Nestled in the enchanting Val d’Orcia, the Locanda in Tuscany is home to a charming cooking school. Here, you can learn to create authentic Tuscan dishes while surrounded by the beauty of the bucolic countryside.

Chef Tina Aigbovo Pinzi‘s cooking class offers a truly cinematic experience. Held in the Locanda’s restaurant, the Taverna di Mozart, which is part of the Dolcevita Valdorcia resort alongside Ristoro di Vitaleta and Rocca d’Orcia Suites & Villas, you’ll embark on a two-hour journey into the heart of simple and genuine Italian cuisine. 

During the course, you will learn all the secrets of dishes made with extraordinary locally-produced ingredients, from flour to extra-virgin olive oil and flavorful seasonings.

I love Tuscany. I’ve been living here for over thirty years and it’s a true paradise of beauty, unique flavors, and exceptional ingredients.

(Tina Aigbovo Pinzi, chef)

Set in the beautifully restored old stable of the farm, now the indoor dining room of the Taverna di Mozart, or, upon request, under the magnificent panoramic pergola overlooking the countryside, the cooking class is the perfect experience to share with friends. 

After donning your complimentary apron (that will be presented to you after the course), you’ll embark on a culinary journey, learning the fundamentals of traditional Tuscan cuisine, from different types of flour and their uses to making pasta, sauces, and delicious desserts.

Home-made pasta, the chef’s greatest passion, takes center stage in every class. Made with carefully selected local flours, the freshest eggs, and the Locanda’s exquisite extra-virgin olive oil, Locanda in Tuscany’s pasta is truly special. After learning to make tagliatelle, ravioli, and the iconic pici, a rustic pasta typical of this region, you’ll move on to the kitchen to cook your creations.

Surrounded by the chef’s culinary tools, you’ll be immersed in the creation of delicious sauces like aglione, made with the sweet, giant garlic native to the Val d’Orcia. You’ll also learn how to make the legendary cantucci almond biscuits, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Once your pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Head out to the pergola and savor your homemade dishes paired with a glass of fine wine, all while taking in the breathtaking views of the Tuscan countryside.

The Secret

The original cantucci recipe includes a tablespoon of vinsanto, a local sweet wine, to give them their distinctive flavor. This is a classic pairing to be enjoyed at the end of a meal.

Useful Info

Taverna di Mozart
Case Sparse Moro Fiacchi 13
53023 Castiglione d’Orcia, Siena
Tel. +39 0577 1700221

Cooking classes: from 140 euro