Organic cooking class with a sommelier in an Olive and wine farm

A Taste of Italy in the Umbrian Countryside: Organic Cooking, Olive Oil, and Wine at Il Fontanaro

If you’re after an authentic Italian culinary experience that combines gorgeous scenery, fresh ingredients, and expert guidance, this cooking class at Il Fontanaro farm offers a delightful escape from the tourist trail. Priced at around $141 per person for approximately three hours, this tour in Perugia blends tastings of award-winning olive oil and wine, a tour of the cellars, and a hands-on pasta-making class—all set in the stunning Umbrian countryside. The experience is hosted by a professional olive and wine sommelier, which promises expert insights and plenty of tips to elevate your understanding of Italy’s culinary treasures.

What we love are two main things: First, the setting—a working farm with breathtaking views and a peaceful vibe that instantly transports you to the heart of Italy. Second, the personalized attention, with hosts like Alina, who bring warmth and knowledge to the experience, making it more than just a cooking class but a genuine connection with local traditions.

A potential consideration is that the tour is quite popular and small in size, with a max of 12 travelers. To fully benefit from the personalized guidance and avoid missing out, it’s wise to book ahead, especially if you’re traveling in peak season. This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic, hands-on activities—whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious beginner—and those who want to combine culinary learning with beautiful scenery.

Key Points

• Authentic Umbrian Setting: A working farm with scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere.
• Expert Guidance: Hosted by a sommelier, with deep knowledge of olive oil and wine.
• Hands-On Cooking: Create multiple fresh pasta dishes using seasonal ingredients.
• Tastings & Tours: Sample award-winning olive oils and wines, plus a cellar tour.
• Family-Friendly: Gluten-free options and kids’ classes available; high chairs and babysitting on request.
• Excellent Value: Combines food, drink, education, and beautiful surroundings into a memorable experience.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting at the Il Fontanaro farm house in Paciano, you’ll find a warm welcome that sets the tone for the next few hours. The meeting point is conveniently located just 15 minutes from Chiusi Chianciano train station and near Siena, making it accessible whether you’re coming from nearby cities or staying in the countryside.

The Morning Welcome and Tastings

The experience kicks off with a coffee in the farm’s charming setting, giving you a moment to settle in. From there, you’ll move into the olive oil and wine tastings, led by a professional sommelier (the host, Alina, in many reviews). This is where the farm’s award-winning oils and Sangiovese wines are showcased, offering a great opportunity to learn about Italian olive oil production and the nuanced differences in wines. Reviewers highlight how Alina’s expertise makes these tastings both educational and enjoyable, with many remarking on her passion and patience.

Tour of the Cellars & Olive Oil Mill

A key feature of this experience is the tour of the farm’s olive oil mill and cellars. You’ll see firsthand what goes into producing top-quality extra virgin olive oil, and learn about the traditional methods that have been passed down through generations. Reviewers like FrederickW_H appreciated the informative tour, noting how much effort and skill goes into making high-grade EVOO.

The Pasta-Making Workshop

After the tastings, it’s time for the main event: making pasta from scratch. The class is designed to be fast-paced, fun, and informative, with all ingredients provided and the opportunity to request gluten-free options—a thoughtful touch for those with dietary needs. As you knead, roll, and shape your pasta, you’ll learn secrets of good pasta-making from a seasoned chef, which many guests say they can’t wait to try at home.

Reviewers praise Alina’s warm, patient teaching style, emphasizing how she makes everyone feel at ease, whether they’re experienced cooks or newbies. Kids are very much welcome, with some reviews mentioning how interactive and engaging the class is for children. High chairs and babysitting are available if needed, making this a family-friendly activity.

The Feast: Buffet Lunch & More

Once your pasta is ready, it’s time to enjoy a buffet lunch featuring the dishes you made, complemented by bottled water, beverages, and local wine. The food is described as fresh, seasonal, and organic, often with a focus on vegetables from the farm’s garden. Several reviews mention how delicious and satisfying the meal is, with the added bonus of sharing it in such a picturesque setting.

Why This Tour Resonates with Travelers

Guests consistently describe this experience as a highlight of their trip—a perfect mix of learning, tasting, and relaxation. Comments like “the setting is unbelievable” and “beautiful farm in the country” capture how memorable the environment is. The opportunity to take home recipes, along with new knowledge about olive oil and wine, means this isn’t just a fleeting moment but a meaningful skill you can try at home.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: Around 3 hours, which makes for a satisfying but not exhausting experience.
• Price: $141.01 per person, which includes lunch, tastings, and all ingredients. Considering the quality of the food, expert guidance, and the unique setting, it offers good value for a hands-on culinary experience.
• Group Size: Max of 12 travelers, ensuring plenty of personalized attention.
• Accessibility: The farm is about 15 minutes from Chiusi Chianciano train station, making it accessible without a car.
• Dietary Needs: Gluten-free and kids’ classes are available if requested in advance. High chairs and babysitting options are also offered.

Why This Experience Is a Great Choice

This tour is especially suitable for food lovers, families, and anyone eager to connect with Italy’s culinary traditions in an intimate setting. If you’re interested in learning about the process of making olive oil and wine from a knowledgeable host and want to cook your own meal with fresh seasonal ingredients, this is a fantastic pick. Travelers who value small group sizes and authentic farm environments will find this experience particularly enriching.

Final Thoughts

For those wanting a taste of real Italian farm life combined with hands-on cooking, this class at Il Fontanaro offers a memorable, delicious, and educational adventure. The stunning views, expert guidance, and fresh ingredients make it a worthwhile addition to any Umbrian itinerary. It’s more than just a cooking lesson; it’s an immersion into the traditions of olive oil and wine-making, with the joy of creating and sharing a genuine Italian meal.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this experience promises warm hospitality, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. It’s a perfect way to slow down, learn something new, and savor Italy’s best flavors in a setting that feels both special and authentic.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly, with options for kids’ cooking classes, high chairs, and babysitting if requested in advance. Kids enjoy the hands-on aspect just as much as adults.

Can I request a gluten-free option?
Absolutely. The host offers gluten-free pasta and meal options if you request ahead of time, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 3 hours, from the welcome coffee through to the buffet lunch.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the olive oil and wine tastings, a tour of the cellar, hands-on pasta-making, a buffet lunch of your creations, bottled water, and local wine and beverages.

How accessible is the location?
The farm is about 15 minutes from Chiusi Chianciano train station, making it accessible by train or car. The farm itself provides a peaceful rural setting.

What is the group size?
The maximum group size is 12 travelers, which allows for personalized guidance and interaction.

This engaging, authentic, and well-rounded culinary adventure offers a true taste of Italy that you won’t forget. Perfect for those who value local traditions, tasty food, and beautiful surroundings, it promises a day of learning, laughter, and delicious results.