Casa Ombuto Tuscookany cooking school in Tuscany

This was the postcard Tuscany experience I was seeking! I stayed at Casa Ombuto for a week under the guidance of Chef Paola and not only learnt so much about Tuscan cuisine and cooking, but I also got to enjoy the best hospitality, beautiful accomodation, and a tour of the Tuscan area of Poppi. If you enjoy cooking and have a love for food you’ll enjoy this trip. You’re surrounded by the Tuscan hills and mountains in such a pinch yourself location. The staff at the villa are there for your every request and make the stay so much more welcoming. Chef Paola is amazing to learn under, her experience, technique and love of food is highly commendable and makes the stay not just enjoyable but also authentic. I’ll be coming back with family and friends because I enjoyed it so much.

This was a return trip after initially experiencing Tuscookany in April 2017. For an absolutely fabulous time I cannot recommend Tuscookany any higher. From the time you arrive at the property you are warmly welcomed. The staff are absolutely wonderful, cordial, warm and greet you like family. There is nothing the staff wouldn't do to make your stay absolutely the best in the world. The accommodations are above reproach, the amenities (swimming pool, sauna, hot tub, weight room) are all available, and contribute to the experience. They have created an environment where everyone is welcome, and there isn't anything too small or too big that they wouldn't do their absolute best to accommodate.
The chef welcomes you into the kitchen every single day with true Italian warmth. The menu items selected every day challenged us and you could not imagine eating any better food after we preparing it ourselves. This is a tribute to the chef and the ability to communicate, cajole, encourage and support all of the students learning the techniques for creating truly wonderful Italian food.
There were 7 students and we became close friends, sharing successes, trials and tribulations with each other. It seemed the most natural thing in the world to share with each other as we shared the food we had worked together to create. The wine with every meal was from the local vintners in the area and paired well with each meal.
The hikes were an welcome addition to my earlier experience and was enjoyed with the other guests as we viewed the stunning scenery from the hilltops.
The one day excursion to a winery provided the opportunity to taste the local wine and olive oil. The excursion included a visit to a local cooperative where they produce small batches of Italian cheese. The last stop for the day, a pottery factory, provided the opportunity to view handmade Italian pottery.
The location of the villa near the small village of Poppi has such stunning views of the Tuscany countryside it just takes your breath away. You can relax on the verandas, drink wine and listen to the birds in the immediate wooded area. It doesn't matter which direction you look there's always something stunning to see. If it's chilly there are multiple fireplaces that will warm you. You may marvel over the sunsets as their reflection occurs off the swimming pool on the property.
I could not imagine a more rewarding, calming yet exciting, personally gratifying, experience than I had at Tuscookany. You won't regret it.

Italian cooking school has been on my bucket list. It exceeded our expectations. Chef Paola is the prefect chef for this job. Her outgoing personality and patience is wonderful.
We met some wonderful ladies during our stay. The property is beautiful and so relaxing. I could write pages about this experience. It is worth every dollar. Ombuto has smaller classes which I highly recommend.

One of the most amazing experiences of my life. Location - beyond beautiful and peaceful. Staff - treated you like family but also like the queen. Claudia - so full of love and energy. Nicole - fun and silly. Chef Paoula - definitely an excellent chef and teacher BUT so full of life and energy. She will embody how you feel about visiting Tuscany.
Even if I never stepped in the kitchen, it was an amazing experience. And yet I learned to make fantastic food. At the meals, we would all just melt eating some of the dishes.
Go. Even if you aren’t a cook. Go. Even if you aren’t a wine drinker or a foodie.
But not if you are vegetarian - Tuscans eat so much meat. So much.

If you’re thinking about coming to Tuscookany, don’t wait go book it now - I promise you won’t regret it. I have been to Tuscookany 13 times and every visit is amazing. You can’t go wrong with any of the chefs or villas. From the moment you arrive, everyone at the villa treats you like family. And there is a sense of peace - I swear my blood pressure lowers the minute I step on to any of the properties. But let’s talk cooking. Whether you are a whiz in the kitchen or hoping to learn how to make something besides hot dogs, the chefs at Tuscookany will walk you through it all with knowledge, patience and most importantly fun. What might feel overwhelming on the first day will turn into the feeling you belong in a Michelin Star kitchen by the last - okay, maybe an exaggeration, but you will learn a ton! The skills I have taken away from these classes is invaluable - just ask my husband. Speaking of my husband, I was lucky enough for him to propose to me during dinner at Casa Ombuto - it was magical. The staff made sure it was a memorable experience, from being ready with a sparking wine toast for everyone to one of the owners making sure to capture it on video. I couldn’t think of a better place to have had this happen.

As for the villas, they’re all stunning and each has their own personality. While Tartufo is larger with sweeping views, Ombuto is slightly smaller and has a more intimate feel. Scattered across each villa are multiple places to lounge, read or work - but don’t work, this is vacation. But if you must, the wifi is strong - I have taken zoom meetings with no problem. The beds are very comfortable and the bathrooms provide all you need, including body wash, shampoo, conditioner and a hair dryer. So you can save all that room in your suitcase for olive oil and wine. Each villa has a beautiful pool and a fun barrel hot tub. A glass of wine while soaking in a wood-fired barrel under the Tuscan stars is as good as it gets. Each villa also offers some workout equipment and a sauna and steam room. And if you’re tired from chopping beautiful fresh veggies and stirring sauces you can schedule a massage for after breakfast one morning.

Other wonderful things include the house managers - they take care of the guests with the utmost attention and they’re amazing people. Another highlight is the excursion day. Winemakers, cheesemakers and exquisite artisans making Tuscan linens or ceramics are on the menu - it’s an unforgettable day.

Things I love about each villa:
Tartufo: The cozy nooks by the pool. The sweeping views - a cocktail outside at sunset is a spiritual event. In the kitchen, Franco and his wife Paola approach everything with their humor and easy going nature. The ease with which Franco will help you correct your mistakes, or on occasion pivot the whole plan when you’ve chopped something wrong or forgotten the sugar in the gelato is admirable. He’s kind and never makes you feel like you ruined anything - hey, maybe we just created something new.

Casa Ombuto: Smaller and more intimate. You can see the kitchen from the dining room, so when you are eating inside you can peek at the action in the kitchen (you are always welcome in any kitchen to watch the prep for serving, but at Ombuto you can do it while sitting on your bum). Chef Paola and her assistants Marta and Monica are amazing. The kitchen here is full of energy, just like Chef Paola. Her wonderful spirit and amazing heart come through in everything we do in the kitchen at Ombuto. I have come to Tuscookany alone, with a few friends, and once taking over the whole villa. Every experience is different and every one is memorable. I have met so many wonderful people from all over the world here. If you are afraid to come alone, don’t worry, by the end of the welcome dinner you have a table full of friends. Tuscookany is a place I cherish and a place where the people have become like family. Come and join the family. Okay, I’ve babbled enough - go book it, you’ll love it. We might even cross paths when I come for the 14th 15th or 16th time.

I loved this place, the staff, the lessons, the dishes, the grounds.... the attention to detail and hospitality were outstanding.
This is a very unique experience, agrotourism is my type of vacation, I'm a foodie and I already love cooking. I learned so much in the week long Mediterranean class. It is a mix of cooking italian, Moroccan, French etc. and I can definitely cook these dishes at home, plus I'm inspired to use these techniques on other dishes that are already great.
Every morning we had a beautiful breakfast waiting us with nothing to spare. Fresh squeezed juice, fresh pastries, bread, eggs and more.
The rooms are beautiful, well kept and comfortable beds.
This was the best trip ever!
Thank you Alice, Claudia, Alex and all of the staff that makes Tuscookany possible.

