Discover the world of Tuscan extra virgin olive oil in an authentic family atmosphere. Walking among centuries-old olive trees, you will uncover the history and the profound connection between this land and one of its most precious products.
Along the way, you will learn the traditional cultivation and production methods passed down through generations, understanding what truly makes an extra virgin olive oil of high quality and how to recognize it by color, aroma, and flavor.
The guided tasting will lead you through a selection of extra virgin olive oils, each with its own story, paired with local products such as bread, bruschetta, and seasonal specialties that enhance every drop. Expert explanations will help you explore the nuances of aroma and flavor, providing you with the tools to appreciate olive oil in a completely new way.
More than a simple tasting, this is a journey into the heart of Tuscan rural culture: a simple, genuine, and profoundly human experience that connects you to the land, the seasons, and the traditions that have shaped this territory for centuries.
The tour includes A guided visit to the family olive grove, followed by an olive oil tasting with local products such as:
Fresh cheeses, seasonal vegetables, bruschetta, and fresh bread.
Good to know
What's included
Not included
Languages spoken
Important notes
1. Every experience is designed to be fully enjoyed without worries. If you or any of the participants have allergies, intolerances, or follow a particular diet, please indicate this in the notes during booking — our host will be happy to adapt the menu for you.
2. The price does not include transfers from your hotel or villa to our location. We invite you to arrange your own transportation — we will be happy to provide you with the exact address and any useful directions to reach us.
3. After booking, your host will contact you personally to define all the details together — where to meet, how to reach us, and what time to start your adventure.
Booking a cooking experience with Gaia was one of the best decisions I made while in Cortona! Being in her home, in her kitchen, laughing and chatting while cooking was like being with family and friends. The atmosphere was warm and cozy, and Gaia was a great instructor - very patient with an inexperienced cook like me. To top it off, the food was absolutely delicious. I recommend Gaia’s Cooking Lab one thousand percent!!!
What a beautiful and heartwarming experience! This was my third cooking class during my Italy trip, and this was one I’ll remember forever. You feel like you’re cooking with family. Learning their recipes. Hearing their stories. Spending quality time with them. They custom tailored the menu to me, and everything I made was amazing!! We made pappa al pomodoro, bruschette with their olive oil, gnocchi and pesto, and tiramisu. Recipes I will take back home with me and look forward to making. We then had lunch in their garden and spent time with their animals. Look no further and book here! What a beautiful day and beautiful family. Grazie Mille 🩷
Adults
Children (5–12 yrs)
30 €/childOptional extras
Petit Manseng & Viognier
15 € each
San Giovese
20 € each
San Giovese & Merlot
25 € each
Select a date
Have a discount code?
Free cancellation within 7 days of the experience
Full refund, excluding service fee (5%).
Guided tour of our vineyards and winery, featuring a tasting of three of our finest wines paired with local delicacies, cured meats, and cheeses.
Guided tour of our vineyards and winery, with tasting of 5 of our finest wines paired with a traditional Tuscan lunch
Participating in Gaia's Cooking Lab is so much more than just a cooking class; it is a true journey into the heart of Italian culinary tradition. Gaia shares her passion in an incredible way, making everyone feel right at home from the very first moment. The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and genuinely authentic. Preparing dishes together, guided by her expertise and smile, makes the entire experience fun, educational, and truly meaningful. If you are looking for an authentic experience filled with excellent food, wonderful company, and a love for the local culture, this is the perfect place. Highly recommended both for those wanting to learn the secrets of cooking and for anyone looking to experience a special, memorable moment!
An Unforgettable Experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An absolute highlight of our trip! This cooking class in the heart of the Tuscan countryside was a beautiful and unforgettable experience. Surrounded by lush greenery and peace, the location is simply stunning. If you love nature, you will also adore the fact that the property is full of lovely animals, which added a wonderful, rustic charm to the whole day. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with the utmost kindness. The hosts have a gift for hospitality; they made us feel incredibly welcome and right at home from start to finish. As for the food—wow! We prepared traditional recipes packed with authentic flavors. Learning the secrets behind these classic dishes was amazing, and eating what we made was even better. If you want a real, heartwarming taste of Tuscany, do not miss this experience!
This cooking class was our absolute favorite thing to do when we were in Cortona. Gaia and her family were so warm and welcoming that it felt like we were having dinner at a friend’s place. Her home and property were so beautiful, it was the perfect Tuscan experience. And our dinner was amazing! I’m already looking forward to taking the recipes home and making them with my own family.
A cooking course at a splendid wine estate in Cortona means immersing yourself in the authentic flavors of Tuscany, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes.
