Genoa: Pesto Masterclass with Tasting and Wine

Discover Authentic Genoese Pesto Making in the Heart of Genoa

The Genoa: Pesto Masterclass with Tasting and Wine offers a hands-on experience that brings you into the world of Ligurian cuisine. For 2.5 hours, you learn how to craft real Genoese pesto using traditional tools like a Carrara marble mortar and wooden pestle. The class takes place in BioTigullio5Terre, a charming family-run workshop located at Via di Ravecca 51r in Genoa’s historic center, just 100 meters from Columbus’s House.

This tour is ideal for those interested in culinary traditions, regional flavors, and family stories behind Ligurian recipes. While it suits all skill levels, it may be less ideal for young children, as the experience involves some manual work and focuses on authentic craftsmanship. A key highlight is the pairing of your homemade pesto with local wines and the gift of a 90g jar of pesto to take home.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Make pesto by hand using traditional tools in a family-run workshop
• Enjoy trofie pasta with your pesto, paired with local wine
• Learn Ligurian pesto secrets guided by family traditions
• Receive a free jar of PDO basil pesto made with regional ingredients
• Accessible experience suitable for all but very young children
• Located centrally in Genoa’s historic district, near Columbus’s House

The Authentic Genoese Pesto Workshop Location

The BioTigullio5Terre workshop is set in a cozy shop within Genoa’s historic center. It is easy to find, marked by a large wooden sign outside. The venue’s proximity to Columbus’s House makes it convenient for visitors exploring the local sights. The coordinates are 44.4049, 8.9334.

Inside, the atmosphere reflects a family’s passion for regional cuisine, with the focus on sharing traditions and hands-on learning. The space comfortably hosts small groups of up to 6 participants, allowing for personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

Making Pesto with a Traditional Marble Mortar and Wooden Pestle

The core activity centers on handcrafting pesto the authentic way. You’ll learn to use a Carrara marble mortar and wooden pestle—the tools that give the pesto its unique texture and flavor. The ingredients used are regional and authentic, featuring PDO basil, Parmesan, Pecorino, pine nuts, garlic, and extra virgin olive oil.

The step-by-step guidance ensures that even beginners can produce a delicious, creamy pesto. The process involves grinding and pestle techniques that bring out the aromas and flavors of the fresh ingredients. The personalized approach makes this a rich learning experience, with detailed explanations about each component’s role.

Enjoying Trofie Pasta with Your Homemade Pesto

Once your pesto is ready, the class offers a tasting of trofie pasta—a traditional Ligurian shape—paired with the pesto you made. The combination of flavors highlights the distinctive qualities of Ligurian cuisine.

The chef guides everyone through tasting, ensuring you appreciate the balance of herbs, cheese, and nuts in your sauce. As a complement, a local wine—options include Vermentino, Pigato, or Ciliegiolo del Tigullio—is served for a toasting and relaxing moment.

More Great Tours Nearby

Guided Insights into Ligurian Cuisine and Family Traditions

Throughout the class, the guide shares family stories and regional insights that deepen your understanding of Ligurian culinary heritage. This is more than a cooking lesson; it’s a cultural journey into the vibrant food traditions of Genoa and its surroundings.

Participants learn about the origins and significance of each ingredient, as well as the family’s role in preserving these recipes. The personal stories add warmth and authenticity, making the experience more meaningful.

The Jar of Pesto to Take Home

A key feature of this experience is the free 90g jar of long-life Genoese pesto. Made with local ingredients, this jar is a delicious souvenir that allows you to recreate the flavors at home. The pesto is designed to be long-lasting, so it can be enjoyed well after the class ends.

This gift is included in the price and reflects the generosity of the experience. Plus, participants can choose to buy a mortar if they want to continue making pesto on their own.

Suitability and Practical Tips

This pesto masterclass is perfect for adults with any cooking skill level. It requires comfortable clothes as you will be handling ingredients and tools by hand. The class is not suitable for children under 16, including babies and toddlers.

The experience offers flexible cancellation—you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—and the booking process allows for reserve now, pay later, making it easy to plan your trip.

The Guides and Overall Experience

The guides are praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive approach. Multiple reviews mention Barbara, or guides like Gaia, as informative and personable teachers. They create a relaxed atmosphere that encourages learning and enjoyment.

Participants consistently highlight the quality of the instruction, the authenticity of the ingredients, and the deliciousness of the pesto and pasta. The small group size ensures everyone receives personalized attention and can ask questions comfortably.

Comparing with Similar Experiences in Genoa

This pesto masterclass stands out for its authenticity and hands-on approach. While there are other cooking classes and food tours in Genoa, this one’s focus on making pesto by hand with family traditions makes it special.

Other experiences, like local food tasting or cooking classes with Michelin-starred chefs, may offer different insights. But if your goal is to learn the true art of Ligurian pesto, this class delivers practical skills and cultural depth.

Why This Pesto Class Offers Great Value

At 2.5 hours, the tour offers a comprehensive experience that combines learning, tasting, and cultural stories. The inclusion of a gift jar of pesto and wine pairing adds to its value. The small group size enhances the personal touch.

Participants praise the quality of instruction, the authenticity of the ingredients, and the delicious final product. While some may wish for a longer session, the overall experience provides a memorable taste of Liguria in a compact format.

The Sum Up: An Essential Genoese Culinary Experience

This pesto masterclass is a must-try for food lovers wanting to enjoy Ligurian cuisine. The hands-on approach, guided by knowledgeable family members, yields a genuine and delicious pesto.

Its central location makes it easy to combine with sightseeing in Genoa. The gift of homemade pesto and the pairing with local wine elevate this into more than just a cooking class—it’s a cultural celebration of Liguria’s flavors.

While not suited for very young children, adults and older teens will find this experience fun, educational, and tasty. For those interested in regional food traditions and authentic recipes, this class offers excellent value and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the experience is designed for all skill levels and doesn’t require prior cooking experience. The step-by-step guidance makes it easy for anyone to follow.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking process also offers reserve now, pay later options.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is recommended since you’ll be handling ingredients and tools manually.

Is the pesto gift jar large enough for multiple uses?
The jar contains 90 grams of pesto, making it a suitable souvenir or gift but not enough for large quantities. It’s perfect for trying at home or sharing with a small family.

Are there other food or wine options available?
The class includes a tasting of trofie pasta, made with your pesto, and local wines such as Vermentino, Pigato, or Ciliegiolo del Tigullio. Additional food options are not mentioned.

Where exactly is the meeting point?
The workshop is located at Via di Ravecca 51r, inside the BioTigullio5Terre shop, recognizable by its large wooden sign, near Columbus’s House.

Is this experience good value for money?
Given the hands-on instruction, local ingredients, wine pairing, and free pesto jar, the experience offers excellent value for those interested in authentic Ligurian cuisine.

Would you recommend this experience?
Absolutely. It provides a fun, informative, and delicious way to connect with Genoa’s culinary traditions, especially for those eager to learn a regional craft in a friendly setting.

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