Torre del Tartufo Tuscookany cooking classes in Tuscany - Chiaveretto, Provincia di Arezzo

Laura Hartney

I struggle to put in words how perfect our experience was with Tuscookany at Torre del Tartufo! I have traveled extensively my entire life but this was by far one of the best vacation experiences ever. The villa itself is supremely beautiful, set on top a hill with superb vistas of the Tuscan countryside. It has been lovingly restored to be wonderfully cozy and comfortable while retaining its historical ambience. The service throughout our stay was impeccable, with the staff always going above and beyond to ensure we had the best experience possible. And I can’t begin to say enough wonderful things about Chef Franco and his partner Paola. Between them they made every cooking lesson both educational and fun. We cooked things we never thought we’d be capable of, and with their watchful guidance absolutely everything turned out both beautiful and delicious. The small group of eleven “students” meshed wonderfully and lasting friendships were created. The cooking classes were just the right length with plenty of time in the mornings to explore the surrounding Tuscan towns. And the dinners at the villa enjoying what we had created under Chef Franco’s kind tutelage were the perfect end to each day. I cannot recommend this experience more highly!

Alissa Neubauer

If you’re thinking about coming to Tuscookany, don’t wait go book it now - I promise you won’t regret it. I have been to Tuscookany 13 times and every visit is amazing. You can’t go wrong with any of the chefs or villas. From the moment you arrive, everyone at the villa treats you like family. And there is a sense of peace - I swear my blood pressure lowers the minute I step on to any of the properties. But let’s talk cooking. Whether you are a whiz in the kitchen or hoping to learn how to make something besides hot dogs, the chefs at Tuscookany will walk you through it all with knowledge, patience and most importantly fun. What might feel overwhelming on the first day will turn into the feeling you belong in a Michelin Star kitchen by the last - okay, maybe an exaggeration, but you will learn a ton! The skills I have taken away from these classes is invaluable - just ask my husband. Speaking of my husband, I was lucky enough for him to propose to me during dinner at Casa Ombuto - it was magical. The staff made sure it was a memorable experience, from being ready with a sparking wine toast for everyone to one of the owners making sure to capture it on video. I couldn’t think of a better place to have had this happen.

As for the villas, they’re all stunning and each has their own personality. While Tartufo is larger with sweeping views, Ombuto is slightly smaller and has a more intimate feel. Scattered across each villa are multiple places to lounge, read or work - but don’t work, this is vacation. But if you must, the wifi is strong - I have taken zoom meetings with no problem. The beds are very comfortable and the bathrooms provide all you need, including body wash, shampoo, conditioner and a hair dryer. So you can save all that room in your suitcase for olive oil and wine. Each villa has a beautiful pool and a fun barrel hot tub. A glass of wine while soaking in a wood-fired barrel under the Tuscan stars is as good as it gets. Each villa also offers some workout equipment and a sauna and steam room. And if you’re tired from chopping beautiful fresh veggies and stirring sauces you can schedule a massage for after breakfast one morning.

Other wonderful things include the house managers - they take care of the guests with the utmost attention and they’re amazing people. Another highlight is the excursion day. Winemakers, cheesemakers and exquisite artisans making Tuscan linens or ceramics are on the menu - it’s an unforgettable day.

Things I love about each villa:
Tartufo: The cozy nooks by the pool. The sweeping views - a cocktail outside at sunset is a spiritual event. In the kitchen, Franco and his wife Paola approach everything with their humor and easy going nature. The ease with which Franco will help you correct your mistakes, or on occasion pivot the whole plan when you’ve chopped something wrong or forgotten the sugar in the gelato is admirable. He’s kind and never makes you feel like you ruined anything - hey, maybe we just created something new.

