Genoa: Wine Tasting with Pesto, Focaccia Near Columbus House

Discover Liguria’s Flavors with a Wine and Food Tasting Near Columbus House

This Liguria wine tasting tour offers a delightful 2.5-day experience just steps from Genoa’s iconic Columbus House. For $52 per person, visitors explore five carefully selected Ligurian wines, paired with authentic pesto, crispy focaccia, and artisanal cheeses from the Val Graveglia valley. Hosted by BioTigullio5Terre, the experience promises a small-group, seated setting inside a registered historic bottega, providing an intimate and authentic taste of the region’s culinary traditions.

The tour stands out for its local storytelling, with guides sharing insights into the winemaking methods, regional culture, and family stories behind each bottle. While the focus is on quality and authenticity, it’s best suited for those who enjoy wine appreciation, local food, or small, personalized experiences. The only consideration is that transportation isn’t included, so planning how to get to the meeting point near Columbus House is necessary.

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Key Points

• Affordable and intimate: Priced at $52 per person for a 2.5-day journey into Ligurian flavors.
• Exclusive small-group setting: Limited to 7 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Authentic local wines: Tastes of five Ligurian wines, including rare Vermentino Nero from Fosdinovo.
• Paired with regional specialties: Pesto, focaccia secca, and artisanal cheeses from Val Graveglia.
• Guided by passionate locals: Bilingual guides share stories about winemakers and regional culture.
• Inside a historic bottega: Every object and corner reflects Liguria’s tradtions and family history.

Starting Point: The Warm Welcome at BioTigullio5Terre

The tour begins inside the BioTigullio5Terre shop, located near Genoa’s Columbus House. Guests are asked to arrive at least 10 minutes early to settle in and enjoy the cozy, family-run atmosphere. The shop’s wooden shelves are filled with regional wines and products, creating a perfect backdrop for this intimate tasting session. This location offers a welcoming environment where every object and detail tells a story, setting the tone for an authentic Ligurian experience.

The Selection of Ligurian Wines

The guided tasting features five wines that showcase Liguria’s varied terroir. It kicks off with two Vermentinos from Lunigiana, one fruity and aromatic, the other drier and mineral, providing a contrast that highlights the region’s diversity. Next, there is a rare Vermentino Nero from Fosdinovo, a unique white wine that’s less common in the area. The tasting continues with a blend of Cinque Terre white wine and a fresh Ciliegiolo from the Gulf of Tigullio, each offering a distinct flavor profile.

Every wine is paired thoughtfully with traditional Genovese dishes, making this a sensory journey through Liguria’s culinary landscape. The guides explain the winemaking methods and regional characteristics, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.

Inside a Historic Bottega: Atmosphere and Setting

The tasting takes place inside a registered historic bottega, where the atmosphere mixes authenticity with warmth. Every object in the shop echoes the region’s traditions, and the interior design reflects the family’s passion for Liguria’s land and products. With a maximum of 6 guests, the setting encourages conversation and personal engagement with the local hosts.

This environment feels like visiting a family’s personal cellar, making each sip and bite feel special. The small size of the group fosters a relaxed and interactive experience, with guides eager to share their local knowledge.

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Paired Tastes: Pesto, Focaccia, and Cheeses

Authentic Genovese basil pesto is a highlight, served alongside crispy focaccia secca, a signature Ligurian bread. The artisanal cheeses come from Val Graveglia, offering a creamy and savory complement to the wines. The pairings aim to highlight regional ingredients and traditional preparation methods, making each tasting a culinary snapshot of Liguria’s food culture.

The pesto pairs beautifully with the white wines, emphasizing the region’s herbaceous flavors, while the cheeses add a salty and umami note, enhancing the wine profiles. Guests enjoy the handmade nature of each component, appreciating the local craftsmanship involved.

Storytelling and Cultural Insights from Local Guides

The guides at BioTigullio5Terre are passionate and knowledgeable, sharing stories about the wineries, family traditions, and winemaking techniques. They discuss the region’s history, how Liguria’s landscape influences wine styles, and how small producers maintain authenticity in their craft.

The storytelling adds a personal touch to the tasting, transforming a simple wine session into a cultural exploration. The bilingual guides ensure that English-speaking visitors feel fully included, while also giving space for Italian speakers to enjoy the experience in their language.

The Role of BioTigullio5Terre: Land and Family Roots

BioTigullio5Terre was founded by a family who moved from city life to a semi-abandoned mountain village behind Tigullio. Their mission is to promote Ligurian food, wine, and culture through authentic experiences. The family’s passion is reflected in the small-group format, quality of the tastings, and stories shared.

Along With the tasting, the company offers nature-based experiences through Tigullio Trekking, making it a well-rounded way to explore the region’s land and traditions. Their dedication ensures guests receive a genuine and personalized look into Liguria’s lifestyle.

Logistics and Practical Details

The meeting point is inside the BioTigullio5Terre shop, close to Columbus House, with clear instructions to arrive at least 10 minutes early. The experience lasts approximately 1 hour, with a maximum of 7 participants to keep the atmosphere intimate. Although transportation isn’t included, the shop’s central location makes it easy to reach by walk or public transit.

Guests should inform the organizers of any allergies or dietary restrictions in advance. Well-behaved small dogs are welcome if kept on a leash, adding a charming touch of local warmth.

Value and Overall Impression of the Tour

At $52, this Liguria wine tasting offers exceptional value for an authentic, small-group, locally guided experience. The inclusion of five wines, regional food pairings, and an insider’s perspective makes it a rich and personal introduction to Liguria’s culinary culture.

While the experience is indoors and focused on tastings, the storytelling and authentic setting make it a memorable highlight for wine lovers and curious travelers alike. It’s especially suited for those who want more than just a tasting—an immersive taste of Liguria’s land, landowners, and traditions.

The Sum Up: An Intimate and Authentic Ligurian Food and Wine Experience

This small-group wine tasting near Genoa’s Columbus House offers a warm, personal, and educational look into Liguria’s wine and food culture. The carefully curated selection of five regional wines, paired with local pesto, focaccia, and cheeses, makes it a delightful and authentic experience.

BioTigullio5Terre’s family roots and storytelling elevate the tasting beyond just sipping wine, turning it into a cultural journey. This tour is ideal for wine enthusiasts, food lovers, or those seeking genuine local encounters. The only real consideration is that transportation is not included, so planning how to reach the shop is useful. Overall, it’s a high-quality, reasonably priced way to enjoy Liguria’s flavors in an intimate setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the wine tasting last?
The tasting lasts approximately 1 hour, inside a small, seated setting.

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to and from the shop is not included, so guests should plan accordingly.

What wines are featured in the tasting?
The session includes two Vermentinos from Lunigiana, a Vermentino Nero from Fosdinovo, a Cinque Terre white, and a Ciliegiolo from Tigullio.

Are food and wine pairings vegetarian?
Yes, the pesto, focaccia, and cheeses are vegetarian, and the pairings highlight regional ingredients.

Is the experience suitable for children or pets?
Small dogs are welcome if well-behaved and kept on a leash; the experience is not designed for children but is suitable for those interested in wine and food.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance.

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