Amazing experience! Chef Paola is incredible- she's a talented chef, a great teacher, and hilarious. The location is beautiful and the experience itself is extremely special. The overall service and staff are top-notch. Very highly recommend!

Our family had the privilege of working with Poala and Donalda. While this was a return trip (15 years) for me, it was a new experience for my husband, daughters, son in laws and grand daughter. The experience met and far exceeded my family’s expectations. The new villa, the view, spending time travelling the countryside and lastly and most importantly sharing a first class cooking adventure with Paola was an experience we will all cherish. Paola is a master in her craft… we had many laughs and jokes as we worked our way through days of 5 course menus and more. Donalda was always there with encouraging smiles and making sure we had everything we needed. These two are a wonderful team!

Also a special thank you to Claudia for helping us with whatever question we had from helping us navigate to Florence, Anghiari and setting us up to prolong our stay! This group including Alex, Lena, Andy and the girls will welcome you with open arms!

DO NOT HESITATE….. TAKE THIS TRIP!

We spent a fabulous week at Casa Ombuto for cooking lessons and hiking. Chef Paola is amazing…from her ability to organize 6 people in the kitchen to create delicious meals to her wonderful, fun personality. We were treated like family and enjoyed everything about our stay. The countryside is beautiful for hiking. The excursion to the winery and farm where cheese was made was excellent. Now that we’re home, we’re using our new culinary skills to enjoy the food we experienced on our trip. We are definitely returning!

One of my favourite holidays ever!
The Casa Ombuto house, amenities and surrounds were beautiful and the rooms were gorgeous, and comfortable. And that’s before we even started cooking! Paola was our chef and I have nothing but praise for her, for the tips, the tricks, the true belief in sustainable and local use of food. She really has a great attitude towards fun and food. She’s a gem, and she ensures you keep busy the whole time.
Alec and Lena deserve a mention too for their delightful management of the locations, their warm and fun tales that kept us amused at the evening dinners. The rest of the team who kept up with the whims of all the guest requests, organised our breakfasts, tidied our rooms whilst we were in a culinary whirlwind with Paola, were all wonderful too. Nothing but praise for the team at Casa Ombuto

We had a great time. Had 2 br ground floor unit … very big rooms for even America. Heated pool, beautiful area. No problem with not having air conditioning. Elevated location cool breeze at night. I’m an a/c addict and I had no problems.

Popi is nice Borgo with significance in Italian History. Explore castle. Local restaurants are very good. I’d skip both wine and chees tours. Take metro train to Florence. Arrive in old Florence, Santa Maria Novello train station. Don’t drive. Parking is literally impossible.

Got to Central Mercator for one of the best food bazaars in Europe. Get panni from Barone Stand made to your order.

The Casa Ombuto cooking school and Chef Laura are simply amazing! I cannot say enough good things about Casa Ombuto in Tuscany — I have such wonderful memories, warm and wonderful people, beautiful Tuscan surroundings and fabulous food.....that we were able to cook ourselves with Chef Laura's excellent instruction. This trip was a birthday present to myself..... This trip would be perfect for singles or couples....and if you are a foodie like I am and likes a glass of wine, it is truly Heaven!

Perfect location, villa, kitchen, chef and companions! Villa is a real gem - carefully restored and decorated in rustic style - which I love the most! Cooking class was fun thanks to Paola who is a real Tuscan chef and knows how to teach. We did a hard work but at the end we were rewarded with a great dinner and satisfaction that we have learned something new and we will enjoy the same tasteful food back at home... I have to mention also good selection of wine! Definately place to be if you want to feel the Tuscan spirit and taste some good food in Italy....

