Coffee: Become a Master Barista With This Masterclass in Italy

Learn the Art of Italian Coffee Making at Terzi Coffee School in Vignola

Being a barista is a profession that can be practiced anywhere in the world, but its true roots lie in Italy’s deep coffee culture and centuries-old espresso tradition. With the Terzi Coffee School, you can immerse yourself in an authentic Italian learning experience and master the refined craft of professional coffee making directly where espresso culture was born.

The Terzi Coffeehouses of Italy offer a wide range of professional courses and experiential workshops through the Terzi School for Coffee and Foodies, located in Vignola, just outside Modena. Courses are open to complete beginners, professional baristas and passionate coffee lovers who want to deepen their knowledge of Italian espresso culture.

All lessons are led by an experienced, English-speaking master barista (other languages available) and focus on practical, hands-on training rather than passive demonstrations. Depending on your availability and interests, you can choose from short workshops, half-day programs, one-day experiences or intensive multi-day courses. Many classes also include breakfast, lunch or dinner featuring traditional Emilia-Romagna cuisine.

If you are planning a wider itinerary in the area, this experience fits perfectly alongside other local attractions and food experiences — you can explore additional ideas in our guide to Things to Do in Modena.

What You Will Learn at Terzi Coffee School

The vision of Caffè Terzi founder, Mr. Manuel Terzi, is to preserve and share Italian coffee excellence with anyone eager to learn — from curious travelers to aspiring professionals. The school offers an in-depth exploration of the coffee world, combining technical skills with culinary culture.

• Understanding coffee beans, origins, harvesting and roasting processes.
• Grinding techniques and espresso extraction methods.
• Italian espresso machine operation and maintenance.
• Milk texturing, latte art and perfect cappuccino preparation.
• Pairing coffee with cheese and traditional Italian dishes.
• Learning over 125 coffee drink recipes and international variations.
• History and evolution of coffee culture in Italy.

The world of coffee can appear complex at first, but Terzi Coffee School breaks it down into practical skills that participants can immediately apply — whether for professional development or personal passion.

Hands-On Barista Courses for Every Skill Level

Unlike many online coffee courses, Terzi emphasizes direct participation and personalized instruction. Small group sizes ensure individual attention and a friendly learning environment. Courses can also be tailored to your objectives and previous experience.

Typical course options include:

• Beginner barista course (approx. 3.5 hours).
• Intermediate barista training (approx. 4.5 hours).
• Advanced professional barista program (full-day intensive).
• Espresso and cappuccino mastery workshops.
• Coffee roasting and sensory analysis modules.

Prices and course availability may vary depending on the program selected and season, so it is recommended to consult the official Terzi website for the most up-to-date schedules and pricing.

A Unique Experience for Coffee Lovers Visiting Emilia-Romagna

Whether you are traveling through Bologna, Modena or the surrounding countryside, attending a class at Terzi Coffee School adds a meaningful, hands-on dimension to your Italian journey. It is an opportunity to go beyond sightseeing and actively engage with one of Italy’s most iconic daily rituals.

If you are passionate about food, culture and authentic experiences, this is a learning opportunity you simply should not miss.