Pecorino Toscano: Cheese Making Class at An Old Tuscan Farm

About

At a meticulously Tuscan farm, Lap and Ilaria will help you discover the art of cheese making.

The farm, named Fattoria Bistecca is surrounded by over 37 acres of grain, fields of sunflowers, alfalfa and beautiful vineyards. The farm is also home to many animals including ponies, chickens, hens, geese, ducks, doves, and sheep. In fact, the sheep are movie stars! They star in the movie Under the Tuscan Sun! At the farm, they'll tell you in which scene you can find them. 

During this class, you'll learn how to produce three types of cheese; "raveggiolo", "pecorino", and their famous "ricotta" (mentioned in the cookbook Under the Tuscan Sun Cookbook by Frances Mayes). Typically, Tuscan cheese is produced from sheep milk, however, at this farm, they don't pasteurize their milk, ensuring the cheese is a raw milk cheese. This creates a unique texture and flavor! Additionally, you'll also learn the traditional method of producing and aging "pecorino.  

This unique experience will end with a wonderful tasting of Tuscan bruschetta, pecorino cheese, pasta, and ricotta with jam. Of course, all accompanied by good Italian wine.

Menu

Food:

• Bruschetta
• Raviggiolo (fresh cheese from sheep milk)
• Pecorino (fresh, medium-aged, and aged with jelly)
• Gnudi, ravioli or pici
• Ricotta with jam

Drinks:

• Wine, water, and "vin santo"

Schedule

• 5 pm: Arrival at farm
• 5.15 pm: Introduction to cheese production 
• 5.30 pm: Visit to the barns where sheep live 
• 6 pm: Start hands-on cheese making class 
• 7 pm: Tasting of various Italian produce
• 8 pm: Arrivederci