"If you want to learn about a land and it's people eat what they eat." -Lord Byron.

What better place to taste the essence of Italy than in historic Florence?

Tuscans revel in their culinary heritage, and food is a central part of everyday life. The act of eating is not only for sustanance, but more importantly, a celebration of life itself, a spiritual experience for many Tuscans. Every day, Florentines seek out the freshest and finest ingredients.

Taste Florence aims to bring travelers to the city’s finest foods, educating them as they eat the best Italy has to offer. Tasting Florence means taking a bite of history. We offer daily tasting and culinary tours, as well as special private tours upon request.

An Interesting Fact: The Medici family, while governing Tuscany, required that landowners plant olive trees in their groves every year. Today's Tuscan olive oil could still contain some of these olives, as olive trees are known to live for over a thousand years.

• The historic context of what you are eating!

• What Extra Virgin Olive Oil really means.

• The first cold press myth.

• Why we ‘breath’ wine.

• Why the black rooster on Chianti Classico bottles?

• How to choose balsamic vinegar.

• How to descriminate between Italian coffees.

• How to choose fresh and aged cheeses and their sauces.