Description
We are the Vicario farm producing high quality extra virgin olive oil for 4 years. We have received awards and publications in the most prestigious guides for our oils.
The Vicario is an ancient rectory of 1300 set in the suggestive scenery of the Tuscan hills, just 4 km from the center of San Gimignano. The constant presence of Fulvio and his niece Katia mean that Il Vicario is not simply a B&B, but it will always be like going to visit old friends; the family atmosphere is the characteristic of this little corner of paradise.
Cooking is our passion, we grew up watching our mothers and grandmothers prepare recipes of traditional Tuscan cuisine every day. We are thrilled to share our recipes and the secrets of true Tuscan cuisine. We will teach you how to prepare an authentic 5-6 course Tuscan lunch or dinner. Each of the 5-6 courses is paired with our local Tuscan wines. Above all, we teach you what food should be like and your senses will be delighted. Your meal will be a party and a fantastic time to experience a true Tuscan family. The menu is based on seasonal and local products from our area.
We also organize vegetarian and gluten free cooking classes!
COOKING EXPERIENCE ORGANIZED BY:
Il Vicario
WHAT’S INCLUDED
MEETING POINT
Il Vicario, Loc. S. Andrea 1, San Gimignano, SI
BOOKING METHOD AND CANCELLATION TERMS
- A guarantee card is required for booking.
- Payment upon arrival or departure by Visa / Mastercard credit card, debit card or cash
- Free cancellation within 48h from the start of the cooking class booked, after 48h 100% penalty.
Jess –
Highly suggest this cooking class! We learned some great recipes. The location was in the beautiful hills of Tuscany. Not only did we make an amazing meal but we got to try amazing wine and learned the history behind Tuscan cooking! In addition; this cooking class is very accommodating to vegans or anyone with a specific food allergy.
Laura (verified owner) –
WOW!! We had an amazing time learning to cook with Katia. She was such a greast hostest and taught us so much. Her ability to engage with all of our party was super. The food and wine we excellent and we will always consider the cooking class a highlight of our time in Italy!
Angela (verified owner) –
Katia was a delightful and knowledgeable hostess. This experience was exactly what I was looking for- one on one, in a home style kitchen… so much food and so good. This is definitely an experience I would book again.
Colleen (verified owner) –
What a wonderful afternoon we had Katia and Fulvio. The cooking class was fun and informative and the food, well if I do say so myself, Bellissimo.
Kelly –
This cooking class was so much fun and we loved getting to make some of the local dishes that Katia and her family know so well. She and her uncle were both so warm and welcoming and I’d highly recommend this experience!
David (verified owner) –
What a great experience at San Gimignano Experience. Katie guided us on how to make traditional Tuscan pasta, bruschetta, and chicken and prosciutto saltimbocca, We were shown how to judge Olive Oil origins and oil processes. The classes are held in the chef’s 1,000-year-old historic home near San Gimignano. It was such a pleasure learning some key aspects of traditional Tuscan cooking; enjoying the company of fellow students, and tasting the variety of wines with food. I highly recommend this class and Katie was a superb instructor/chef.
Renata –
The Tuscan cooking class was excellent. Pure food, pure taste. Katia had surprising, easy to prepare Tuscan recipes which tasted buonnissimo. Everybody should try this at this very friendly place in the beautiful Tuscan landscape.
Haylee –
Me and my friend had a lovely afternoon with Katia at her wonderful farmhouse!
We did the beginners course and handmade pici pasta in a garlic tomato sauce which tasted delicious… it all tasted delicious! Katia taught us How to make traditional Tuscan sauces which I’ll definitely be making from home myself along with the pasta.
Despite covid, we felt completely relaxed and safe with Katia and she was very considerate.
Beautiful setting and scenery, lovely food, great host!
Cathie –
Bruschetta, Panzanella, pici pasta, 2 sauces, a meat dish and a vegetarian dish – amazing dishes that Katia taught us how to make. Her English is excellent and she is a passionate teacher. We learned a great deal as well as cooking tips and local info. You eat the meal when you are done cooking and we had 3 different wines to go with. We also stayed at the B&B – breakfast was very good! Katia and Fulvio are super Host and great cooks!!
Trilbz –
Without a doubt, one of the highlights of our visit to Tuscany!
Prior to our class, Katia had responded to all our emails promptly and professionally. Her enthusiasm and detail in our correspondence filled us with excitement for a really special day and she did not disappoint!
Upon arrival we were greeted by Katia and her uncle at the entrance to their beautiful farmhouse overlooking the rolling hills of Tuscany and the medieval town of San Gimignano in the distance.