What a culinary adventure we had at Casa Ombuto. We can honestly say that ALL our expectations were exceeded and some!!!. This cooking course was my 50th birthday gift from my Fiance' Andy but we had to rebook it twice since March 2020 due to Covid. So when we finally arrived in beautiful Tuscany and the town of Poppi, we couldn't wait to get to Casa Ombuto. This has also been on my bucketlist since 2009, so it was a dream come true for me when we did finally drive into Casa Ombuto. Allyson, you are amazing and loads of fun as well. You made us feel part of the family from the moment we arrived and put a glass of wine in our hands. Chef Alice...what can we say that wasn't already said? You are an absolute delight!!! You truly do put your whole heart and soul into the cooking experience and your passion for food made this experience extra-ordinary. 😍 Thank you SO much for sharing this with us. Pippa and Lars, the owners, thank you for opening up your special place to us and for making it extra special by being there with us. You have both created something truly wonderful with your Casa Ombuto family and we couldn't wait to share it with our family and friend back in South Africa. An added bonus was that we met such incredible people on this course and will hopefully visit some of them in the USA next year. Thank you to everyone at Casa Ombuto and Liz at Tuscookany who made this adventure so special for us, nothing was too much effort for anyone. When we left, we felt like we were leaving family behind. We will be back!!!

I did not want to leave Casa Ombuto!

I have dreamt for years to go to an cooking school in Tuscany and really did a lot of research planning this trip.
Casa Ombuto exceeded all my expectations and more.
I did of course expect to learn Tuscan dishes, but did not realize it would be such fun and that I would be going home having made great new friends.
The accommodation is amazing and the staff make you feel totally at home and I had great difficulty leaving.

From the moment you arrive at Casa Ombuto, you get the feeling that the entire staff is truly happy to be your host. The service, facility and grounds are top-rate. Chef Paola Baccetti sets the tone for a week of fun, learning and adventure in the kitchen, where she elevates the cooking game in all her students. At the dinner table, you will spend hours learning about the Tuscan Way from this knowledgeable local fixture who has spent her life in the region. And thanks to Paola's great kitchen support team, this is a cooking adventure complete with everything except the clean-up duties.
There was one organized day trip to a winery, followed by lunch at an olive farm, a visit to another farm that makes goat cheese and then an old textile factory. Other days, you will have free time for local exploring or just relaxing, with cooking lessons starting at 3PM.
We had a fantastic week and found the other guests (there were 9 others) to be great company.
If you want to dive into authentic Tuscan cuisine, this is the place to do it

My husband is passionate about food and suggested we go on a cooking holiday at Casa Ombuto in Tuscany. I am not the cook in the family but I love eating food, talking about food and theorizing about the science of cooking. I was not convinced that this would be a “holiday” for me but it turned out to be a life changing experience. The chef was so knowledgeable and encouraging and it was a totally empowering experience. Not only did I discover that I can cook, but I loved doing it and gained enormous confidence in my potential to create delicious food for my family and friends. Casa Ombuto is a little piece of paradise in Italy: the setting, the gardens, the attention to detail. On our breaks from the kitchen or eating, we went on lovely walks or relaxed around the pool which made it a perfect holiday – thank you to all the Casa Ombuto staff!

Exceptional, fantastic, and a one of a kind experience. I was excited for this trip and thought it would be nice but I had no idea it would exceed anything I could have imagined.

The property is beautiful and the villa's are wonderful. Sheena and staff are friendly, efficient and will accommodate in any way possible. And then... there is Chef Paula. Vibrant and passionate about food, people and all things Tuscan.

I would highly recommend this experience and I look forward to my next Tuscookany adventure.

The best decision I ever made was to spend a week at Tuscookany and Casa Ombuto. It exceeded my expectations in every way from environment, staff, chefs, food, wine...... I felt so well taken care of and learned so much from the best chef, Paola! I will be back for more in the future, no question about it. Ciao, Grazie!!

We just returned from our cooking class in Casa Ombuto and I have to say, that it was an all round great experience. We learned a lot and met some really nice people along the way. Summing it up: the location is stunning, the facilities are flawless and the friendly staff very warm & knowledgeable!