakes, perfect for replicating your new skills back home.

The atmosphere is friendly and engaging, with reviewers highlighting the small group size as a big plus. It ensures everyone gets personal attention and time to ask questions. This is not a tourist trap; instead, it’s an authentic, professionally guided class that guests emphasize as a highlight of their Florence trip.

Timing-wise, starting at 7:30 pm allows you to enjoy a relaxed dinner and wine experience after a day of sightseeing. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to reach.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

The Meeting & Introduction

You’ll meet at V. Dell Agnolo at 7:30 pm, a central Florence location close to public transport. Once gathered, the session begins with a friendly introduction, where the chef and sommelier explain what’s on the menu and what you’ll be doing.

Ingredient & Technique Introduction

The chef will walk you through the key ingredients—flour, eggs, and seasonings—explaining how each contributes to the perfect pasta. From there, the focus is on active participation: kneading, rolling, and shaping. Reviewers rave about the chef’s patience and clear instructions, which make even beginners feel confident.

Pasta Making

Expect to create three types of pasta, possibly including classics like spaghetti, ravioli, or tagliatelle. You’ll learn tricks for getting the right thickness, cutting techniques, and shapes. The process is lively, with plenty of tips shared along the way. One reviewer noted that they “made the best pasta of their trip,” thanks to the chef’s guidance.

Sauce & Ragu Preparation

After the pasta is shaped, you’ll move on to sauces, including a ragu. The chef’s secrets to perfect sauces—like balancing seasoning and timing—are shared openly, so you can replicate them at home.

Wine Tasting & Pairing

While your pasta cooks, the sommelier introduces each wine, explaining how they enhance different flavors. The wines are regional and carefully selected, including white, rosé, and red. Reviewers mention that even those who don’t usually drink wine enjoyed the experience, appreciating the variety and quality.

Dining & Sharing

Once everything is ready, you’ll sit down to enjoy your pasta dishes, each paired with its wine. The group setting fosters a convivial atmosphere, making it easy to chat and share your culinary triumphs. Guests highlight the high quality of the food and drinks, describing it as “phenomenal” and “the best meal in Florence.”

Takeaways

At the end, you’ll receive a downloadable e-recipe book so you can recreate the dishes at home. The free apron is a charming souvenir to remember your new skills.

Practical Details & What You Should Know

Duration: Around 3 hours, starting at 7:30 pm, perfect for a relaxed evening activity after sightseeing.
Price: $166.16 per person — this covers all ingredients, tools, guidance, wine, and takeaways.
Group Size: Limited to 6 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and a cozy atmosphere.
Accessibility: Vegetarian options are always available, catering to dietary preferences.
Booking: On average, this experience is booked 72 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.
Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours before, providing peace of mind.

Location: The meeting point is conveniently located, and the tour includes all tools and ingredients, so you only need to bring enthusiasm.

Why This Experience Is Worth It

This class offers authentic Italian cooking in a relaxed and engaging environment. Unlike more generic cooking classes, you’re guided by someone with a Michelin-starred background, which raises the quality and credibility. The personalized approach and small group size mean you’ll have plenty of opportunities for questions and hands-on practice.

The wine pairings complement the dishes beautifully, elevating the entire experience beyond just cooking. Reviewers highlight that the wines are well selected, and even those not typically wine drinkers found themselves enjoying the tastings.

The process of making pasta from scratch is not just fun but also educational. Guests note that they left with skills and confidence to replicate the dishes at home. Plus, the take-home recipes and apron give you lasting souvenirs of your time in Florence.

Finally, the reviews consistently praise the atmosphere, the professionalism of the guides, and the deliciousness of the food. It’s clear that this is a thoughtfully curated experience meant to deepen your appreciation of Italian culinary traditions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re a food enthusiast, this class will deepen your appreciation for Italy’s culinary roots. It’s perfect if you want to learn hands-on techniques and enjoy the fruits of your labor with good wine. Travelers who value small groups and authentic experiences will appreciate the personalized attention.

It’s also well-suited for couples looking for a romantic, interactive evening, or solo travelers eager to meet like-minded people. Vegetarians are comfortably accommodated, making it a great option for diverse dietary needs.

However, if you’re only interested in tasting without participating actively, or if you prefer structured tours without hands-on elements, this might not be the ideal fit. It’s best suited for those who genuinely want to engage in the process and enjoy a culinary journey in Florence.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The chef is described as patient and clear, making it accessible even for those with little or no cooking experience.

What’s included in the price?
All ingredients, tools, guidance from a Michelin-starred chef, wine pairings by a professional sommelier, and a downloadable recipe book are included.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are always offered and accommodated throughout the experience.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, starting at 7:30 pm.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is at V. Dell Agnolo, 77r, Florence. It’s near public transportation, making it easy to access.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, only up to 6 guests are allowed per session, ensuring a personalized experience.

Will I get to taste the pasta I make?
Absolutely. You’ll enjoy tasting three pasta dishes paired with regional wines.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the experience features guided wine tastings with each pasta dish.

Can I participate if I have dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian options are always available, and it’s best to specify dietary restrictions at booking.

Final Thoughts

This Florence pasta and wine class offers an excellent blend of hands-on learning, authentic regional flavors, and personalized guidance. It’s a rare opportunity to learn from a professional chef and pair your dishes with expertly selected wines in an intimate setting. The amount of praise from previous guests underscores its quality, making it a wise choice for anyone wanting to deepen their culinary skills and enjoy a genuine taste of Italy.

For food lovers, wine enthusiasts, or those simply seeking a memorable cultural experience, this tour delivers both fun and value. Plus, you’ll leave with skills, recipes, and a lovely apron—reminders of a truly delicious evening in Florence.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, learn authentic pasta-making techniques, and indulge in Tuscany’s finest wines, this experience is a highly recommended addition to your Florence itinerary.