Posted on Jamie DavisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved this experience so much! I really hope to get back in the future. I learned a ton and Sandra and Alessio are the best :). HIghly recommended and the location is stunning.Posted on Rachael KocTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the most incredible week filled with food, fun, and new friends at Toscana Saporita. I came across the school on social media and had always wanted to do a cooking course, but my experience exceeded my expectations and so much more. Sandra was so welcoming and knowledgeable and together with Alessio and the staff delivered the most fun and interesting classes where we not only learned how to cook but also understood more about the ingredients we were using. We made everything from pasta to biscotti to pizza and even got to visit a traditional windmill where the polenta meal was processed. Our afternoons were spent in beautiful towns across Tuscany and on the last day, Cinque Terre, we were brought to each of these towns by our lovely guide and driver Enzo, who was also so knowledgeable about each place we visited. The property itself was also gorgeous and so serene in the morning and evening. Each day was structured, but relaxed, I came out of this week feeling so nourished and refreshed (as Sandra had promised!) and with new friends with whom I spent the week cooking and exploring. I couldn’t recommend this experience enough, truly unforgettable and definitely one for the books! Grazie mille Sandra and the Toscana Saporita team!!Posted on Stacey NguyenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had the wonderful opportunity to take the beginner course at Toscana Saporita, and it was an incredible experience! I went on my own but quickly found myself cooking alongside a fantastic group of people from all over the world, guided by Sandra and her talented team of chefs. The beginner course provided me with strong foundational skills, and I left not only with a recipe book full of notes but also with the confidence to cook more intuitively. It was a truly fulfilling experience; one where you’ll meet amazing new friends, explore many different towns around Tuscany, and gain valuable new cooking skills.Posted on Sandra KilloughTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have you dreamed of learning to cook like a true Italian, while staying on a gorgeous property, surrounded by beautiful Tuscany, with strangers who will be your new best friends within minutes of your arrival, eating the most delicious food, sipping perfect wines, all under the instruction of a celebrated and deeply accomplished chef and her talented team all working together to ensure you have the experience of a lifetime? TOSCANA SAPORITA is ABSOLUTELY your dream come true! I just returned from my second trip to Toscana Saporita this time to participate in the Advanced Program where I had the opportunity to learn new techniques, fine tune previously learned techniques , and meet a new team of truly gifted interns that work alongside Sandra Lotti to instruct and educate students in the art of Italian cooking. But it doesn't stop there. Sandra also shares her extensive knowledge of the history of her beloved Tuscany by showing you it's cities, markets, and sites. You will not leave unchanged! I learned, I laughed, I ate and it was glorious! And this time my husband came as well, he did not participate in the cooking instruction but enjoyed time on his own while we had lessons but he ate every meal with us and went on every excursion with us. HE LOVED IT!! How wonderful that Sandra offers this option!! We reluctantly left but look forward to returning!! Go, book it now!!! And when you get there, give Spago a scratch on his ears for me! GRAZIE MILLE , Sandra, we miss you all already!!Posted on Karen TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My friend and I took the I Found My Love in Portofino cooking class at Toscana Saporita. It was such an enriching experience that was much more than a cooking school. We learned both the technique and history of many classic Tuscan recipes in a relaxed atmosphere. Sandra and Alessio (plus their fantastic interns Carly, Tori and Jean) helped us create the most delicious dishes that we later enjoyed during multi course dinners. The program included a number of excursions to some of the most beautiful cities in Tuscany - and even some truffle hunting! It was difficult to leave the villa at the end of the week.Posted on Jamie HuanteTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was my third time at the school, and the first time at this location. I confidently knew what an amazing experience it was gonna be, so I brought 14 of my friends along for a private group course. The daily cooking courses were insightful, packed with history and culinary techniques that you could easily apply to your own daily cooking. The excursions truly made this a true Italian experience our whole group will never forget. We explored and visited small towns, medieval towns, markets and even did a truffle hunt. The attention to detail in our evening meals made dining an experience. The tablescapes, optional wine pairings and plating made it something special that none of us will ever forget. There were many in our group that were not experienced in cooking, and walked away saying it was the best vacation they had ever had. Our accommodations were well appointed, comfortable, and located in one of the prettiest places in Italy. I encourage you, during downtime, to walk the grounds and take in the gorgeous views. It’s no surprise. I’m giving this five stars across the board, having been three times, and each time being better than the last, although I don’t know how that’s possible. Sandra and her team treated us like family, and it was one of those vacations where nobody wanted to go home.Posted on Nick DavenportTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. One of the best experiences of my life! Not only did I learn SO MUCH but staying in this super old Tuscan Villa was FANTASTIC! I went in 2024 and am going back in 2026 and bringing a whole crew of new friends! Not only do you learn, but you eat so well and get to go on all kinds of adventures! Plus, Sandra is the BEST!Posted on Carol SteinerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have had the pleasure of attending Toscana Saporita twice!!! The first time I was stationed in Germany with the Air Force. I attended with a friend in spring of 2001 before returning home to the states. It was a life changing experience improving my cooking skills, enjoying fantastic Italian food as well as visiting Italian cities near by and learning so much more about Italy than I had previously known due to my heritage. I have ordered Tuscan olive oil from them yearly ever since then. This summer I returned with my family to celebrate my youngest son’s graduation. Sandra, the owner and head chef, remembered me and embraced me and my family for an incredible experience for all of us!! If I could give 10 stars, I would!!Posted on Beth DeutscherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything during my time at Toscana Saporita exceeded my expectations. The property and the location is amazing. The cooking course was a comprehensive dive into Italian cooking. It covered everything from basic cooking techniques to preparing authentic Italians dishes. The staff is absolutely amazing and make me feel like they were 100% invested in ensuring I had a great experience. The week is a mix of cooking classes and exploring Tuscany. I had the experience of a lifetime and recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about the Italian culture, eat absolutely amazing food and learn some lifelong cooking skills.Posted on Caroline MossTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such an amazing experience 🩷 Sandra is the best !!! I absolutely love the estate too that we stayed on, it was so beautiful and everyone made it feel like home. Abby made me like 30 cappuccinos throughout the week too which was amazing. The staff is fabulous and Enzo, our driver throughout the week, was endlessly helpful and we had some fun conversations during our rides. Thank you to Ana, Lauren, Moises, and Alessio too, you were all so wonderful!! ❤️❤️❤️Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Learn authentic Italian recipes and our traditional cuisine with Toscana Saporita, then share them with your friends and family.
We always make sure our students learn to cook like authentic passionate Italian cooks. Being focused is the name of the game!
To be authentic means learning the history of our cuisine and use the right traditional tools to re produce the exact dish.
Cooking should be embracing, not intimidating and smiling is part of the experience. Teaching while having fun is what we love the most.
Sandra presents her school
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Toscana saporita cooking courses
Cooking Courses in Tuscany
New season 2026
Our program has a friendly approach that makes guests feel at home. We prepare seasonal and locally sourced food that follows the Italian tradition.
COOKING CLASS & PORTOFINO ITALY
I found my love in Portofino
Experience a week of culinary excellence and exploration with our Cooking Class & Portofino, where you'll discover the rich flavors and cultural treasures of Tuscany and Liguria.
Find out more →Cooking Class & Lucca - Italy
Devil's Bridge Week
Join us for our Devil’s Bridge Week – Cooking Class & Lucca, a dream week designed for both beginners and experienced chefs.
Find out more →Many other incredible cooking courses are waiting for you!
Every year we create new experiences in order to let you plunge into Italian culinary culture.
Cooking Class & Portofino - Italy
I found my love in Portofino
Experience a week of culinary excellence and exploration with our Cooking Class & Portofino, where you’ll discover the rich flavors and cultural treasures of Tuscany and Liguria.
Cooking Class & Lucca - Italy
Devil's Bridge Week
Join us for our Devil’s Bridge Week – Cooking Class & Lucca, a dream week designed for both beginners and experienced chefs.
Many other incredible cooking courses are waiting for you!
Every year we create new experiences in order to let you plunge into Italian culinary culture.
ABOUT TOSCANA SAPORITA
Passion and love for Italian food since 1994
Toscana Saporita was founded in 1994 by Anne Bianchi and Sandra Rosy Lotti. The school occupies the ground floor of a 16th century villa and welcomes students from all over the world. Our students encompass every level from culinary beginners to accomplished chefs who come to study the unique nature of Tuscan Cuisine.
Why choose our cooking school in Italy
Our expert chefs bring global culinary training, ensuring professional instruction in a warm, family atmosphere. Enjoy learning with laughter in a beautiful setting, while crafting seasonal recipes that highlight the freshest ingredients.
Join us and become part of our culinary family.
Professionalism and cooking expertise
Our chefs boast extensive training from prestigious culinary schools across the globe.
There they have honed their skills and mastered diverse cooking techniques, ensuring a world-class culinary education that they now bring to our cooking school.
Family atmosphere and laughter
Meet our dedicated staff and immerse yourself in our welcoming community.
You’ll have the chance to become an integral part of our family and share in the vibrant, everyday life of our culinary school. You’ll build lasting relationships while experiencing the warmth that define our unique learning environment.
Authentic Italian Experience
You'll experience crafting traditional recipes with the freshest ingredients.
Our courses emphasize the importance of seasonality, ensuring that each dish you prepare uses locally-sourced produce at the peak of its flavor, providing an authentic and vibrant culinary experience.
TOSCANA SAPORITA’S REVIEWS
They’re talking about us
Read what our students have to say about their experiences at our cooking school. Discover firsthand accounts of our engaging classes, skilled chefs, and the welcoming, family-like atmosphere that keeps them coming back.
TOSCANA SAPORITA’S REVIEWS
They’re talking about us
Read what our students have to say about their experiences at our cooking school. Discover firsthand accounts of our engaging classes, skilled chefs, and the welcoming, family-like atmosphere that keeps them coming back.
A wonderful week in Tuscany
reginaOhio | Oct 2022
This was my second time at Toscana Saporita and I will go again! This trip included 8 friends with a wide variety of skills ranging from women who cook only when absolutely necessary to a teacher at a stateside cooking school. Everyone was fully engaged and learned not only techniques and skills but a love for the flavors and textures of Tuscany. We cooked, we ate, we toured and we came home with wonderful memories
Bucket List Item, Check
Perry G | Sep 2022
This is a must for your bucket list. My wife and I totally enjoyed our hands On instruction, demonstrations, the wonderful food we prepared and was prepared for us. All the meals were spot on. The afternoons included sightseeing in the Tuscan region. Absolute a joy to get some of the local flair and sights. The staff and Sandra and Keith are wonderful source of cooking information and insights of the local area, and a delight to be with for the week. We are looking forward to our Advanced Class visit.
Bring Tuscany Into Your Heart
TracyB| Nov 2022
This school is in a perfect setting to learn Italian cooking and culture. Sandra and her staff were so very friendly, instructive and really fun to be with. The accommodations were 4-Star and the location of the school is a serene country farmland. I learned so much about Tuscany, its history, culture and cuisine. This school is perfect for the novice cook and the seasoned chef and everyone in between. Everyone can learn from Sandra’s vast knowLedge of her beloved homeland.
Loved every second I spent there.
ironman54 | Nov 2022
Enjoyed every second of my stay there. Loved the cooking and learned so much. The day trips we took were so fun. Highlights besides cooking were the truffle hunt and watching how the dogs and trainers work. So much fun!! Also, visiting the balsamic vinegar vineyard and learning about the production and history. The tasting afterwards. So charming and informative. The meals and service were that of a 5 star restaurant. The rooms quaint and comfortable. Sandra and her staff are amazing teachers, hosts and of course friends now. I can’t wait to go home and put into use all I learned. And of course return for more!!
Toscana Saporita’s partners
Discover the trusted partners of Toscana Saporita, who share our passion for authentic culinary experiences and help us bring the best of Tuscany to your table.


























Italian recipes blog
Welcome to the Toscana Saporita Cooking School blog.
Dive into our latest blog section where we share mouth watering recipes and exciting updates from our culinary school.
We cannot wait to see you in action at our stove
Book now to secure your spot in our immersive cooking classes and embark on a culinary journey filled with delicious flavors and unforgettable experiences.