Casa Ombuto: Smaller and more intimate. You can see the kitchen from the dining room, so when you are eating inside you can peek at the action in the kitchen (you are always welcome in any kitchen to watch the prep for serving, but at Ombuto you can do it while sitting on your bum). Chef Paola and her assistants Marta and Monica are amazing. The kitchen here is full of energy, just like Chef Paola. Her wonderful spirit and amazing heart come through in everything we do in the kitchen at Ombuto. I have come to Tuscookany alone, with a few friends, and once taking over the whole villa. Every experience is different and every one is memorable. I have met so many wonderful people from all over the world here. If you are afraid to come alone, don’t worry, by the end of the welcome dinner you have a table full of friends. Tuscookany is a place I cherish and a place where the people have become like family. Come and join the family. Okay, I’ve babbled enough - go book it, you’ll love it. We might even cross paths when I come for the 14th 15th or 16th time.

Maggie

When I booked the week at Torre del Tartufo, it was intended to be the once in a lifetime celebration of our 10th Anniversary. By the second day, the experience had so exceeded all our expectations we said to each other, “This is too wonderful to happen only once in our lifetimes.” The breathtaking setting, the warmth of all staff, the stealth service that provided everything we could need, the quality of the food we cooked while learning from Chef Franco and Paola—all of the experience was magical. Learning in a small group (in the beautiful teaching kitchen) enabled us to make sophisticated Italian dishes at the same time we were making friends. The road trip to the small farm coop, the winery, and the fabric weaving shop was an immersion in many of the skills and people that make Tuscany unique. We also got to participate in the first olive harvest at the villa, which is now becoming a special experience offered in the last two weeks of their extended season.
You could plan a week in Tuscany going from place to place to place in order to find what you were looking for when you booked the long flights to get there. OR, you could spend the week with Tuscookany and actually know that you are in the Tuscany you came for.

Zeynep Kadirbeyoğlu

When I see the 5.0 score, first thing came to my mind is "hmmm, it is too good to be true". This is our 4th day together and I am very sad that it is over. Cooking dishes with Franco, Paola and our new friends, having delicious wines at lunch & dinner, staying over the table for hours... such a magical experience... The villa is breathtaking, rooms are beautiful and clean. Lena is always there to answer our questions... We would like to come back soon... This team deserves 10 out of 5. Thank you!

Chandra H

Our week at Torre del Tartufo was absolutely magical! We had such a great time and I learned so much from Franco and Paola. Everything was perfect, the food, the accommodations, the other guests, everything! I came home with a renewed interest in all things kitchen and cooking. I have been touting this trip and Tuscookany to everyone who will listen. It was just the best trip we have ever taken. Everyone — Alex, Franco, Paola, and Nikko bent over backwards to make sure we were having a good time. Thank you so much!

Stephen Griffin

I took the cooking class at Torre del Tartufo in late Fall - the last class of the season. Although it presents itself as a "Cooking Vacation" it was much more than that and rewarding in many ways I had not expected. The 3-4 hour cooking sessions were intense but fun, with the Chef Franco and his assistant Paolo constantly watching, helping and encouraging all of us in our efforts. By mid-week the 12 participants had developed a unique sense of camraraderie and made the leisurely evening meals a celebration of our achievements. A great variety of Tuscany wines added to the experience. I left with a sense that it was a special week well spent in a beautiful place and will consider attending another session.

Peggy R

We had an Amazing time enjoying the villa's amenities then cooking school at 3:00 or 1500 if you prefer. |I scheduled a massage before I arrived because air travel is uncomfortable, the Chinese hot oil massage was just what I needed.|The Sauna, steam room, hot tub and pool were all enjoyed on various days.||Chef Franco is amazing! We enjoyed his lessons so very much I bought his cook book as soon as we arrived home. He is a very creative chef and an excellent teacher.||We own a food trailer and our lessons will really help us up our game for catering opportunities. ||We highly recommend this cooking school vacation get away.

Samantha Johnston

This was a magical trip. Tuscookany provided an authentic and enriching culinary experience. The hands-on classes were led by passionate chefs who shared insights into traditional Italian techniques. The use of fresh, local ingredients added an extra layer to the learning process. The picturesque villa of Torre del Tartufo overlooked the hills of Tuscany with breathtaking sunsets/sunrises. The school's emphasis on creating a companionate and patient atmosphere made it not just a cooking class but a memorable journey with other like minded people. Highly recommended for both beginners and seasoned cooks looking to delve into the heart of Italian cuisine.