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.
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.
Options
Extra Virgin Cooking Classes / Countryside Mill location
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
159 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent experience
Rebecca B,Jun 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience. Delicious food. Beautiful property. Giuseppe is an excellent chef and a lovely host. We met the nicest folks and enjoyed a beautiful meal.
An unforgettable day!
betsyl487,May 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My mom were able to spend an incredible day with Chef Giuseppe attending his cooking class in April of 2026. We met Guiseppe at the local market and knew right then that we were in for a treat. He was extremely personable and shared his knowledge about the local produce and offerings and was so patient with our myriad of questions. We then went up to the mill for our class. The property and the location is truly stunning inside and out. We enjoyed wine, cheese, his farm's honey, snacks, etc. while cooking up some great dishes. We made an amazing salad and were taught how to treat and prepare some beautiful local artichokes, we made gnudi with a wonderful red sauce and prepared a fantastic risotto with some local squash. Guiseppe is the ultimate host and teacher. We learned so much that day and it was such a memorable experience that will stay with us forever! It felt like spending the day with an old friend, who just happens to be an exceptional chef and guide. I would recommend this experience to friends and family, and we look forward to the day we can visit Chef Guiseppe to learn some more skills to take home with us. Grazie mille, Guiseppe!
The windmill on the salt pan is worth a climb!
jeannettes876,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We visited the mill on top of the salt pan during a tour of Bad Rothenfelde. This is definitely a MUST. During the ascent, you can admire the inside of the salt pan with the very old technology and on the roof stands a windmill, which is even covered with canvas on Fridays and weekends and turns in the wind. The view from the platform is great! 3 EUR admission are more than cheap for the preservation of such historical monuments.
Cooking class in Montecatini
markmG132TO,Apr 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of the best cooking classes. You did as much or as little helping as you wish. The facility is absolutely top notch. Chef was very knowledgeable and entertaining with great pointers on every dish. There was plenty to eat and an abundance of wine with our meal. Thank you Giuseppe for a great experience.
This was the best cooking...
Brenda A,Mar 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was the best cooking class at Giuseppe’s home in Italy! We learned so much and had so much fun cooking and eating!! Beautiful country setting! Thank you Giuseppe!
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!
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Operated by Extra Virgin Cooking Class