About us

“The preparation of good food is merely another expression of the joys of civilised living”

Dione Lucas

A history of love and cuisine

From Medieval Walls to Modern Flavors

Our culinary journey begins over 1000 years ago, tracing the roots of Tuscan cuisine. Imagine a time when simple, hearty staples like the Ribollita were already a popular stew among the peasant class, providing sustenance and warmth.

Meanwhile, rich pasta dishes featuring butter and precious spices were the favored fare of the nobility. Interestingly, the vibrant tomato sauce didn’t meet its pasta soulmate until the 1600s, illustrating how deeply rooted our culinary traditions are in history and evolution.

As you cook with us in the historic Tricerchi Castle, originally constructed in the 13th century, you are stepping directly into this heritage. We will dive into the authentic flavors and recipes, spanning from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the cherished dishes of our grandparents and the innovations of the present day. You won’t simply learn the modern techniques of the kitchen; you will become a part of a long, loving tradition of recipes passed down from generation to generation, taking home not just a meal, but a piece of Siena’s timeless culinary soul.

Chef Alexandra

Alexandra Barac

Alexandra Barac grew up in Italy and has worked in the wine and tourism industry for 10 years. After many years working as the Villa Manager and organizing cooking classes, she now leads the Magida cooking school at Tricerchi Castle. Gathering the freshest, most fragrant ingredients from local producers, her cooking always focuses on bringing out the best that the season has to offer.

Our Philosophy

The love that we cherish for our guests (who become our friends); the love for the territory and its traditions (which become our inspiration); the love for our our nonna’s ragu (which becomes our gateway to cooking) . . . these are the loves we share with you, so that you can fall in love with Tuscany, too. As you sip a glass of Brunello, make pasta by hand, or gaze at the rolling hills of our splendid country, let yourself fall in love.

What we really want

The love that we cherish for our guests (who then become friends); the love for the territory and its traditions (one of the most important of which is making wine); the love for our culture and for the heritage of our grandmother’s (the family recipe for our nonna’s ragu!) … this is the love we strive to transmit to you during your classes, so that you too will fall in love with Tuscany as you sip a glass of Brunello, make pasta by hand, and look out over the rolling hills of our splendid wine country.