Tasting of Calabrian Friselle, historic pizzas, and Italian wines in Turin

Experience Authentic Italy in a Cozy Turin Setting

Imagine stepping into a charming Turin home, where the aroma of fresh tomatoes, basil, and warm bread fills the air. For around $68 per person, you can join a 2-hour intimate tasting hosted by Nonna Cleme, in a small group of just 14 guests. This experience offers a genuine slice of Italian life, combining tasty Calabrian friselle, historic pizzas, and carefully selected organic wines. It’s a chance to enjoy Italy’s culinary traditions through simple yet unforgettable dishes, served in a warm, welcoming environment.

What we love most about this experience is the authentic home-style ambiance that makes you feel like a guest in someone’s family kitchen, and the opportunity to taste rare Southern Italian appetizers like Tropea onions—something you probably won’t find outside a local setting. The pairing of small-batch wines from local wineries adds depth to each bite, making this a well-rounded, flavorful journey.

A possible consideration is that the tour is designed for just 14 people, which means it’s quite intimate but also might feel crowded if you prefer more personal space. Also, the experience is limited to Italian and English, so if you don’t speak either, you might find the storytelling less accessible.

This tour suits travelers who love savoring authentic, home-cooked flavors and want a taste of Italy’s culinary soul in a relaxed, personal setting. It’s perfect for foodies, cultural travelers, or anyone curious to see beyond the typical tourist fare.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Intimate size of only 14 guests creates a cozy, family-like atmosphere.
• Authentic Southern Italian appetizers like friselle and Tropea onions are rarely found outside Italy.
• Gourmet pizza tasting offers a mini culinary tour of Italy’s most beloved dish.
• Three organic wines from small local wineries illustrate Italy’s diverse wine regions.
• Homemade dessert adds a sweet finish, paired with digestif wine.
• Storytelling about Italian food traditions enriches the tasting experience.

A Closer Look at the Turin Tasting Experience

The Setting and Atmosphere

From the moment you arrive at Nonna Cleme’s home on Via Principe Amedeo, just steps from Turin’s Egyptian Museum and Piazza San Carlo, you’ll feel like a guest rather than a tourist. The setting is simple but warm—a single table in a bright, inviting living room that comfortably seats 14. It’s a space designed to foster conversation, family stories, and shared delight in food and drink.

The host, presumed to be Nonna herself, welcomes everyone with a genuine smile and a glass of artisanal kombucha or wine. The casual yet respectful environment encourages you to relax and enjoy the evening fully. As one reviewer puts it, “It’s like visiting Grandma’s house, where everything feels authentic and heartfelt.”

The Tasting of Friselle and Tropea Onions

The journey begins with rustic friselle—a traditional Southern Italian bread that’s baked, sliced, and then toasted or soaked, often topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, oregano, and high-quality olive oil. It’s a staple of Calabria, and here, it’s dressed simply but with vivid flavor. The Tropea onions, known for their sweetness and tenderness, are prepared according to Calabrian tradition, offering a taste that’s both sweet and enveloping.

Guests often describe the appetizer as “authentic and rare outside Italy,” appreciating how it’s served as a family-style dish you’d find in a local home. It’s a perfect way to start, setting the tone for the flavors to come.

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The Art of Pizza: Small Bites of Italy

Next, the focus shifts to traditional Italian pizza, presented in tasting portions that highlight regional variations and classic toppings. These are not massive slices but carefully crafted gourmet mini-pizzas that showcase Italy’s diverse pizza heritage. The descriptions and stories shared by the host reveal the history behind each style—thin, crispy Roman, soft Neapolitan, or perhaps a more rustic, wood-fired type.

Guests often mention how these small pizza bites are “like little gems of flavor,” offering a glimpse into Italy’s beloved staple dish without overwhelming the palate. It’s a chance to savor different doughs, sauces, and toppings, appreciating the craftsmanship behind each.

The Wine Journey Through Italy’s Landscapes

Accompanying each part of the tasting are three glasses of organic, vegan wines from small Italian wineries. The first, a lively and fresh white, pairs beautifully with the friselle and vegetables, while the second, a young, fruity red, complements the heartier parts of the tasting. The final, a structured and intense red, is designed to enhance the more decisive flavors of the meal.

