What’s Italy without a sampling of their wonderful foods?

Enjoy a morning or evening learning about Italian cuisine and specialties of Tuscany by taking a cooking class. Chef Gina Stipo can provide a hands-on cooking lesson where you learn a lot and laugh as well. Afterwards, enjoy the fruits of your labor complemented with local wines. Either morning or evening classes can be arranged.

About the Chef:

Gina Stipo is an Italian-American whose enthusiasm for the cuisine and wines of Tuscany inspired her to make Siena, Italy the base from which to pursue her culinary passions. As both the author of two regional cookbooks and an aficionado of Siena's historic Palio horse race, Gina offers an insider's entree to the traditions, personality and culture of the region.

Gina operates her cooking school “Ecco La Cucina” in Tuscany. Her cooking classes are taught in English and are accompanied by the history and amusing anecdotes of the Siena area. She teaches one, two or three day classes and, for the real “foodie”, a weeklong class offers a full immersion into the foods and wines of Italy!

More information on Gina’s website: www.eccolacucina.com

If you would like to prepare your own meal while you are staying at one of our properties, the kitchens are well equipped. Visit the open air fresh fruit and vegetable markets, choose from a variety of regional cheeses and meat, pick up some wine on your tours of the area vineyards of Chianti, Montalcino or Montepulciano and you can create your own feast!

Ecco La Cucina is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP).