Cinque Terre: Pesto Making Class with Wine and Food Tasting

The Cinque Terre: Pesto Making Class with Wine and Food Tasting offers an engaging introduction to one of Italy’s most iconic sauces. This 1.5-hour experience takes place in a charming cellar close to Vernazza train station, making it easy to access for travelers exploring Liguria. The tour is hosted by CINQUE SENSI PESTO CLASS, known for small group settings limited to 8 participants, which ensures a relaxed and personalized atmosphere.

Guests can choose between full meal sessions at 12:30 or 5:30 PM or a lighter snack experience at 3:00 PM. The full meal includes pesto paired with gnocchi or focaccia, local cheeses, EVO oils, and a variety of local wines, culminating in a liqueur and chocolate tasting. The class features hands-on pesto preparation, guiding participants to craft their own pesto using a mortar and pestle, just like traditional Ligurian methods.

Despite its popularity, with a rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 105 reviews, this experience stays intimate, friendly, and educational. It appeals to those who want to learn a timeless Italian craft, enjoy local flavors, and gain practical skills to recreate pesto at home.

Key Points

• Authentic pesto-making using traditional tools like a mortar and pestle.
• Includes wine, cheese, focaccia, and EVO oils for tasting.
• Located just steps from Vernazza train station, making it easily accessible.
• Small group size ensures personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Options for full meal or light snack, accommodating different schedules and appetites.
• Learn how to pair local wines with different Ligurian foods during the class.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Making Authentic Ligurian Pesto by Hand

This class centers around teaching the traditional way to make pesto, a sauce famous worldwide. The process involves hand-grinding fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and olive oil in a mortar and pestle, reflecting genuine Ligurian recipes. Participants get to prepare the pesto from scratch, gaining insight into each ingredient’s role and the importance of technique.

The emphasis on handmade preparation appeals to anyone interested in authentic cooking methods. Making pesto in a mortar and pestle provides a rich sensory experience, allowing you to feel the texture and aroma of ingredients as you crush them. This method also preserves the flavors better, resulting in a fresher, more vibrant sauce.

The class is held inside a characteristic cellar, with stone walls and wooden beams that add to the authentic Ligurian atmosphere. This setting encourages a cozy, traditional vibe where you can connect with local culinary heritage.

From Basil to Gnocchi: The Full Meal Experience

The full meal experience at 12:30 or 5:30 PM combines pesto making with a pairing of local wines and regional foods. It starts with a wine tasting paired with cheeses, focaccia, and EVO oils, setting the tone for a culinary journey through Liguria.

As participants prepare the pesto, they enjoy a second wine, deepening their appreciation for regional varieties. The highlight is tasting the freshly made pesto with gnocchi, served directly from the mortar, paired with a third glass of wine. This pairing showcases how different wines complement the flavors of the sauce and pasta.

The experience concludes with a liqueur and chocolate pairing, offering a sweet finish that emphasizes the relaxed yet flavorful nature of Ligurian cuisine. This full meal provides a comprehensive taste of local ingredients and cooking techniques, making it ideal for those wanting an immersive food experience.

Light Snack Session: Perfect for an Afternoon Pickup

The 3:00 PM session offers a lighter tasting, focusing on pesto preparation along with cheese, focaccia, and bread, all paired with local wines. This option is perfect for afternoon snackers or travelers with limited time who still want to learn the process of making pesto and taste some regional flavors.

While this session is less extensive than the full meal, it still covers all traditional techniques. Guests still prepare pesto by hand, gaining practical skills, but the focus is more on sampling and enjoying rather than a complete multi-course meal.

This format suits those seeking a relaxed, educational experience without the full sit-down meal. Regardless of the session chosen, the core experience remains authentic and flavorful.

The Location: A Historic Cellar Near Vernazza Station

The class takes place inside a historic Cinque Terre cellar, just a short walk of 20 meters from Vernazza train station. The location’s stone walls and wooden beams create a warm, inviting ambiance that echoes traditional Ligurian architecture.

The proximity to the train station makes it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the region. The small group size enhances the intimacy of the setting, enabling personalized instruction and conversation. The instructor’s approach is friendly and informative, making the class accessible to all levels.

Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes and bring water and snacks for their comfort, as the experience is mostly indoors and not suitable for gluten intolerance.

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Expert Instructors and Practical Tips

The guides are experienced and knowledgeable, providing detailed explanations of each step in making pesto. They share useful tips on selecting ingredients and handling basil leaves to ensure the best flavor. The instructor’s friendly approach encourages questions and interaction, making the session both fun and educational.

Many reviews praise the clarity of instructions and use of high-quality ingredients, which contribute to the delicious final product. Participants also benefit from wine and food pairings that highlight local flavors, making the tasting part of the learning process.

The Appeal of Small Group Sizes

Limited to 8 participants, the small group setting ensures that everyone receives personal attention and has ample opportunity to ask questions. This setup fosters a relaxed environment where making mistakes is part of the learning, and everyone can enjoy the process.

The intimate atmosphere is complemented by the informative and friendly guides, who lead the class at a pace that allows for focused learning and enjoyment.

Highly Praised Aspects and Notable Features

The knowledgeable guides receive consistent praise for their clear explanations and helpful tips. The wine tastings are described as well-curated with high-quality local wines, enhancing the tasting experience. The delicious food, especially the gnocchi with pesto, is often highlighted as a highlight.

Guests appreciate the authenticity of the experience, feeling that they truly learn how to make pesto in the traditional way, and many plan to recreate it at home. The location’s charm and informal vibe also stand out, making it a fun and memorable addition to any Ligurian trip.

Additional Practicalities and Recommendations

The tour includes a full explanation of techniques and hands-on pesto preparation. It is not suitable for people with gluten intolerance, and guests are encouraged to bring comfortable shoes, water, and snacks if desired.

Cancellation is flexible, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance. Booking can be done without immediate payment, giving travelers the chance to reserve a spot and decide later.

Cinque Terre Pesto Class: A Flavorful, Hands-On Experience

This pesto-making class in Cinque Terre offers a unique opportunity to connect with local culinary traditions. The hands-on approach, combined with wine and regional food pairings, provides a comprehensive taste of Ligurian cuisine in an authentic setting.

The small group size and friendly guides create a personalized experience, while the location near Vernazza station makes it easy to include in a day of sightseeing. The option for a full meal or a light snack ensures flexibility for different schedules.

For anyone interested in learning how to make pesto from scratch and pairing it with local wines and cheeses, this class offers a delicious, educational, and enjoyable activity that enriches your time in Liguria.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the pesto making class last?
The experience lasts 1.5 hours, giving enough time to learn, make, and taste.

Can I choose between a full meal or a snack session?
Yes, there are full meal sessions at 12:30 or 5:30 PM, and a lighter snack option at 3:00 PM.

Is the class suitable for people with gluten allergies?
The experience is not suitable for gluten intolerance, as gluten-containing ingredients are part of the offerings.

What should I bring to the class?
Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes, and bring water and snacks if desired. The class provides all necessary ingredients and tools.

How accessible is the location?
The class takes place inside a characteristic cellar near Vernazza train station, and wheelchair accessibility is available.

What makes this pesto class stand out?
The traditional hand-grinding technique, local wine pairings, and small group size make this experience particularly authentic and engaging.

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