Cheese first, wine after, in Oltrarno. This Florence stop is interesting because you choose one of three pairing styles (wine, bubbles, or craft beer) and spend about an hour tasting in a real neighborhood shop instead of a formal meal.

I like two things right away. First, the wines come from small, organic producers, so you’re not stuck with generic bottles. Second, the sommelier selects two wines on the spot based on your preferences and the flavors in your board—so the pairing feels responsive, not automatic.

One thing to consider: it’s not a sit-down restaurant experience. You’ll be tasting at a cozy deli spot with no table service, and the whole setup is compact—great if you want focused bites, less great if you’re hoping for a slow, long meal.

Key points to know before you go

• Three tasting choices: wine, bubbles, or craft beer, each with a set number of drinks included
• Organic producer focus: wine is chosen from small, organic producers
• On-the-spot pairing: a sommelier picks two wines to match your board and your tastes
• A true deli board: cheeses, cold cuts (including salami-style items), artisan breads or focaccia, plus honey and jams
• Raw milk cheeses are included: good to know if you avoid them
• Small group size: max 12 travelers, and you taste at your leisure

Oltrarno’s deli vibe: tasting where locals go

This experience happens in Florence’s Oltrarno area, at an actual shop/delicatessen that sells cheese, charcuterie, beer, and wine. The big win for me is the feel: you’re not waiting for courses, you’re not wearing the “restaurant performance” mask. You show up at Via Romana 41r, grab a cozy spot, and settle in with a board that’s meant for tasting.

This is also a practical neighborhood choice. Oltrarno is where you’ll find that everyday Florence rhythm—small streets, local shops, and people popping in for a quick culinary moment. In the reviews, people note it’s near Pitti Palace, which makes it easy to tuck into a day of walking and museum time.

Because there’s no table service, the pace is yours. That sounds simple, but it changes how you enjoy it. You can take your time with cheese and then shift to wine when you’re ready. It’s also a nice option if you get tired of “guided tour fatigue” and want a food-centered break.

One more real-world detail: the place can be busy. It’s a shop where folks come in for tastings, and you may share the space with others. That doesn’t mean it’s chaotic, but it does mean you should expect a lively, close-quarters atmosphere rather than a quiet dining room.

Your pairing choice: wine, bubbles, or craft beer

You don’t just pick a drink color; you pick a whole tasting path. Here’s what’s included in each option:

• Wine option: 2 glasses of wine
• Bubbles option: 4 glasses of bubbles (sparkling)
• Beer option: 3 glasses of craft beer (16.5 ml each)

All options include the board and bottled water.

If you choose wine, the standout detail is that a sommelier selects two wines on the spot—you’re not handed a fixed lineup. The pairing is designed around what’s on your cutting board and what you say you like. That matters, because cheese and cured meats don’t all want the same wine. Some cheeses crave acidity; some want something fuller; cured meats often do best with wines that can cut through salt and fat.

If you’re more of a bubbles person, you’re getting more pours (four glasses). Sparkling wine is often an easy match for salty charcuterie and creamy cheeses because the bubbles bring lift between bites. This option tends to feel a little more playful and “sampling-forward.”

If you’re choosing craft beer, the experience includes three beer glasses. The idea here is flavor pairing: you’re meant to taste beer alongside the board rather than use it only as a fallback drink. It’s a fun path if you already like beer and want to see how Italian-style cheese and meats behave with a different kind of beverage.

The board itself: cheeses, cold cuts, breads, honey, and jams

This is not a tiny “starter plate” tasting. You get an abundant mixed board with a chef/host-style selection of:

• gourmet cheeses
• cold cuts and salami-style meats
• artisan breads or focaccia
• local honey
• unique jams

That lineup is exactly why this experience works for most people. You’re tasting across fat, salt, sweetness, and bread texture, and then pairing it with your chosen drink. It’s not just “cheese and a sip.” You’re actually building flavor contrasts.

One detail you should treat seriously: raw milk cheeses will be served. If you avoid raw milk for health reasons or personal preference, double-check before booking. The experience doesn’t advertise alternatives, so this is one of those “know it up front” moments.

Another food reality: gluten intolerant guests are allowed, but they do not guarantee complete non-contamination. That means bread/focaccia and shared prep surfaces could be an issue. If gluten is a strict medical concern, be cautious and decide based on your own tolerance and risk comfort.

Also, while the experience description is broad, the board is clearly centered on both cheese and meat. If you’re vegetarian or strictly avoid cured meats, this may not be the best match unless you’re confident you can enjoy the board’s cheese and bread parts.

Where the sommelier shines (and how Eduardo fits in)

The pairing isn’t left to guesswork. The sommelier’s job is to select two wines based on your preferences and the flavors of your board. In plain terms: you’re getting a short, useful “why this goes with that” conversation, not just a toast.

