A wooden sign hanging from a tree branch reads, 'GARDENING Cheaper Than Therapy And You Get Tomatoes'. The background shows a garden with plants and blurred greenery.

slow cooking

A woman smiling and standing in a garden or farm, holding a large gourd hanging from a vine. She wears a black crop top, beige shorts, and sandals, with a wheelbarrow nearby.

Ciao! I’m Alina Pinelli – a professional wine and olive oil sommelier, chef, devoted mom, and Labrador retriever enthusiast. My passion for food, family, and sustainability led me to create Slow Cooking School, where we celebrate the art of cooking with organic, seasonal ingredients and time-honored traditions.

At Slow Cooking School, we offer personalized cooking experiences for everyone—from kids and families to those seeking gluten-free options—right in the comfort of your vacation villa. Our classes and catering are available in Rome, Umbria, and Tuscany, where we bring the magic of Italian cuisine to life.

schoool

Pouring red wine into a glass bowl on a wooden table, with a full glass of red wine in the background.
Close-up of a person's hand using a wooden pasta machine to roll fresh pasta dough into thin sheets.
A bowl of pasta with cheese, herbs, and possibly a creamy sauce, garnished with a few olive leaves, on a wooden table with two metal forks resting in the bowl.

Organic Cooking Classes in Tuscany & Umbria | Private Chef Experiences | Food & Wine Events in Italy

What People Are Saying

  • It was amazing, fun and the best meal ever

    . Alina is extremely patient and made sure we understood that love was one of the important ingredients. Alina speaks perfect English so it was easy to understand and follow instructions. The kitchen is so warm and welcoming.

  • A memorable experience in Tuscany

    My husband and I booked this while we were staying in Siena. We drove about an hour out to this beautiful olive oil farm for a cooking class of 4 different homemade pastas, 3 different sauces and delicious Tuscan vegetable dishes.

  • This was a huge highlight of our family trip overseas.

    I have no hesitation in recommending Alina and her Slow Cooking School. Alina created an amazing experience for us (including for my three children) and made us feel so welcome. Beautiful setting in the Umbrian countryside, great host with authentic recipes for us to cook and, to finish….

  • We had a wonderful day with Alina.

    It was the perfect way to start our Tuscany vacation. Everything we prepared was delicious and Alina made it so much fun for all aged 8 to 80! A great day!

  • Fun, informative and festive experience.

    Over several years of visits to Italy I've taken numerous cooking classes. Alini's, which I attended in May along with 4 of my friends, was the most hands on and fun. There were other travelers in our class, and that added to the festive atmosphere. Class started with all of us seated in the charming historic dining room on the estate. We all shared a bit about ourselves, and then Alina spoke about the estate, about olive oil, and with passion about Italian cooking. Then it was into the kitchen to make several different kinds of pasta and Alinia’s yogurt based version of Tiramisu. Throughout the class Alina gave each of us hands-on guidance….

  • Must do cooking class in Tuscany

    Alina is wonderful! We learned about and made multiple pastas and made tiramisu.

    She was patient and provided great hands on experience on the fine details. The food, the wine, the experience, and cooking class was a unique experience. It’s a must do on your trip to Tuscany.

  • Alina is a gem…best cooking class ever!

    I am overdue in writing my compliments to Alina. Our family regularly takes a cooking class on vacation and this was without a doubt the best experience. Alina is a wonderful instructor and my teenage daughters thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We met lovely people and made so much food that we ate a hearty lunch and took home a full meal. The lesson location at Il Fontanaro is beautiful and we got to see the olive oil production area. I wish I could give this experience ten stars! Don’t hesitate to book!

  • Great experience all around!

    Amazing food, landscape / location, atmosphere and hospitality. I was there with my family and it felt very cosy learning how to make pasta with Alina and her daughter. Would definitely say value for money and a great activity

  • Organic cooking class in Tuscany

    Organic cooking class in Tuscany

    Organic Cooking Class in Tuscany in a Historic Palazzo (Siena Province, Chiusi)
    Join an authentic cooking class in Tuscany in a stunning historic palazzo in the province of Siena, located in the medieval town of Chiusi, above the legendary Labyrinth of Porsenna, the Etruscan king. A unique food-and-culture experience with local recipes, seasonal ingredients, and true Tuscan atmosphere.

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  • Organic Cooking class in Umbria

    Organic Cooking class in Umbria

    Cooking Class in Umbria at Il Fontanaro – Slow Living Experience
    Experience a hands-on Italian cooking class in Umbria at Il Fontanaro, an elegant countryside retreat known for its authentic hospitality. Cook with fresh seasonal ingredients, discover local traditions, and enjoy a warm, intimate atmosphere in the heart of Italy.

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  • catering or private chef at your villa

    catering or private chef at your villa

    Private Chef & Food and Wine Events in Tuscany, Umbria & Rome
    Elevate your stay with a luxury private chef service and bespoke food & wine events hosted at your villa in Tuscany, Umbria or Rome. Enjoy seasonal Italian menus, wine pairings, cooking shows or fully staffed dinners — curated with local ingredients and authentic hospitality.

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