Siena isn’t just about medieval streets and stunning piazzas; it’s also a fantastic place to get your hands dirty with practical workshops and immersive classes. Whether you want to learn how to cook traditional Tuscan dishes, master local wines, or make fresh pasta in a local home, Siena offers options that go beyond typical sightseeing. We especially love the Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena for its small-group intimacy and the chance to create your own Italian feast. And if wine is your thing, the Wine Class – Tuscan Classics provides a lively, expert-led tasting that demystifies Tuscan vintages.
Siena’s workshops stand out because they combine culinary skills with cultural insights. Plus, many are hosted in cozy, authentic settings—from historic villas to local homes—making your experience genuinely Italian. If you’re eager to learn how to craft pasta, or eager to understand Tuscan wines, the options below will help you pick the perfect class.
1. Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena
At number 1, this Tuscan Cooking Class in Central Siena offers a 4-hour hands-on experience with a professional chef guiding you through authentic recipes. Held in a modern, well-equipped kitchen, it limits participants to 15 for a more personal touch. You’ll learn to make homemade pasta, juicy meats, and traditional Italian sauces, finishing with a family-style meal paired with excellent regional wine.
Guests consistently praise the convivial atmosphere and the high-quality instruction, though some note it’s more demonstration than full participation. Vegetarian options are available, and the small groups mean you won’t be just a spectator. For around $150, this class offers a solid taste of Tuscan cuisine in an intimate setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want a comprehensive, hands-on cooking experience with a focus on family recipes and regional wines.
2. Wine Class – Tuscan Classics
Number 2 on our list is the Wine Class – Tuscan Classics, a 2-hour session that packs a punch for wine enthusiasts. Held in central Siena, this informal class helps you understand the key wines of Tuscany—reds like Chianti and Brunello, and whites from the region—paired with tasty finger foods. You’ll learn to recognize regional grapes, tasting techniques, and how to navigate local wine lists with confidence.
Perfect for travelers who want a relaxed but informative session, guests rave about the instructor’s passion and the generous tastings. It’s priced at about $70, making it an affordable way to deepen your wine knowledge without sacrificing quality.
Bottom Line: Great for wine novices and connoisseurs alike wanting to understand Tuscan wines in a fun, relaxed environment.
3. A Brunello Cooking Class with Vineyards View Winery
Number 3 combines culinary skills with vineyard visits. The Brunello Cooking Class with Vineyards View Winery is a small-group experience in Montalcino. It includes a 4-hour cooking session on a panoramic terrace, preparing dishes like tagliatelle with Tuscan sauces and braised beef, paired with local wines. Afterward, you explore a 13th-century castle, its wine cellar, and vineyards, making it ideal for those who want food and wine together.
Guests love the personal attention, the stunning scenery, and how the chef makes complex dishes approachable. The price (~$278) covers both cooking and wine-tasting, making it a valuable choice for those wanting an all-in-one experience. Pickup and drop-off from Siena add convenience, but note the longer duration.
Bottom Line: Perfect for gourmets eager to combine cooking, wine, and history in one beautiful setting.
4. Siena: Small group Cooking Class in Chianti Farmhouse
At number 4, this Small-group Cooking Class in Chianti offers an authentic taste of Tuscany in a scenic vineyard setting. Led by a local chef, you’ll learn to make pasta for lunch or pizza for dinner, plus a traditional tiramisù. The class lasts about 4 hours and limits the group to ensure personalized attention.
The reviews mention the friendly chef, beautiful location, and fun atmosphere. Participants appreciate the chance to learn new skills while enjoying local wine and the picturesque countryside. For $134, it strikes a good balance between price and culture.
Bottom Line: Excellent for those who want to learn Italian cooking in a peaceful, vineyard setting with small groups.
5. Cooking Class in a historical villa in Siena Provence
Number 5 is a cozy, small-group Cooking Class at a historic villa. Over 3 hours, you’ll learn to make three types of fresh pasta and tiramisù, all guided by a knowledgeable chef. After cooking, you’ll taste regional wines with a sommelier and tour the rustic villa and its surroundings.
Guests love the intimate setting and the quality of the recipes. The class feels more like a family gathering than a formal lesson. Priced at around $136, it offers a well-rounded experience of food, wine, and culture in a charming environment.
Bottom Line: Perfect for families or anyone wanting an authentic, relaxing Tuscan cooking experience combined with wine tasting.
6. Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in Siena
Number 6 offers an intimate home-based experience in Siena with Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal. For about 3 hours, you’ll visit a local home, learn to cook three Sienese dishes, and enjoy your meal with wine among new friends. The host shares tips and tricks that only a local can provide.
Guests highlight the warmth and authenticity, with many noting it’s the best way to connect with Tuscan culture. At $200, it’s a bit pricier but offers a genuine, personal experience in a welcoming setting.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a true local experience and home-cooked Italian food.
