ACTIVITIES

Traditional Cooking Class

For this farm-to-table class you’ll start in Spannocchia’s vegetable garden, getting an overview of our production systems before heading into the kitchen to cook a traditional, multi-course lunch! While you’re cooking, you’ll learn about the history of Spannocchia as a working farm and the types of food typical to the Tuscan kitchen. Together with our cook, you will create a three-course meal using many products from our estate.

Your first course might be a handmade pasta, like potato gnocchi, hand-rolled pici, or fresh tagliatelle. Your second course may be a hearty vegetarian dish or a Tuscan recipe utilizing our farm-raised heritage breed beef or pork. To finish, a delicious dessert, like our famous chocolate “salame”, cantucci and vin santo, or tiramisù.

We will try to fulfill specific requests as long as they fall within the culinary traditions of this region. Please communicate any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance. (Unfortunately, this class cannot be fully adapted for a celiac/gluten-free diet.)

Each cooking class culminates with a convivial lunch, sharing the dishes we have created paired with Spannocchia’s organic wine.

Minimum 4 participants.
Under 4 participants may be possible at a fixed cost. Discounted pricing is also available for kids, student groups, and guests who would like to join for lunch only. 

Olives & Olive Oil

Have you ever wanted to know the whole story about olive oil and why it is such a prized product? Want to understand what makes an oil “extra virgin” and how to know if you’re buying a high-quality product? Did you know olive oil is like wine, with different blends, and there is a correct way of tasting it? And, it isn’t on bread!

In this unique tour, you will learn about the history of olives and olive oil, and how it is produced–from harvest to bottling. We’ll take a walk in the olive orchard and learn about some typical Tuscan olive varieties. The class concludes with a guided tasting of several olive oils, including our own award-winning Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

Bambini in Cucina

Hands-on learning may be the best way to experience a new culture, especially for our youngest of guests! Our Bambini in Cucina is a cooking class designed for children ages 6 to 10. This experience will show them where their food comes from and how it can be transformed from the garden to a tasty lunch!

Our class will start with a trip to the Spannocchia veggie garden, where children have a chance to harvest an ingredient of their choice to be added to their meal. We’ll also meet our gardener, Yago, and learn about worms and compost and all the cool stuff that happens within the walls of our Orto.

In the kitchen, we’ll work together to make a fresh pasta, dessert, and a small snack in a fun and informative environment. Lunch will be served at 12:30. This class not only gives kids a fun way to learn about Italian food, but it also gives parents an opportunity to relax or perhaps check out a local winery or museum! Fantastico!

PASTA MAKING

Have you always wanted to learn how to make your own fresh pasta? We will explain all the details!

From different wheat varieties and special ingredients to countless shapes and fillings, you’ll learn all about the different tools and techniques to make your own pasta at home. As a group, you will prepare 3 different types of pasta and enjoy lunch together with your classmates at the end.

Minimum 4 participants.
Under 4 participants may be possible at a fixed cost. Discounted pricing is also available for kids, student groups, and guests who would like to join for lunch only.