Gastronomy tasting through oil, wine and cheese in Turin

Exploring Turin’s Gastronomy Through Oil, Wine, and Cheese

If you’re a lover of Italy’s culinary treasures, this gastronomy tasting experience in Turin offers a smart way to deepen your understanding of local flavors without the fuss of a full-blown tour. The activity focuses on the essentials: extra virgin olive oil, regional wines, and cheese, all presented in a cozy shop right in the heart of the city. It’s a small-group experience, roughly an hour and a half, making it perfect for those who want an intimate, relaxed session packed with authentic tastings and expert insights.

One of the things we love about this experience is the personalized attention provided by the guide, Eva—who’s not just knowledgeable but genuinely passionate about Italy’s food culture. The opportunity to taste three different olive oils, each evocative of unique Italian landscapes and harvests, is a real highlight. Plus, pairing these oils with two wines and three cheeses elevates the experience from a simple tasting to a proper cultural exchange.

A potential drawback? The tour’s focus is quite specialized—if you’re after a broad overview of Turin’s sights or a lengthy feast, this might feel a bit condensed. The 1.5-hour duration means it’s more of a snapshot than a deep dive. Also, since it’s limited to just 6 travelers, groups are small, which is great for intimacy but might not suit those looking for a more substantial or longer experience.

This tour is best suited for foodies eager to learn about Italy’s olive oil production, wine pairing, and cheese varieties, especially if you love authentic, family-produced products. Solo travelers and couples who appreciate a relaxed, educational vibe will find it particularly enjoyable.

Key Points

• Authentic Focus: The tour emphasizes genuine Italian products, including family-made olive oils, wines, and cheeses.
• Expert Guidance: Eva’s passion and knowledge add depth to the tasting, making it more than just sampling—it’s educational.
• Small Group: With a maximum of six participants, expect personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• Sensory Journey: Tasting three different olive oils paired with wines and cheeses offers a layered experience that enhances your palate.
• Child-Friendly Element: Kids aren’t left out—they get to enjoy a tasting game with bread, fruit juice, and cheese.
• Great Value: At around $56 per person, the experience packs in quality, education, and authentic taste, making it worth the price.

Delving Into the Experience

When you arrive at Via Stampatori, the cozy atmosphere of Eva’s shop immediately makes you feel at home. The setting is welcoming and beautifully curated—perfect for a relaxed tasting. From the start, Eva’s mission to spread oil culture is clear—her enthusiasm makes the session engaging and approachable, even for newcomers.

The core of the experience is the pairing of three carefully selected olive oils. You’ll learn to identify different flavors, such as the fresh scent of cut grass or the nutty aroma of almonds. “We loved the way Eva explained how to taste and what to look for,” one reviewer shared, emphasizing the interactive nature of the session. She guides you through the nuances of each oil, encouraging questions and curiosity.

The oils are Italian-made, all family-produced, which adds to their authenticity and quality. You might find yourself trying an oil that evokes the scent of green tomato or apple—flavors you probably didn’t know could be so distinct and memorable. This isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the craftsmanship behind each product. As one guest noted, “Eva was warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable,” which makes the whole experience feel personal.

Next up are the two wines. Paired thoughtfully with the oils, they help highlight the different flavor profiles and balance. According to reviews, the wines offered are “really good” with a “great selection,” which enhances the overall tasting experience. The informal pairing makes it easy to pick up tips on how to match wine and food at home.

The cheese tasting is equally thoughtfully curated, with three different types that complement the oils and wines well. The cheeses range from soft to more mature varieties, giving you a chance to explore different textures and flavors. For children, a fun tasting game with bread, fruit juice, and cheese keeps things lively and inclusive.

One reviewer mentioned that “the presentation was very interesting and informative,” underscoring how Eva takes time to explain the process—an invaluable addition for those new to oil tasting. Others appreciated how approachable the guide was, especially noting that the activity is accessible to single travelers or those visiting alone, which isn’t always the case with food tours.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Beyond the core tastings, this experience offers a glimpse into Italy’s family traditions and artisanal craftsmanship. The oils, wines, and cheeses aren’t mass-produced; they’re carefully selected, giving you a taste of regional authenticity. This focus on quality and tradition is a compelling reason to choose this activity over more generic tasting tours.

Another highlight is the small group size. With only six participants, you get ample time to ask questions, request specific information, and savor each tasting without feeling rushed. The intimacy fosters a warm, conversational atmosphere—perfect for those who prefer quality over quantity.

The value for money is notable. For just over fifty dollars, you gain insights into Italy’s culinary heritage, sample some of its finest products, and walk away with ideas on how to incorporate these flavors into your own cooking or gifting. Eva also offers suggestions for local area recommendations, adding a practical touch to the experience.

While the duration is relatively short, reviews suggest that the content is dense and engaging. One guest remarked, “It’s an enjoyable and informative experience, especially for solo travelers,” highlighting that the tour is accessible without needing a large group or a long commitment.

Practical Details

The meeting point is centrally located at Via Stampatori, making it convenient to fit into a day of sightseeing. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing enough time to enjoy the tastings fully without fatigue. The activity operates with a mobile ticket, adding to its convenience.

Since it’s limited to a maximum of six travelers, booking in advance—about 35 days on average—is recommended to secure a spot. The small size ensures a more personalized experience, but it also means last-minute bookings might be tricky.

The booking has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start time, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This tasting tour is ideal for culinary enthusiasts eager to learn about Italy’s olive oils, wines, and cheeses in a relaxed setting. Food lovers who appreciate artisanal, family-made products will find this especially rewarding. It’s also well-suited for solo travelers or small groups who want an intimate, educational experience without the fuss of a larger tour.

If you enjoy discovering how different flavors interplay and want to walk away with practical knowledge and new favorites, this tour is a smart choice. The guide’s passion makes it more than just a tasting—it’s a window into Italy’s gastronomic soul.

However, if you’re looking for a lengthy tour or a broad sightseeing experience, this activity might feel somewhat limited in scope. It’s best viewed as a delicious, educational break—a perfect complement to a day exploring Turin’s sights.

To sum it up, for around $56, you get a taste of Italy’s family traditions, thoughtful pairings, and expert guidance—all in a friendly, intimate setting. Whether you’re a food connoisseur or simply curious about Italy’s culinary secrets, this tour offers a memorable, flavorful glimpse into Turin’s gastronomic culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can participate and will enjoy a tasting game with bread, fruit juice, and cheeses, making it a family-friendly activity.

How long does the tour last?
The experience is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, enough to enjoy the tastings comfortably without feeling rushed.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 6 travelers, ensuring a personalized and intimate atmosphere.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking about 35 days in advance is recommended, as the tour is popular and spaces fill quickly.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.

What is included in the tasting?
You will sample three different olive oils, paired with two wines and three cheeses. Children will enjoy a tasting game with bread, fruit juice, and cheese.

Is the tour conducted in English?
While not explicitly stated, most guided tasting experiences in Italy aim for an English-speaking guide, especially with international visitors.

Where does the tour start and end?
At Via Stampatori, 19f in the city center of Turin, and it concludes back at the starting point.

What is the price?
The experience costs around $56.17 per person, offering good value considering the quality and depth of the tasting.

This thoughtfully curated tasting in Turin offers a delightful balance of education, flavor, and cultural insight—perfect for anyone wanting to connect more deeply with Italy’s renowned produce.