Turin: Sensory Experience with Fragrances & Cocktails

Turin: Sensory Experience with Fragrances & Cocktails

Imagine a journey where your nose leads the way, guiding you through an aromatic adventure that revisits the essence of classic cocktails without ever taking a sip. This sensory experience in Turin, offered by Eccetera, costs just $59 per person and lasts about two hours, set in an intimate, thoughtfully designed space in the Vanchiglietta district. It’s a rare chance to explore the powerful connection between smell, memory, and taste — focusing on your sense of smell as the star of the show.

What we really love about this experience is its focus on slow, mindful sensing — you’re encouraged to smell and recognize, not just consume. Plus, the setting at Eccetera offers a cozy, inviting atmosphere perfect for small groups, making it a personal and engaging activity. On the flip side, this isn’t a typical cocktail tasting; so if you’re hoping for a boozy adventure, this might not be your best fit. Instead, it’s ideal for those curious about sensory perception or looking for a unique, relaxing activity that promotes mindfulness and discovery.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy exploring local culture through unconventional means, or anyone keen on enhancing their sensory awareness. It’s perfect if you’re looking to deepen your understanding of how smell influences taste or want a refreshing break from traditional sightseeing. Be prepared for an informal, engaging, and surprisingly insightful session that invites you to truly slow down and reconnect with your senses.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• A unique approach to tasting, emphasizing smell before taste.
• In-depth exploration of how aromas reconstruct cocktail identities.
• Small-group setting fosters personalized interaction.
• Educational and playful, perfect for curious travelers.
• Not a typical tasting, focusing instead on sensory recognition and connection.
• Flexible booking options, with cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

An In-Depth Look at the Sensory Journey

What’s the concept behind this experience?

This activity is built around a simple question: Can we recognize a cocktail solely by smell, without sight, touch, or even knowing what the drink is? Partnering with Essentialia, a Turin-based laboratory specializing in scent exploration, the organizers craft an engaging process of aromatic reconstruction. You’re guided through building the scent profiles of three classic cocktails, starting with individual essences.

The goal isn’t just to smell, but to train your nose to differentiate and recognize complex aromas — a skill often overlooked in casual drinking. You’ll smell each essence in sequence, trying to put together their olfactory signatures. Only after this careful analysis will the actual cocktails be prepared and tasted, revealing how much smell shapes our taste perception.

What does the process feel like?

The experience is intentionally unhurried. You’re encouraged to listen carefully and focus your attention on each scent. It’s less about learning to make cocktails and more about rediscovering your sense of smell. This makes it particularly appealing for those who enjoy mindful activities or want a novel way to engage with local culture.

While not a formal masterclass, participants often comment on how this activity sharpened their sensory awareness and made them more conscious of the aromas they encounter daily. As one review notes, “It was a different way of tasting, discovering how smell and taste intertwine in ways I’d never thought about.”

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The space and ambiance at Eccetera

The venue itself adds to the charm. Located in Turin’s Vanchiglietta district, Eccetera is described as a cozy, intimate space designed for small gatherings. The environment fosters an informal but refined vibe, perfect for sharing stories and ideas. The setting helps you feel comfortable slowing down and focusing on your senses, away from the hustle of typical tourist spots.

What’s included and how does the experience unfold?

Included in the €59 price are all tasting materials needed for scent reconstruction and cocktail preparation. The activity begins at a shop with two windows facing the street as the meeting point, then moves into the dedicated space at Eccetera, ending right back at the starting point.

The process involves:
– Smelling individual essence samples, starting from basic ingredients
– Attempting to recreate the aroma profile of three different cocktails
– Listening and recognizing distinctions in each scent
– Finally, preparing and tasting the actual cocktails based on your aromatic reconstructions

This method encourages mindful tasting and heightened awareness of how aromas influence our perception of flavors. It’s a playful yet informative exercise designed for small groups, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

How does this compare with other experiences in Turin?

Compared to more conventional city tours or museum visits, this activity emphasizes personal sensory engagement over passive observation. It complements a trip to Turin by adding an interactive, sensory layer to your understanding of Italian culture and gastronomy. Unlike guided museum visits or hop-on-hop-off bus tours, this experience invites you to use your own senses as a tool for discovery — a refreshing change for those tired of just looking and listening.

Why This Experience Offers Great Value

For the price of $59, you gain an immersive, hands-on activity that’s both fun and educational. You leave with a deeper understanding of how smell influences taste and how our senses shape our memories. The small group setup means you’ll get personalized guidance, making the experience feel special without being overwhelming. Plus, the flexible booking policy allows you to reserve confidently, knowing you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance if needed.

What’s the true value?

This isn’t just about tasting cocktails — it’s about training your nose, appreciating the complexity of aromas, and experiencing a part of Italian culture in a new way. It’s perfect if you’re interested in culinary arts, sensory sciences, or simply love playful, authentic activities. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or part of a small group of friends, you’ll find this activity both engaging and enriching.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to curious travelers who enjoy novel activities that go beyond the usual sightseeing. It’s especially suitable for those interested in sensory perception, local culture, or food and drink. If you’re looking for a relaxing, mindful, and interactive activity that lets you slow down and truly tune into your senses, this tour will be a perfect fit.

It’s also a good choice for adults and older teens (not suitable for children under 18) who want a different perspective on Italy’s culinary traditions. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates authentic, intimate experiences, this activity offers a memorable way to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children?
No, it’s designed for participants 18 and older due to the nature of the scent-based activities.

Can I book this experience without paying upfront?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later — bookings are flexible, with cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity.

How long does the experience last?
It lasts approximately two hours, giving ample time to explore each step without feeling rushed.

Do I need any prior knowledge or experience?
Not at all. This is designed to be accessible for everyone, whether you’re a scent expert or a complete novice.

Where does the activity take place?
The initial meeting point is a shop facing the street, with the main activity held at Eccetera, a cozy, intimate space in Turin’s Vanchiglietta neighborhood.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes are fine; no special equipment is needed. Just bring your curiosity and openness to explore your senses.

Final Thoughts

This Turin activity offers a refreshing approach to experiencing the city’s culture, focusing on sensory perception rather than traditional sightseeing. It’s a thoughtful, engaging way to slow down and reconnect with your own senses. Perfect for those who want to enhance their appreciation of Italian flavors, or simply enjoy a unique, intimate activity in a beautiful setting.

If you love learning through experience or want a memorable story to tell, this is a delightful addition to any Turin itinerary. It’s especially suited for travelers who value authenticity over spectacle and enjoy activities that challenge their perceptions while providing a relaxed, friendly environment.

Whether you’re a curious solo traveler, a couple seeking a special bond, or a small group of friends, this sensory journey promises both fun and insight — a rare chance to see Turin through your nose.

You can check availability for your dates here: