Sustainable Farm Tour & Northern Italian Cooking Class in Asti

If you’ve ever dreamed of learning how real Italians cook using ingredients straight from their land, this Sustainable Farm Tour & Cooking Class in Asti offers exactly that. It’s a 4-hour experience that takes you beyond typical tourist spots, offering a chance to wander through a working farm, forage wild herbs, and prepare traditional Italian dishes in a home kitchen with a passionate local host. With rave reviews for its authenticity, scenic views, and engaging host Viviana, this tour promises a taste of Italy’s countryside like no other.

What sets this experience apart? The opportunity to gather ingredients directly from the land—think chickens, fruit trees, wild herbs—then learn to cook dishes rooted in family recipes. The personal touch from Viviana, a dedicated herbologist and sustainable farmer, adds depth to the experience. The only thing to consider? The tour doesn’t include hotel pickup, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. This experience is perfect for those who love hands-on activities, local culture, and fresh, farm-to-table food, whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner.

Key Points

• Authentic local experience: Visit a real sustainable farm on the hills of Piedmont, surrounded by vineyards and farm animals.
• Interactive foraging: Learn to identify and collect wild herbs and vegetables using all five senses, guided by Viviana’s expertise.
• Family recipes: Cook two to three dishes using traditional recipes passed down through the family, with wild herbs as a highlight.
• Culinary and culture: Gain insight into Italian sustainable farming practices and local cuisine in a welcoming home setting.
• No group crowds: This is a private tour, offering personalized attention and flexibility.
• Value for money: At $140 per person, it combines a farm visit, hands-on cooking, and a home-cooked meal, delivering a rich experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Meeting Point and Journey to the Farm

The tour begins at Agriturismo Serra dei Costa, located on the scenic hills of Priocca. It’s a bit of a drive from Asti or other Piedmont towns, but the effort is rewarded with views of rolling vineyards and farm buildings that feel like stepping into a postcard. Since the experience doesn’t include hotel pickup, you’ll want to plan your transfer in advance—either through a rental car or local transportation. The setting itself, perched among vineyards and farmland, sets a peaceful tone and immediately transports you away from urban bustle.

Visiting Vivi’s Sustainable Farm

Viviana is the star of this experience—an enthusiastic herbologist who lives and breathes sustainable farming. Her farm showcases practices like soil replanting and ecosystem enrichment, which help foster healthy plants and animals. You’ll meet her chickens, see her vegetable garden, and explore her orchard filled with hazelnuts, apricots, and other fruits.

What makes this part special? The personal stories Vivi shares about her farm and her philosophy of sustainability, which deepen your understanding of why her approach is vital today. Visitors frequently mention her passion, with one reviewer noting she’s “very enthusiastic and really committed to her sustainable lifestyle.” The farm environment also means you’ll get a chance to see how farm animals are integrated into the ecosystem—a real contrast to conventional farming.

Foraging for Wild Herbs and Vegetables

The hallmark of this experience is foraging. Vivi guides you through her land, showing you how to recognize and pick wild herbs and vegetables. She demonstrates traditional uses, properties, and shares tips on how to use all five senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound—to identify edible plants. Reviewers point out how educational and fun this part is, especially for those new to foraging.

Some of the herbs and plants you might find include wild greens, herbs, and vegetables that are often overlooked but packed with flavor and health benefits. The beauty is that you get to take home not just memories, but also knowledge and, potentially, some freshly foraged ingredients.

Cooking in a Family-Style Home Kitchen

After gathering ingredients, the focus shifts to the kitchen, where Vivi’s warm home provides a cozy setting. She teaches you how to prepare two or three traditional Italian dishes, emphasizing the use of wild herbs. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a complete novice, Vivi’s approachable teaching style makes it easy to follow along.

The dishes typically highlight local, seasonal ingredients, showcasing flavors of Piedmont. Reviewers mention how engaging Vivi is—”she’s so passionate about what she does”—and how she makes everyone feel comfortable, regardless of cooking skills. The class is laid-back, with time to ask questions and enjoy the process.

Tasting and Sharing the Meal

The culmination is sitting down together to enjoy the meal you helped create. This communal aspect—sharing food with your hosts and fellow participants—is a highlight. The meal is complemented with alcoholic beverages included in the price, often local wines or other regional drinks, which enhance the flavors and add to the authentic Italian experience.

Guests often comment on how satisfying it is to taste the dishes they made, emphasizing the importance of knowing where your food comes from. One reviewer said, “Vivi’s dishes are full of flavor, and her enthusiasm makes the meal even better.”

Practical Details and Considerations

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a well-paced morning or afternoon activity. It’s a private experience, so only your group participates, ensuring plenty of personal attention. This intimacy also allows for a more relaxed atmosphere, ideal for asking questions or simply soaking in the scenery.

Cost and Value

At $140 per person, this experience offers excellent value considering the personalized farm visit, foraging, cooking, and a shared meal. Compared to other culinary experiences, it’s a deep dive into the local culture rather than just a demonstration. The inclusion of alcohol and gratuities adds to the overall convenience.

Accessibility and Tips

Since it’s a farm environment, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. The tour doesn’t specify transport options from hotels, so plan accordingly. It’s suitable for adults and children alike, with reviews indicating all ages enjoyed it, especially those interested in learning about sustainable farming and authentic cooking.

Why This Tour Works

This experience excels at providing a hands-on, personalized, and educational journey into Italian countryside life. The combination of farm visits, foraging, and cooking makes it particularly appealing for travelers seeking a meaningful connection to local culture. The picturesque setting, coupled with Vivi’s enthusiasm, makes it more than just a cooking class—it’s an opportunity to understand the roots of Piedmontese cuisine and sustainability.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for food lovers eager to learn about traditional recipes and wild herbs, nature enthusiasts interested in foraging, and those who enjoy authentic, small-group activities. It’s equally suited for curious travelers or families wanting a memorable, educational outing. If you value sustainability and local traditions, you’ll find this tour a genuine gem.

FAQs

Is transportation included? No, the tour begins at the farm location, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport.
How long is the tour? About 4 hours, including farm visit, foraging, cooking, and dining.
Are children allowed? Yes, it’s suitable for all ages, especially those interested in hands-on activities like foraging and cooking.
Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.
Is the experience private? Yes, only your group participates, offering a personalized experience.
What if I don’t cook often? No worries—Vivi’s friendly approach makes it accessible for everyone, regardless of cooking experience.
What’s included in the price? The farm tour, cooking class, a meal, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities.
Are there any physical requirements? Expect some walking around the farm and standing in the kitchen; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Final Thoughts

This Sustainable Farm Tour & Cooking Class in Asti offers an enriching escape into Italy’s countryside, combining eco-friendly farming, wild herb foraging, and home-cooked regional dishes. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local traditions, enjoy scenic views, and learn practical skills that go beyond typical culinary classes. For anyone who values authentic experiences, small-group intimacy, and delicious food prepared with care, this tour hits the mark.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply curious about farm-to-table Italy, you’ll walk away with more than just a full belly—you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the land, the food, and the people behind it all.