In the reviews, a host named Eduardo gets called out as instructive and cordial, and people specifically mention that he walked them through the cheese and meats and explained what wines pair well. That kind of guidance is valuable because it changes how you taste. Instead of consuming bites randomly, you start noticing patterns like:

• when a wine’s acidity makes a cheese taste cleaner
• how tannins can feel sharper with very fatty bites
• how sweetness from honey or jams can soften saltiness

Even if you’re not a wine nerd, those quick pairing cues help you enjoy more from the limited time you have.

Another thing I appreciate: this is presented as a shop where locals buy the products. That means the board isn’t just a tasting-stage fabrication—it’s tied to what people choose to take home or reorder. You get a more authentic sense of the flavors the neighborhood actually supports.

The 1-hour flow: how to get the most from a short tasting

This experience runs about 1 hour, and that time is built for focused tasting. Since it’s a no-table-service setup, the rhythm is more “arrive, settle, taste, learn, finish” than “wait for servers and courses.”

Here’s a realistic way you’ll experience it:

1. Meet at Via Romana 41r and get oriented with the space.
2. Settle into a cozy spot (there’s no assigned table service).
3. Start with the board: cheeses, cured meats, bread/focaccia, plus honey and jams.
4. Move into pairing with the drink option you selected. For wine, the sommelier selects two wines on the spot to match your preferences and the board’s flavors.
5. Keep going at your leisure until the tasting time runs out.

Because it’s compact, you’ll want to be deliberate. Take a breath before your first bite and actually notice the differences between the cheeses and meats. Then, when you get your first glass, taste once as-is and once with a bite that has the closest flavor match.

Practical tip: if you’re the type who tends to overfill your plate, pause. The board is meant for repeated tasting, not one quick cram session.

Also, bottled water is included, which is helpful if you’re doing multiple sips in a short window.

Price and value in Florence terms: $51.86 for board plus pours

At $51.86 per person, this isn’t a “cheap snack tasting.” It is, however, a fairly strong value for what you actually receive: an included lunch board, bottled water, and alcohol with set serving counts depending on your option.

What makes the price feel reasonable is the combination:

• You’re not paying just for alcohol.
• You’re paying for a guided pairing moment (especially for wine).
• You’re getting multiple food components—cheese, cured meats, bread/focaccia, honey, and jams.

Add in the small group size (max 12), and it supports the idea that you’ll get attention and not just be one body in a line.

One small cost note: soda/pop isn’t included. If you need non-alcoholic drinks beyond the included bottled water, plan for that separately.

Finally, booking lead time is a hint about popularity: it’s often booked about 31 days in advance on average. If you have a tight Florence schedule, locking in earlier is smart, especially for weekend slots or peak days.

Who should book this cheese-and-charcuterie pairing

This experience fits best if you want:

• a casual, authentic deli-style food stop in Oltrarno
• real pairings (especially if you pick wine and the sommelier tailors selections)
• an hour that feels like lunch, not a full sit-down meal
• a group size that stays small (max 12)

You’ll probably enjoy it even more if you’re open-minded. Cheese and cured meats cover a lot of flavor ground, and the menu includes raw milk cheeses, plus sweetness from honey and jams.

Who might hesitate:

• Kids or teens: children under 18 are not allowed, even at the table.
• Anyone avoiding raw milk: it’s explicitly part of the tasting.
• Anyone with gluten concerns that require strict avoidance: gluten intolerant guests are allowed, but there’s no guarantee of non-contamination.

Also, alcohol is included by choice, and the experience notes the minimum age for drinking is 18. If you’re coming as a group, make sure everyone’s on the same page before booking.

Should you book this Florence tasting?

If you want a one-hour, food-first experience in Oltrarno that goes beyond generic “tasting flight” snacks, I think this is a solid pick. The best reasons to book are the organic-producer wine focus, the on-the-spot pairing for wine, and the fact that you’re eating an actual mixed board (cheese, cured meats, bread/focaccia, honey, jams), not just nibbling.

Choose the option that matches your mood:

• Wine if you want pairing guidance and small producer bottles.
• Bubbles if you want more drink pours and a lively match with salty bites.
• Craft beer if you enjoy beer and want a different pairing angle.

Just go in knowing it’s a shop setup with no table service, and that certain dietary constraints matter (raw milk, possible gluten cross-contact). If that fits your needs, book it and enjoy the simple pleasure of tasting Florence the way locals do: slowly, bite by bite.

FAQ

What tasting options can I choose in Florence?

You can choose from three options: wine, bubbles, or craft beer, each paired with your cheese and charcuterie board.

How long is the experience?

It runs for about 1 hour.

What drinks are included?

It depends on your option. The beer option includes 3 glasses of beer, the wine option includes 2 glasses of wine, and the bubbles option includes 4 glasses of bubbles. Bottled water is also included.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Via Romana, 41r, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy, and the experience ends back at the meeting point.

Is there table service during the tasting?

No. There is no table service. You find a cozy spot and enjoy your tasting at your leisure.

Are children allowed?

No. Children under 18 are not allowed, even at the table.

Can people with gluten intolerance participate?

Gluten intolerant guests are allowed, but they do not guarantee complete non-contamination.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellation is free, but changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.