Sestri Levante: Pesto & Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting

Sestri Levante’s Pesto & Cooking Classes with Wine Tasting offers a delightful taste of Liguria’s culinary traditions. Priced at $56.94 per person, this tour provides a lively mix of hands-on cooking, local wine sampling, and cultural insights, all within an hour-long session. Located in the heart of Liguria, the experience departs from La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, making it easily accessible from nearby towns and attractions.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the variety of activities packed into a short timeframe. From making authentic Genoese pesto with a mortar to crafting traditional Ligurian pasta and baking focaccia and bread, the experience is both educational and tasty. Adding to the pleasure is a guided wine tasting of Vinaccieri Ballerini wines, complemented by a selection of local appetizers. This tour suits travelers seeking an engaging, cultural food experience without a lengthy commitment, especially those interested in Italy’s culinary secrets.

Key Points

• Authentic Ligurian pesto: Learn to prepare Genoese pesto using a marble mortar and take away your homemade pesto in a special container.
• Hands-on pasta making: Use ancient wooden molds to create Ligurian pasta like Corzetti and Genoese gnocchi, which you can keep as souvenirs.
• Focaccia and bread creation: Make and taste real Genoese focaccia and Pane Marinaro, then take your baked goods home.
• Fish dish preparation: Under the guidance of a professional chef, craft two fish recipes including a Vernazzina pie.
• Wine tasting with local products: Enjoy a guided tasting of five Vinaccieri Ballerini wines, paired with appetizers like bruschetta, cheese, and honey.
• Private group experience: The activity is tailored for private groups with multiple languages available, including English, Italian, French, and more.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini

The tour begins at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, a location in Sestri Levante central enough for easy access from various nearby towns like Genoa, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre. The venue’s setting lends itself to a cozy yet professional atmosphere, ideal for learning and tasting.

Making Classic Ligurian Pesto with a Marble Mortar

The Pesto Experience is a crowd favorite, focusing on traditional Genoese recipes. You will work with a marble mortar, which is considered the authentic way to prepare pesto. The guidance of a personal chef ensures you learn the secret tips to create a flavorful pesto, and the special container allows you to take your homemade pesto home.

Creating Ligurian Pasta Using Ancient Wooden Molds

The Pasta Experience uses old wooden molds stamped with the family logo, making it a unique feature. You will produce Corzetti—a traditional Ligurian pasta—and Genoese potato gnocchi. The fresh pasta can be taken away, allowing you to recreate these classic dishes at home with confidence.

Baking Genoese Focaccia and Bread from Scratch

In the Focaccia and Bread Experience, you’ll use a rolling pin and baking trays to make authentic Genoese focaccia and Pane Marinaro. At the end, you’ll taste your baked goods, which are perfect for an easy snack to enjoy at the beach or at home. You also have the option to take these baked treats with you.

More Great Tours Nearby

Preparing Fish Dishes Under Expert Guidance

The Fish Experience involves preparing two fish recipes, including the Vernazzina pie. A professional chef guides you through each step, ensuring you understand how to work with fresh fish. The tasting of your dishes at the end offers a satisfying conclusion to this hands-on segment.

Guided Wine Tasting of Vinaccieri Ballerini Wines

The Wine Experience features a sommelier-led tasting of five Vinaccieri Ballerini wines, each paired with specific local gastronomic products. Highlights include Vermentino, Traminer & Vermentino blend, Merlot, Sirah, Sangiovese & Grenache, Pinot Nero Sparkling Brut, and Malvasia Liquorosa. The tasting includes appetizers like bruschetta, cheese, honey, and salami, creating a gastronomic journey in a compact, engaging format.

Practical Details and Accessibility

This 1-hour experience offers skip-the-line entry and is suitable for private groups with multi-language instructors in Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. The activity is wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all participants. You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Reviews Highlighting the Experience

With a rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on 45 reviews, this tour is highly praised for its personalized approach and knowledgeable guides. Multiple reviewers mention the private class feel and friendly, professional staff, especially highlighting Davide’s expertise. The quality of the food and wine and the fun atmosphere emerge as standout features. Reviewers also appreciate the easy location and the value for money, especially when combining learning and tasting within a short timeframe.

The Sum Up: Authentic Ligurian Cooking in a Private Setting

This Sestri Levante tour presents a well-rounded taste of Liguria’s culinary traditions in an intimate, private group setting. The combination of hands-on cooking, local wine tasting, and takeaway crafted foods makes it ideal for food lovers and those eager to learn local recipes with expert guidance.

While the hour-long format means the experience is relatively brief, it offers excellent value and quality instruction. The private group setup ensures personalized attention, and the multi-language instructors make it accessible to a broad audience. Perfect for foodies and wine lovers, this experience provides both practical skills and delicious memories to take home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts around 1 hour, with several starting times available.

What activities are included?
You’ll learn to make Genoese pesto and Ligurian pasta, bake focaccia and bread, prepare fish dishes, and participate in a wine tasting.

Can I take home the foods I make?
Yes, you can take away the pesto, fresh pasta, focaccia, and bread you produce during the class.

Is the experience suitable for all ages and abilities?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for private groups of various ages.

Are multiple languages available?
Guides speak Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Do I need to reserve in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.

What is the price?
The tour costs $56.94 per person.

What are the main highlights?
Expect a personalized pesto lesson, traditional pasta making, focaccia baking, fish dish preparation, and a guided wine tasting.

Is there a minimum group size?
The experience is designed for private groups, ensuring a more personalized setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby