Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine

4.8
(14 reviews)

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2 hours 30 minutes (approximately)
Pickup offered

This experience offers an authentic deep dive into Genoa’s culinary tradition, just steps from the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. You'll learn to prepare real Genovese pesto using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle—just like locals have done for centuries. Set in a small artisan ‘food and wine’ shop in the heart of the old town, the experience is authentic, hands-on, and full of flavor. You'll taste high-quality local ingredients and then enjoy your handmade pesto served over trofie pasta, paired with a guided tasting of two Ligurian wines: refreshing Vermentino and elegant Ciliegiolo. We keep the groups small to create a warm, personal atmosphere where you can ask questions, share stories, and feel like a true Genovese for a day. At the end, you’ll receive a participation certificate and a jar of long-shelf-life pesto to take home. This is more than just a cooking class—it’s a cultural moment to remember.

Example Menu

Main

Trofie al pesto

Trofie al pesto is a traditional Ligurian pasta dish served with handmade basil pesto for an authentic taste of Genoa.

What's Included

Alcoholic Beverages
Brunch
Private transportation
Gratuities
Optional purchase of top-quality local food and wine to support the local economy.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We can accommodate your needs upon request

OR
Meeting point

Meet at the BioTigullio5Terre shop, 100m from Columbus’ House. Easily reachable from Piazza De Ferrari (5 min walk, metro and buses). Look for the handmade sign outside in coloured wood. Call or WhatsApp us if needed.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What to expect

You’ll be welcomed into artisan "food and wine" shop in the heart of Genoa, near Columbus’ House. After a short briefing explaining the local ingredients, you’ll learn to make authentic Genovese pesto by hand, using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle.
Then, enjoy the pesto you’ve made served over artisanal trofie pasta, paired with a tasting of one or two local wines: Vermentino and Ciliegiolo. We’ll finish with time to relax, take photos, and receive your participation certificate and a jar of long-shelf-life pesto to take home.

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Supplied by Tigullio Trekking - BioTigullio5Terre

Tags

Cooking Classes
Small Group
Food & Drink
Spring Break
Best Conversion
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.8 Based on 14 14 reviews
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