7. Cesarine: Small group Pasta and Tiramisu class in Siena
Number 7 is a Pasta & Tiramisu Class hosted in a local home. Over 3 hours, you’ll learn to make two types of pasta—one stuffed, one shaped—and craft tiramisù from scratch. The class emphasizes hands-on techniques, including rolling dough and filling pasta by hand.
Guests rave about the friendly host and the relaxed atmosphere. It costs about $212, which includes the experience and tasting of your homemade dishes. It’s perfect for those who want to get into the specifics of Italian pasta and desserts.
Bottom Line: Great for culinary enthusiasts eager to learn authentic pasta and dessert recipes directly from a local.
8. Cesarine: Pasta & Tiramisu Class at a Local’s Home in Siena
Number 8’s Pasta & Tiramisu Private Class is a private, personalized experience lasting 3 hours. In a welcoming home environment, you’ll master two pasta recipes and an authentic tiramisù, learning professional tricks from your host. Afterwards, enjoy your creations paired with local wines.
Guests love the private setting and personalized attention. At $224, it’s a bit higher in price but offers a tailored experience away from large groups, perfect for couples or small groups seeking authenticity.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those wanting a private, high-quality Italian cooking lesson.
9. Private Cooking Class in Chianti from Siena
Number 9 is a fully private, customized experience in Chianti. This 4-hour class includes learning to cook traditional Tuscan dishes, then touring a local vineyard with a wine tasting—plus round-trip transport from Siena. It’s ideal for private groups wanting a tailored, comprehensive experience of food and wine.
Guests mention the warm hospitality, the excellent food, and the wine-tasting. Costing around $423, it’s best suited for couples or small groups seeking exclusivity and a deeper dive into Tuscan cuisine and wine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want a private, in-depth Tuscan culinary and wine adventure.
10. Cesarine: Market Tour & Cooking Class at Local’s Home in Siena
Number 10 combines market shopping with hands-on cooking. In this 4.5-hour experience, you start with a local market visit, then prepare three Sienese dishes in a host’s home, finishing with a meal paired with wine. It’s a comprehensive way to see local ingredients and cook authentic dishes.
Guests praise the lively market visit and the warm host. At $249, it’s a good value for those wanting both cultural insights and a full cooking experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food lovers who want to combine market shopping with a home-cooked meal.
11. Relax and Nature: Yoga Lesson on the Shore of the Lake with Picnic
Number 11 offers a different kind of workshop—a yoga session by Lake Chiusi. It’s a 1.5-hour peaceful experience with a picnic, perfect for travelers looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. While not a culinary workshop, it’s a reminder that Siena also offers wellness experiences.
Limited reviews keep expectations simple, but the tranquil setting promises relaxation and a unique way to enjoy Tuscany outside the kitchen.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those seeking mental and physical relaxation amidst scenic nature.
$145.45 per person
12. Siena: Tuscan Classics Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo
At number 12, this Wine Tasting Class with Aperitivo features six regional wines paired with local bites. For about 2 hours, you’ll learn from a wine expert how to taste like a pro and appreciate the nuances of Tuscan vintages.
Although limited in reviews, the experience promises a fun, informal setting perfect for casual wine lovers wanting to explore Tuscany’s best bottles.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those wanting a relaxed introduction to Tuscan wines with tasty bites.
13. Cesarine: Small Group Pasta Making Class at Local’s Home in Siena
Finally, number 13 offers an authentic experience Pasta Making in a Local’s Home. Over 3 hours, you’ll learn to make three traditional pasta recipes, then enjoy your dishes paired with local wines. The small group format ensures plenty of personal guidance.
Guests note the friendly host and the opportunity to really learn the secrets of Tuscan pasta. At around $208, it’s a worthwhile choice for serious pasta lovers.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers eager to master authentic Tuscan pasta with a local host.
How to Choose the Right Workshop in Siena
When deciding which class suits you best, think about your priorities: want to learn specific skills like pasta or wine? Choose Pasta & Tiramisu Classes or small-group cooking. If you prefer a full culture, consider private experiences or home-based classes.
Budget-conscious travelers will find wine tastings or market tours offer good value. Those who want a blend of food and wine, the all-in-one Brunello class or private Chianti experience might be better suited.
Practical tips include booking early in high season (spring through early fall), considering your fitness level if walking or standing for longer periods, and choosing a class that matches your culinary interests and time available.
Wrapping It Up
Siena offers a wonderful range of workshops—from hands-on cooking classes to independent wine tastings—making it easy to turn your trip into a memorable culinary adventure. For those seeking a relaxed, authentic experience, the Cesarine home cooking or small-group pasta classes stand out. For a deeper dive into Tuscan wines, the Tuscan Classics Wine Class offers a fun, educational tasting.
If you’re eager to learn classic dishes on a scenic terrace or in a historic villa, options like the Brunello class and villa cooking provide a memorable blend of scenery, history, and flavor. Booking early ensures you secure your preferred time—so don’t wait too long to turn your Siena trip into a true culinary adventure.