Extra Virgin Cooking Classes / Countryside Mill location
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
Enjoy a hands-on cooking experience with this 5-hour class in a centuries old olive press. Join Chef Giuseppe - a veteran of cooking classes in Italy, the US, Canada, the Caribbean, and Mexico - for a shopping trip at the market to purchase ingredients. Sample some Tuscan specialties and prosecco. Prepare a 4-course meal, which you'll eat at the end of class.
As Giuseppe is a member of the Italian Sommelier Association, great care is taken to source and feature smaller producers and unusual varieties from the region. If you are passionate about wine, participating in a cooking class with a chef who is also a sommelier, is a great way to experience all the flavours of the region!
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
A maximum of 14 people per booking
Minimum age is 16 years
Minimum 6 persons.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
After 7 years as the #1 cooking program in Lucca, we are returning to the family roots in the countryside olive press. This is Chef Giuseppe's ancestral home. We will meet in town and enjoy the weekly market, before proceeding to the Olive Oil Mill where we will begin our preparations with hearthside cooking, a pizza oven and a charming country setting where Tuscan wildlife abounds. The mill is adjacent to a babbling brook and 12th century stone bridge just a short 10' drive from the centre of Montecatini. The train stop is 30' from either Florence or Lucca. After class explore the heritage spa town with its iconic pastry shops, original wood funicular and excellent shopping.
Sample Menu
starter
Florentine Gnudi
Hand made ricotta - Swiss chard gnocchi served with a classic tuscan ragu or seasonal tomato sauce.
main
Tuscan pork roast with blend of herbs and garlic, Beef Florentine peposo
Heritage Tuscan countryside dish with Mediterranean flavours
dessert
Florentine Trifle with Alkermes , lemon custard and sour cherries
Grandmother's special : lady fingers soaked with the liquor created at the Santa Maria Novella old Pharmacy , layered with custard and sour cherries.
What‘s Included
Market Tour and Tasting
Certificate of Achievement
Hands-on cooking class
Four course Meal (Appetiser, Two Main courses, Dessert)
Prosecco and local cheese, olive oil and honey tasting
Recipe booklet written by Giuseppe
Regional wines, bottled water, Nespresso
EVCC Apron (Adults)
Gratuities
Options
Extra Virgin Cooking Classes / Countryside Mill location
Reviews
154 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
This experience was the...
Deborah M,,Oct 22, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This experience was the best of the best! A fun and social time while learning how to cook with an amazing chef.
Olive Press Cooking Class in Montecatini
Amy H,,Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a wonderful experience and one of the highlights of our time in Italy. The Chef, Giuseppe Mazzocchi was first class! We were met at the train station and first went to the local farmer's market to select some of the items we would be cooking with. We then went to the Chef's incredible home in the hills that was a former Olive Press in his family. The home/kitchen and surroundings were beautiful. We made a 3 course delicious meal, far different from some of the menus that were offered by other cooking classes. We learned alot, had great company and a terrific meal. This is well worth doing on so many levels.
Wonderful experience!
Gregory M,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Was a wonderful experience. Giuseppe was delightful. We made a fantastic meal of bruschetta Gnudi with tomato sauce, mushroom risotto and a wonderful desert all with wine pairings. The setting was idyllic. Definitely recommend!!
Fun, engaging, great food and drink
lynda23082018,,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Friendly group and chef Giuseppe was inclusive of everyone to get involved in cooking. Beautiful venue in the hills of Montecatini, food was excellent and plentiful and the wines were great.
Giuseppe was amazing!...
Debbie W,,Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Giuseppe was amazing! Total pride in the dinner he prepared and had us assist in. Fun, entertaining, and DELICIOUS! What a wonderful experience to take back home!
Great day cooking
lawrence m,,Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00What an amazing day of cooking . I would highly recommend this event . The place is amazing. Giuseppe and assistant are fantastic people
Best Day in Tuscany!
Terri C,,Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Chef Giuseppe was amazing! Had such a great time. Fro.m the market to the gorgeous location, the amazing food and chef showing us how to make incredible dishes, even with us helping. Definitely a must do in Tuscany
What an amazing experience!
Nigel K,,Sep 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an amazing time. This is a way to really get to know authentic Tuscan people and their foods. Chef Giovanni was so warm and welcoming as we spent time in his home (an amazing former olive press) and helped us to learn how to cook some amazing dishes with local ingredients. If you love cooking, this is a must for you to do!!!!
Wonderful Cooking Exoerience
Golfgma,,Sep 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a wonderful day. Guiseppe Greeted us at the market and introduced us to the great array of Italian produce. He picked up some things we would be cooking. We then went up into the hills to his Olive press farm house. Magnificent The cooking began with a drink of prosecco. And we cooked and ate and drank. What a day. The hands on cooking was so much fun. Thank you Guiseppe for being such a great host and chef. And Your old Olive milll property is truely worth the visit.
Three Cheers!!!
I7177QCjenniferl,,Aug 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From meeting us and shopping for ingredients at the open air market, taking us to a beautiful pasta shop and teaching us how to make a tasty, authentic Tuscan meal, Giuseppe was amazing! The atmosphere was comfortable, learning from such a masterful chef and enjoying company of new friends that truly live a world away from our family was an experience of a lifetime. Three cheers for this location, chef and experience.
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Operated by Extra Virgin Cooking Class