Although it is based on traditional Tuscan cooking, the Tuscan cuisine would be perfectly at home in fine-dining New York restaurants. The ingredients are top-quality, the atmosphere is inviting, and the wines are exceptional.
This stretch of Italy is full of beauty, art, romance, and endless culinary adventures. Most visitors should enjoy a wine tasting in Chianti or a delicious meal at a charming osteria. But true foodies might want to immerse themselves into the culture of the food, understand the stories behind each dish, and experience the full flavors of the region.
One of the most memorable food experiences in Tuscany is a dolce Vita afternoon, capped with the catch of the day at Il Pellicano.
It’s impossible to list everything – especially in such a beautiful, heart-warming area. But these wonderful trips, unforgettable dinners and immersive cooking classes will provide you with the perfect starting point for a memorable culinary adventure.
Enogastronomic Tour of Montalcino and Pienza.
A tour through the charming villages and rolling hills of the Val d’Orcia is a great way to discover Tuscany’s true essence. This 9-hour enogastronomic excursion from Siena combines sightseeing, delectable food, and wine tasting at some of the most famous destinations in the region.
Apart from exploring Montalcino’s hilltop villages of Montepulciano and Montepulciano, they can also visit a few wineries and taste delicious local wines (including Nobile de Montepulciano). They will also learn to make pecorino in Pienza, a beautiful UNESCO-listed Renaissance city.
Cooking class at Villa Bordoni in Chianti
You will find a wide range of cooking classes in Tuscany that cater to all levels of experience and interests. Learn how to make your Foccacia pasta in a traditional farmhouse. Or, learn the secrets of making homemade gelato with the help of an Italian chef.
For the ultimate foodie escape, visit Villa Bordoni in Greve in Chianti. This charming property is a stunning retreat in the countryside, with a delightful restaurant that serves delicious Tuscan cuisine.
The Chianti Cooking School is located in the wine cellar. It contains more than 200 wines from top Italian producers. This school welcomes guests as well as outsiders to learn all aspects of Italian cooking, including rustic Cucina pottery and sophisticated fine dining. Classes are taught by a professional chef who will prepare a four-course meal. The class ends with a tasting of the day’s creations.
Villa Bordoni also has Enoteca Il Cardo in Panzano. This beautiful wine bar is where you can enjoy wine, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings.
Michelin Dining in Maremma
There are currently 35 Michelin-starred restaurants in Tuscany, but you might not expect to find one in a Maremma hamlet. It is hidden in a stone house among the cobbled streets of Montemerano.
Da Caino is run by Valeria Piccini, a well-known chef and husband Maurizio. It offers memorable two-star Michelin dishes in an elegant 9-table dining area. Although the cuisine is deeply rooted in regional traditions, it’s experimental and refined.
Il Pellicano: Meal with a View
Il Pellicano is a tiny bay on the stunning Argentario coast. It feels like The Talented Mrs. Ripley. This is Italy’s most charming and historical address. Since the 1960s, beautiful and carefree socialites have made this their home, living out their dolce vita dreams.
The legendary Hotel Porto Ercole, located near Porto Ercole, is an iconic destination that captures almost everyone’s ideal of an Italian summer. Food is a key part of this country’s sensory delights.