We promptly sat down at the kitchen table and began preparing our own home made pasta while Katia explained its origins and the benefit of homegrown ingredients.
The time seemed to fly by as we tasted our way through the Tuscan hills and enjoyed the local wines which Katia expertly paired with each dish. During our short time with her, we managed to prepare a delicious three course meal which we thoroughly enjoyed!
Perhaps the only thing we enjoyed more than the food was the rich stories about the local people, the local produce and the delight Katia displayed in showing us her award winning olive oil.
A wonderful day out and an experience we highly recommend.
DRC70 –
What a fabulous experience with Katia learning to make fresh pasta, some delicious sauces and saltimbocca. Our teenage boys particularly enjoyed making and cooking pici pasta!
Katia was so helpful and passionate about Tuscan cuisine and their olive oil is certainly worthy of its recent award and we didn’t hesitate to buy some to take home.
We had an eventful start as we had a flat tyre on route; Katia was simply amazing, phoning local garages and escorting us to the repair shop and sorting out the tyre, which was a little beyond my Italian!
Don’t hesitate to book, you won’t be disappointed!
Jean –
Très belle expérience et très bonne ambiance. J’y ai appris les bases de la cuisine Toscane, càd les pâtes fraiches sans oeuf et des sauces qui les accompagnent, les crostini ou bruchette (pluriel) et une petite viande vite faite. Katia répond à toutes les questions. Mon souhait était de rentrer dans les détails techniques et j’ai été comblé.
La dégustation était excellente, normal car s’était mes préparations! vins locaux et dégustation d’huiles bio qu’ils produisent comme des orfèvres
Gijs –
We had a wonderful afternoon. We laughed a lot, got a lot of information about the food in Toscane and Italy en made some reaaaally good pastas! Besides that, we made other great meals and could enjoy them later in the afternoon.
Melanie –
We spent three weeks in Italy, exploring the Amalfi Coast, hitting the nightlife in Rome, and riding horses through Tuscany. THIS COOKING CLASS was a highlight. We actually regularly make the sauces we learned to make, and often make the bruschetta when we have company. We have even whipped up our own handmade pasta a few times. This was just the most charming time in Italy and actually the yummiest wine I tried anywhere. I cannot recommend this enough!
Clara –
We didn’t stay at Il Vicario, but after a cooking class there we regretted not staying. Our host, Fulvio, was unbelievably welcoming and warm, and immediately put us at ease. He took the time to explain the story behind every recipe we were preparing, and we were charmed at how the family welcomes their guests like their own. Plus: the food was AMAZING and I have already done some of the recipes we learned there at home.
Thank you for a great evening Fulvio!
Best,
Clara and Charles
Victoria –
We made paci pasta. Bruschetta and other tasty dishes. It was everything I dreamed of and more, as a young girl growing up in Newfoundland.
The food, location views, the hosts. Everything was perfect. I can’t believe I forgot to post this.
Eileen –
A Tuscan cooking class was definitely on my ‘to do’ list when I visited Italy in Sep 2019. Fulvio was very informative, funny, charming and a joy to talk to
I highly recommend taking a class from him!
Dantefortysix –
My friends and I loved our cooking lesson there with Fulvio. He’s helpful, charming, and the best cooking instructor I have encountered. I had asked him for a menu of hors d’oeuvres and finger food. He was very accommodating. When we got there, we were welcomed with open arms by Fulvio and his niece Katia. They were wonderful about helping everyone participate in food prep as he gave directions and explanations. (There were 13 of us – a lot to handle in that situtation.) The Tuscan specialties we prepared – pappa al pomodoro, a bruschetta with local sausage and cheese, and about a dozen more) were intertesting and delicious, as well as easy to prepare. The highlight of our 11 days in Italia!
Cynde –
This was a highlight of our visit to Tuscany. My adult children and their spouses were definitely game to try their hand at pasta making and the end result was delicious. We made one type of pasta (pici) and 2 kinds of sauce (red and cheese). We also made chicken saltimboca, antipasti and garlic bread. Katia was very patient and made the experience very enjoyable and the food was delicious. I would definitely recommend this when you are in the area.
Eli –
We had a wonderful personalized cooking experience with one person veggie and one with gluten free diet, we got a tailored cooking dinner that accommodates our preference, with a great story telling and no rush. We got insights and perspective and learn new recipes of course.
Highly recommend!!!
Eve –
Wir hatten einen wirklich tollen Abend gemeinsam mit Katja, der Gastgeberin und zwei weiteren Paaren. Insgesammt haben wir vier Gerichte gekocht/vorbereitet und gelernt selber Pasta herzustellen. Sehr zu empfehlen