What our guests say

Our group of 11 spent a week at Organic Tuscany. It was amazing in every way!! The accommodation was comfortable and authentic. Shilpa and Riccardo were so accommodating, knowledgeable and fun. The other local cooks, musicians, wine and olive oil experts were so friendly and brought such diversity to our experience. The cooking classes were... read moreOur group of 11 spent a week at Organic Tuscany. It was amazing in every way!! The accommodation was comfortable and authentic. Shilpa and Riccardo were so accommodating, knowledgeable and fun. The other local cooks, musicians, wine and olive oil experts were so friendly and brought such diversity to our experience. The cooking classes were SO much fun and we learned a lot.The best thing about our week was that we did so much more than cook. Every day was another adventure exploring all the great things about Tuscany...food, wine, culture, landscapes and history. These day trips were also a great mix of independent and guides experiences. All the guides were able to accommodate our preferences and individual interests since we were not sharing the tour with others in a large group - everything was tailored to us.Our group has done a lot of travel together to Thailand, South America, Japan, Europe, China, Vietnam, etc. I have to say this was my favorite trip. We typically book large homes so that we can be together, cook some of our own meals and have an experience away from the crowds of tourists in hotels. This was like that except but we had the added bonus of learning to cook and also being served amazing meals every day in a relaxed home setting. I can't think of a thing I would have changed!I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Organic Tuscany - it will be an amazing experience! read less

You will love Organic Tuscany! I will never forget the fabulous week we had at Organic Tuscany. Shilpa and Ricardo were amazing hosts and everyone on their team, from the cooks to the tour guides, to the local artisans were approachable, knowledgeable and fun. It was a perfect mix of cooking and touring. I highly recommend the Organic Tuscany experience.
Ann

Beautiful setting! Wonderful chefs! Great Food! Very enjoyable!

My week spent under Shilpa's care in the dreamy Tuscan farm house was absolutely memorable. The wonderful produce, and afternoon cooking sessions, the beautifully curated outings, the evening meals outdoors - everything was organised with such integrity and commitment to the local community. I would repeat it in a heartbeat!

My week at Organic Tuscany was one of my favorite vacations. It was a perfect combination of cooking and eating wonderful food, sightseeing trips organized by the staff, wine and oil tasting events, a trip to a vineyard where we were served a fantastic lunch made by the owner of the vineyard and meeting wonderful people. Shilpa, Riccardo and all... read moreMy week at Organic Tuscany was one of my favorite vacations. It was a perfect combination of cooking and eating wonderful food, sightseeing trips organized by the staff, wine and oil tasting events, a trip to a vineyard where we were served a fantastic lunch made by the owner of the vineyard and meeting wonderful people. Shilpa, Riccardo and all of their staff were fantastic. The villa was beautiful. I would definitely go back to Organic Tuscany, and I highly recommend them.Check out their recipes on their website (especially the onion dish) to see some of the wonderful foods we made during our cooking classes. read less

I enjoyed a lovely week at Organic Tuscany. It was the perfect blend of cooking instruction, relaxation and exploring nearby towns. Riccardo and Shilpa made us feel completely at home. I would go back in a heartbeat.

This was an amazing experience, we were six Canadian girls travelling in Italy, Organic Tuscany cooking school was one of our fabulous experiences. The hosts provided an amazing five days of Italian cooking, we enjoyed the meals paired with an unlimited amount of special wines. Many local chefs from the area attended the school to assist or teach us the... read moreThis was an amazing experience, we were six Canadian girls travelling in Italy, Organic Tuscany cooking school was one of our fabulous experiences. The hosts provided an amazing five days of Italian cooking, we enjoyed the meals paired with an unlimited amount of special wines. Many local chefs from the area attended the school to assist or teach us the food we were preparing. Learning about olive oil from an expert has given me the knowledge what to look for when I buy olive oil, I also learned how to smell... bad or good. The home we stayed in was absolutely breathtaking overlooking the wineries , hills and valleys as well as a large in ground pool that we had an afternoon swim. I highly recommend this amazing informative Italian Cooking School. read less

What an absolutely wonderful week! Organic Tuscany's cooking week was a perfect balance of cooking classes and local experiences! Funny how sometimes the most innocuous things can change your life: how did I ever cook without a mezzaluna?! How did I live without real, fresh, easy-to-make-after -OT-taught-me-how gnocchi?! Such a variety of fun and informative opportunities! Every day was a... read moreWhat an absolutely wonderful week! Organic Tuscany's cooking week was a perfect balance of cooking classes and local experiences! Funny how sometimes the most innocuous things can change your life: how did I ever cook without a mezzaluna?! How did I live without real, fresh, easy-to-make-after -OT-taught-me-how gnocchi?! Such a variety of fun and informative opportunities! Every day was a treat! My week was a birthday present to myself, and it was one of the best gifts ever! read less

In the Fall of 2019 I enjoyed a perfect week at a lovely villa near the town of Certaldo in Tuscany, about an hour southeast of Florence. I was there for cooking classes and to experience the Tuscan countryside with it picturesque villages and vineyards. Our hosts Shilpa and Riccardo were most warm and welcoming and... read moreIn the Fall of 2019 I enjoyed a perfect week at a lovely villa near the town of Certaldo in Tuscany, about an hour southeast of Florence. I was there for cooking classes and to experience the Tuscan countryside with it picturesque villages and vineyards. Our hosts Shilpa and Riccardo were most warm and welcoming and made sure that the accommodations were first rate - clean, comfortable, and attractive. The cooking classes were among the best I have experienced and I speak from 30 years of attending residence cooking class weeks in Italy, France, England, and NYC . The instructors were professionally trained, their technique excellent, the choice of menus was varied and included all of the highlights of Italian cuisine one would hope to experience while in Tuscany. Naturally, all of the ingredients were fresh and organic. All of our meals, whether prepared by us or the hard-working very pleasant staff, were absolutely delicious. And the marvelous Tuscan wine flowed copiously.The final dinner, with a surprise visit by local musicians,, was a magical culmination of our week spent learning to cook great food amidst the glow of new friendships that bloomed as our group of 10 cooked together, made forays to vineyards and villages, toured Florence with a most erudite guide, and enjoyed Tuscany at its best! Highly recommend Organic Tuscany ! Best enjoyed as a couple or with a friend to share outings. read less

If you are looking for an amazing week of cooking in beautiful Tuscany, great food and wonderful hosts, then this is it! It was truly one of my best vacations ever! The villa is surrounded by beautiful grounds. Meals are on the outdoor dining patio overlooking the Tuscan hills. Beautiful accommodations, ... read moreIf you are looking for an amazing week of cooking in beautiful Tuscany, great food and wonderful hosts, then this is it! It was truly one of my best vacations ever! The villa is surrounded by beautiful grounds. Meals are on the outdoor dining patio overlooking the Tuscan hills. Beautiful accommodations, lots of cooking with truly wonderful hosts. You will be enchanted! read less

My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves at Organic Tuscany. Shilpa, Ricardo, and their staff are wonderful cooks and instructors. The hands on instructions are fun and easy to do. The recipes are classic Italian, very tasteful, and easy to duplicate when you get home and want to impress your friends and family members. This was one of our best... read moreMy wife and I really enjoyed ourselves at Organic Tuscany. Shilpa, Ricardo, and their staff are wonderful cooks and instructors. The hands on instructions are fun and easy to do. The recipes are classic Italian, very tasteful, and easy to duplicate when you get home and want to impress your friends and family members. This was one of our best vacations. I can't say enough good things about Organic Tuscany. We raved about the great time we had, and are making plans with our family and friends to attend another Organic Tuscany Class. read less

excellent all round

It will be hard to do the experience we had at Organic Tuscany justice with words.....it was that amazing! Every part of the holiday from early on correspondence with Shilpa to having Ricardo greet us while making fresh focaccia for our first dinner and onwards to the full week of cooking and adventures, it was over-the-top excellence. I... read moreIt will be hard to do the experience we had at Organic Tuscany justice with words.....it was that amazing! Every part of the holiday from early on correspondence with Shilpa to having Ricardo greet us while making fresh focaccia for our first dinner and onwards to the full week of cooking and adventures, it was over-the-top excellence. I could go on and on but the best way is to simply book a trip for yourself and ENJOY AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME! read less

It was such a lovely holiday and learnt lots of different Italian cooking. IT was great to have found Organic Tuscany as they did a all Vegetarian one which was what we were after. The other excursions arranged were also great. Highly recommend it.

I would highly recommend Organic Tuscany, I hold wonderful memories from my visit in 2017and can't wait to return. Ricardo and Shilpa offer an amazing cooking week filled with authentic recipies and local Italian chefs delivering a feast of food you actually cook with an intimate group of 8 hands on! The setting is breathtaking and is a place... read moreI would highly recommend Organic Tuscany, I hold wonderful memories from my visit in 2017and can't wait to return. Ricardo and Shilpa offer an amazing cooking week filled with authentic recipies and local Italian chefs delivering a feast of food you actually cook with an intimate group of 8 hands on! The setting is breathtaking and is a place you actually feel like your home. The kitchen is the heart of the home and you are welcome to help yourself to whatever food is in the fridge and some local wines are worth tasting too! Rooms are very comfortable and the facility of a laundry is welcoming when you have been travelling all over Italy. The caretakers of the farm are so welcoming Margarite drove us into the local clothing factories nearby as I am a keen shopper this was a highlight! The balance of cooking classes and local tours of Florence,Sienna, Certaldo, pottery, olive oil and wine tasting are ideal. An experience delivering on every level! read less

Shilpa and Riccardo, we have thought about you many times during the Covid 19 pandemic, hoping you are OK. My travel buddy, Sue, and I have had to curb our travels also but we cherish our wonderful visit to your Tuscany cooking school.A favorite remembrance was the winery day trip. I enjoyed the extensive tour with the owner... read moreShilpa and Riccardo, we have thought about you many times during the Covid 19 pandemic, hoping you are OK. My travel buddy, Sue, and I have had to curb our travels also but we cherish our wonderful visit to your Tuscany cooking school.A favorite remembrance was the winery day trip. I enjoyed the extensive tour with the owner explaining the many facets of growing the grapes, the fermenting process and the beautiful historic home. The authentic Tuscan luncheon was magically presented and beyond belief.We also had so much fun in all the daily classes learning to cook dishes that endeared us to the local cuisine.There were so many activities that the entire week went fast but we enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you so very much. Stay well.Cindy Bennett read less

I have such special memories of my experience with Organic Tuscany - Shilpa and Riccardo provide an enriching program of great food, education, and relaxation in beautiful Tuscany, all with a very personal touch.

Organic Tuscany was one of the best experiences of my life! I have never been to Italy and had always wanted to have a cooking experience. Organic Tuscany far exceeded my expectations. Shillpa and Riccardo were warm, friendly and made me feel like family. The cooking....wow! I love to cook, and I learned so much. Wonderful local, organic vegetables...most... read moreOrganic Tuscany was one of the best experiences of my life! I have never been to Italy and had always wanted to have a cooking experience. Organic Tuscany far exceeded my expectations. Shillpa and Riccardo were warm, friendly and made me feel like family. The cooking....wow! I love to cook, and I learned so much. Wonderful local, organic vegetables...most from their own garden. I have since replicated many of the recipes since returning home. Let's not forget the local organic wine (which we also had a vineyard tour)....delicious ( I ordered a case to be sent home!). There were also many tours (to other cities/towns) included in our week, that were amazing! I would highly recommend these classes read less

Organic Tuscany was wonderful!!! One of the best trips I’ve ever taken, it will live in my memory for ever, not only for the food and recipes that I have recreated more times than I can count but the people I met. Shilpa and Ricardo are amazing hosts, professional, welcoming and friendly and the teachers were so good and... read moreOrganic Tuscany was wonderful!!! One of the best trips I’ve ever taken, it will live in my memory for ever, not only for the food and recipes that I have recreated more times than I can count but the people I met. Shilpa and Ricardo are amazing hosts, professional, welcoming and friendly and the teachers were so good and so fun and so friendly. You feel like one big family while you’re there. It really is a “all inclusive “ holiday. The accommodation was beautiful, the food and wine fantastic but also the side trips and adventures they arranged for us. Each trip came with a wonderful guide who was both informative but also funny and friendly. The highlight side trip for me was a visit to an organic vineyard, compleat with tour of the magnificent old estate home the family has lived in for generations. The visit was topped off with a most delicious lunch, with most delicious wine, in a magical walled garden. I can recommend Organic Tuscany whole heartedly. I plan to return myself one day. You will not be disappointed.Lisa Meadow. Canada read less

My girlfriend and I felt at home in the elegant farmhouse with Shilpa and Ricardo. We had rented a car and they sent us directions with photos so we couldn't get lost from the Florence airport. They arranged for a visit to a winery, a pottery and to local village sights in between cooking delicious meals. The... read moreMy girlfriend and I felt at home in the elegant farmhouse with Shilpa and Ricardo. We had rented a car and they sent us directions with photos so we couldn't get lost from the Florence airport. They arranged for a visit to a winery, a pottery and to local village sights in between cooking delicious meals. The ingredients were purchased fresh each day and we learned how to prepare the dishes and were then served the meals along with local wines. We ate outside with a beautiful view of a Tuscany valley. There were two couples and two singles there as well, who were very friendly and interesting and we all pitched in together with the chopping and stirring. They arranged for music one evening and an olive oil tasting. I even bought a mezzaluna that I use at home!I recommend this fun, educational vacation very highly. read less