Our cooking school in Tuscany was established in 1999 within a beautiful Renaissance estate and medieval tower of Villa Pandolfini near Florence.

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A Taste of Tuscany Through The Years! Experience the Flavors of Tuscany with Good Taste of Tuscany

Just like a rich Tuscan Spezzatino, our Italian Culinary School has simmered to perfection over time. With a dash of passion, a pinch of dedication and a sprinkle of Chianti Wine, we’ve crafted a recipe for success. Our team is the backbone of our school, and we’re grateful for the wonderful clients – who we consider friends – that have joined us on this culinary journey. (Feel free to check out our social media handles and see for yourself!) And, of course, we do enjoy adding a little Chianti to the mix – after all, as the Tuscans say, ‘A table without wine is like a day without sunshine.’

Welcome to Our Tuscan Kitchen

Experience the authentic taste of Tuscany

We believe in traditional food, authentic Tuscan cuisine and original recipes. That’s why we offer hands-on cooking lessons, where you can learn through fun and immersion in a historic setting. Our chefs are native Italians who speak English, so you’ll have no problem understanding the techniques and recipes we share.

But for us, it’s not just about cooking – it’s about sharing our passion for the Italian way of life. We love seeing the joy on our students’ faces as they experience the sights, smells and tastes of Tuscany. We’re proud to share our tradition with you, from summer afternoons spent making salsa di pomodoro to the excitement of tasting freshly pressed Olio nuovo.

When you cook with us, you become part of our Italian family. Join us at our culinary school in Italy, where the warmth of traditional Tuscan hospitality meets the expertise of professional chefs. Take home more than just the flavors of Tuscany – create unforgettable memories of love, laughter, and delicious food, paired with expert knowledge and techniques to last a lifetime.

We're dedicated to bringing you the authentic taste of Tuscany. That's why we only use our extra virgin, cold pressed olive oil and wine produced on the estate and source all other ingredients fresh daily, using only what's in season.

Over 20 years ago, our culinary school began with intimate dinners on Tuscan estates, sharing meals with local families. As we explored the region's gastronomic treasures, our love for Tuscan cuisine grew. Now, we're delighted to share our knowledge with you. We were the first of a kind to offer professional style courses to foreigners and with a full menu preparation. We were also the first to offer a weekly program of intense cooking and accommodation.

From one-day classes to multi-day courses and our signature Intense program, we offer unforgettable culinary experiences. On request we can take you through the cellars and visit parts of the villa and gardens. We open our family home doors for you to experience the authentic Tuscany that lies beyond the tourist trail.

Meet the Brogi Family!

Benvenuti alla Azienda Agricola Marchesi Prat the Brogi family farm

Join us at our 600-year-old Azienda Agricola in Lastra a Signa, Tuscany, for an unforgettable culinary journey. Our historic estate, nestled in a picturesque private forest, has been respecting the art of winemaking and olive oil production for centuries. As a beacon of self-sufficiency since the 1700s, our family-run property has been a labor of love for many generations. Experience the authentic taste of Tuscany, rooted in tradition and innovation, and become a part of our legacy.

We, the Brogi family – Tosca, Massimo, Meaghan, Margaux and our loyal companion Melampo, the family dog – warmly invite you to experience the authentic flavors and traditions of Tuscany.

For generations, we have tended to our olive groves and vineyards, cultivating the rich flavors that make Tuscan cuisine renowned worldwide. Our historical villa and medieval castle “La Torre” steeped in tradition and warmth, is the perfect setting for an immersive culinary experience.

As an Azienda Agricola, we proudly produce our own wine and extra virgin olive oil, showcasing the best of our local region.

Get hands-on in our historic kitchen, where you’ll work side-by-side with professional Italian chefs to craft authentic Tuscan dishes. Using fresh ingredients from our farm, food markets and local suppliers, you’ll learn the secrets of traditional Tuscan cuisine. From homemade pasta and pizza to ribollita, risottos and ossobuco, we’ll share our and the chefs secrets, techniques and the history to help you create unforgettable meals.

As part of our cooking class, you’ll have the opportunity to taste our estate-grown wines and extra-virgin olive oils, expertly paired with the dishes you’ve prepared.

Meet the Family

Tosca Brogi

A multi-talented matriarch, Tosca, has built a reputation and family history for elegant hat designs that have been showcased in prestigious fashion houses worldwide including the renowned Christian Dior. Her impeccable style and creative genius have inspired generations of fashion enthusiasts.

Massimo Brogi

Tosca's son, Massimo, has inherited her passion for innovation and creativity. With a keen eye for style, he initially followed in her footsteps, exporting American fashion to Europe. However, his true calling lay in the vineyards. A pioneer in wine-making, Massimo introduced revolutionary terracotta wine jars that elevate the flavor and aroma of our estate-grown wines. Today, he shares his love for Tuscan cuisine through our cooking school, inspiring a new generation of culinary enthusiasts.

Meaghan Barr

As the business partner and wife of Massimo, Meaghan brings her expertise to the management of our properties, ensuring exceptional guest experiences and seamless operations. Born in Australia, Meaghan has called Tuscany home for many years.

Margaux Brogi

Margaux, Massimo's daughter, manages the office and vacation rentals. She lives on the estate with her two beautiful daughters, ensuring the family's legacy continues.

Our Cooking School

Established over 20 years ago, our cooking school was one of the first of its kind. Born from a dream to share and preserve authentic Tuscan food traditions, it has evolved into a professional culinary school. Our expert chefs, all fluent in English and Italian, some also Spanish and French, will guide you through immersive cooking classes in our estate’s magnificent, historic kitchens.

We welcome you to our estate, where you can experience the rich flavors of Tuscany, the warmth of our hospitality, and the beauty of our historic property.