Semi Private tasting and Cheese-making Class in Florence

A Friendly Look at the Semi-Private Cheese and Tasting Class in Florence

If you’re planning a trip to Florence and want to get a real taste of the local culinary scene, this semi-private cheese-making and tasting class might just be what you’re looking for. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear that this experience offers a genuine, hands-on dive into Tuscan cheese traditions.

What we love about this experience are the personalized service thanks to the small group setup and the opportunity to learn cheese-making from scratch, which can be surprisingly fun and rewarding. Plus, the pairing of cheeses with Italian wine or craft beer really elevates the tasting to a memorable level. One potential hitch? Parking in Florence can be tricky if you’re driving—many reviews mention the challenge of finding a spot, so planning transportation ahead is a good idea.

This experience is especially well-suited for food lovers, curious travelers, or anyone looking to add an authentic, local touch to their Florence visit. It’s not ideal for children under 16 or for vegan travelers, but for most adults wanting to enjoy a flavorful afternoon, it ticks a lot of boxes.

Key Points

• Hands-on learning: You’ll get to make cheese from scratch, which is a rare and fun experience.
• Tasting variety: The class covers a wide range of cheeses—from fresh ricotta to aged pecorino and other regional specialties.
• Local pairings: Cheeses are paired with wine or craft beer, enhancing the flavors and making the tasting more enjoyable.
• Includes food and drinks: Lunch and a glass of wine or beer are included, offering a relaxed, full experience.
• Personalized group size: Small groups, with a maximum of 10 travelers, ensure personalized attention and a more intimate setting.
• Practical info: Starts at 2:30 pm with pickup from a central Florence location, and the experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

What You Can Expect During the Class

Upon arrival at the meeting point—located conveniently on Via Romana—you’re greeted by your professional cheese taster and chef, Chef Vary. The experience begins with an overview of Tuscan cheese traditions and how cheese fits into Italian culture. From the get-go, the focus is on interaction: you’ll be actively involved in preparing cheese, which makes it more than just a tasting session.

The hands-on part starts immediately: you’ll learn how to cook and break the curd, squeeze it in gauze, and finally shape your own cheese in a basket. This step-by-step process is explained clearly, and it’s a chance to see cheese-making in action, not just hear about it. As you wait for the curd to set, you’re encouraged to explore and learn about different cheeses from Italy, including curiosities and helpful tips that make the process more meaningful.

The Cheese Tasting and Pairings

Once your cheese is ready, the focus shifts to assembling a beautiful tasting tray. The selection is generous and varied: from creamy burrata from Apulia, to mountain cheeses, aged pecorino, and even cheeses refined by expert selectors. The tray is accompanied by honey, jams, and fresh fruit, which balance the rich flavors beautifully.

Guests rave about the quality of the cheese, with one reviewer describing the sampling as “even better than expected,” and another calling it “a riot of flavor.” The pairing with Italian wine or craft beer complements the cheese perfectly, making each bite more memorable.

The Food, Wine, and Atmosphere

Throughout the experience, you’ll enjoy a relaxed, friendly environment. Lunch is included, giving you a chance to sit down and savor your creations alongside the regional cheeses. The wine options are carefully selected, with reviews praising the “excellent wine” that elevates the tasting.

Many reviews highlight the personable nature of Chef Vary and her husband, describing the experience as “informative,” “entertaining,” and “delightful.” The small group size ensures everyone gets personal attention and can ask questions freely.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour costs about $109.48 per person, which might seem steep at first glance. But considering the hands-on cheese-making, the tasting, the included food and drinks, and the personalized service, it offers solid value, especially for those eager to learn authentic techniques.

Keep in mind, parking in Florence can be challenging, especially in the old artisan quarter. Many reviewers recommend taking a taxi or walking to the meeting point. The experience starts at 2:30 pm, so plan your transportation accordingly.

The class lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes, making it a convenient afternoon activity. Dress smart casual, and if you have any dietary restrictions, it’s best to mention them when booking—gluten-free options are available upon request.

What the Reviews Say

Reviewers consistently highlight how much they enjoyed the class. One lauded the chef as “amazing,” noting the class was “informative and entertaining.” Others appreciated the variety of cheeses sampled, calling the experience “fantastic” and “outstanding,” with one guest mentioning it was their favorite activity during their entire stay in Italy.

Several reviews mention the cheese-making process as “fun” and “delicious,” with one traveler revealing they’re eager to try making cheese at home after the class. The atmosphere is often described as warm and friendly, making the experience not just educational but also genuinely enjoyable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This class is ideal if you’re interested in local food traditions, want a hands-on activity, or enjoy pairing food with wine. It’s great for curious travelers who want to learn new skills and leave with a tangible memento—your own jar of jam or marmalade along with recipes to try at home.

While not suited for vegan or under-16 travelers, most adults who enjoy good food, wine, and engaging experiences will find this a worthwhile addition to their Florence itinerary. It’s especially perfect if you prefer a small, intimate setting over large, commercial tours and want to avoid the crowds.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a personalized, authentic taste of Tuscan culinary tradition in Florence, this cheese-making and tasting class checks many boxes. It’s a friendly, engaging way to spend an afternoon—learning from a passionate professional, sampling regional cheeses, and pairing everything with excellent local wine or craft beer.

The experience’s value truly shines through in the quality of the interaction, the delicious flavors, and the chance to create something yourself. It’s not just a tour but a fun, educational moment that offers a deeper connection to Italy’s food culture.

Ideal for food lovers, curious travelers, or those wanting a break from sightseeing to indulge in the flavors of Florence. Just remember to plan your transportation well—parking can be a bit tricky in the historic city center.

FAQ

Is this a family-friendly experience?
While children are not specifically mentioned as part of the experience, the class is suitable for those over 16. Children under that age might find the process less engaging, and younger kids are generally not allowed.

Do I need to know Italian to participate?
Most likely, the class is conducted in English since the description emphasizes personal service and an engaging, accessible approach. However, it’s always good to confirm with the provider if language is a concern.

Can I join if I have dietary restrictions?
Yes, gluten-free options are available upon request. Be sure to mention any specific dietary needs when booking so the chef can accommodate you.

How long does the experience last?
The class takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including cheese-making, tasting, and some social time.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers the hands-on cheese-making session, tasting a variety of cheeses, local taxes, and wine or craft beer. Lunch is also included.

Is parking provided?
No, parking is not included, and many reviews mention the difficulty of parking in Florence’s historic areas. It’s recommended to take public transportation or walk.

Can I book this experience last minute?
Advance booking is recommended, often booked 68 days ahead on average. Confirmation is subject to availability, and last-minute spots might be limited.

If you’re craving a genuine, flavorful experience that offers the chance to learn, taste, and create, this Florence cheese-making class is a charming choice that’ll leave you with new skills and delicious memories.