Each sip is a story of the land—hillsides, sunshine, and artisan hands—bringing Italy’s diverse wine regions into focus. Reviewers note that these wines are “carefully selected from small, sustainable wineries,” adding an extra layer of appreciation for their quality and authenticity.

Sweet Finishes and Final Toasts

No Italian meal is complete without a sweet note, and here, Nonna’s homemade dessert makes an appearance—just as a real Italian Sunday would offer. Paired with a small digestif wine—either sweet or bitter—it’s a fitting end to this intimate journey. Guests often mention the joy of sharing a final toast and the warm feeling of being welcomed into a family tradition.

The Experience and What It Means for You

Beyond the food, it’s the stories and conversations that make this tour stand out. The host shares insights into the origins and traditions of Italian dishes, making each bite meaningful. You’ll take home a signed Polaroid souvenir, a charming memento of your evening.

The entire experience lasts around two hours, allowing plenty of time for tasting, storytelling, and relaxed socializing. The small group size ensures that everyone can engage with the host and each other, creating a convivial atmosphere that’s hard to replicate in a busy restaurant.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

While $68 might seem modest, the experience delivers far more than just food. You’re paying for authenticity, intimacy, and the chance to learn about Italian culinary traditions firsthand. The inclusion of gourmet pizzas, three organic wines, and a homemade dessert adds up to a memorable evening that’s both affordable and enriching.

The storytelling aspect, combined with personalized touches like a signed photo, elevates this from a simple tasting to a cultural event. The fact that you sit in a real home, not a commercial restaurant, guarantees an authentic, personal experience you won’t find in guidebooks or tourist traps.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for food lovers seeking authentic flavors, travelers interested in Italian culture, or those wanting a cozy, family-style evening in the heart of Turin. It’s especially suited for small groups or couples who appreciate genuine conversations and traditional dishes. If you’re curious about regional specialties like friselle and Tropea onions, or you simply want to enjoy a relaxed dinner with wine in a homely environment, this tour will suit you perfectly.

FAQs

• Is this experience suitable for vegetarians?
  The tour primarily features vegetarian-friendly items like friselle, vegetables, and homemade desserts. However, since the pizza lineup can vary, it’s best to check directly with the provider if you have specific dietary restrictions.

• Can I reserve my spot and pay later?
  Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, keeping your plans flexible. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What languages are available?
  The experience is offered in both Italian and English, making it accessible to a broad range of travelers.

• How long does the experience last?
  Approximately 2 hours, offering enough time to enjoy the tasting, hear stories, and relax.

• Where is the meeting point?
  The tour starts at Nonna Cleme’s home on Via Principe Amedeo, just a few steps from key landmarks like the Egyptian Museum and Piazza San Carlo.

• Is this experience suitable for children?
  The small, convivial atmosphere and simple, flavorful dishes tend to appeal to families, but the age suitability might depend on the children’s interest in food and conversation.

• What should I expect in terms of group size?
  A maximum of 14 guests ensures an intimate setting, perfect for engaging with the host and fellow travelers.

Final Thoughts

This tasting tour in Turin offers a rare opportunity to experience Italy’s culinary traditions in a genuine home setting. You’ll enjoy home-cooked friselle, regional pizzas, and organic wines, all served with warmth and storytelling that bring each dish to life. It’s a wonderful choice for those who seek authentic, small-group experiences away from touristy restaurants, especially if you’re eager to understand the stories behind Italy’s culinary icons.

While it’s not a formal cooking class or a large-scale event, its strength lies in personal touches—the homemade dessert, signed Polaroid, and heartfelt explanations. It’s perfect for travelers who value authenticity, intimacy, and cultural insight over flashy venues.

If you’re visiting Turin and crave a taste of Italy’s family traditions, this experience offers a heartfelt, delicious, and memorable evening—one you’ll carry home in your memory and, perhaps, even recreate at home someday.

You can check availability for your dates here: