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If you’re exploring Liguria and want to bring home a true taste of the region, the Levanto: Pesto-Making Class offers a delightful hands-on experience. For $50.11 per person, this 1.5-hour activity takes place in the heart of Levanto’s historic center. The class is hosted at the Laboratory of Pesto, a shop that has been serving the community since 1976. Small groups of up to 8 participants ensure personalized attention from an engaging instructor. This experience combines learning, tasting, and making—perfect for those curious about Ligurian culinary traditions.
While it’s not a full meal, this class provides enough time to master the art of pesto while enjoying local wines and regional bites. It’s especially suited for adults and older children over 10 years old who want to get hands-on with authentic ingredients and enjoy a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. Be aware that this experience does not include lunch or dinner, but the tastings and the chance to create your own pesto make it a value-packed activity.
Key Points
- Price: $50.11 per person for a 1.5-hour hands-on pesto class.
- Location: In Levanto’s historic center, at the Laboratory of Pesto.
- Includes: A pesto-making lesson, local wine, olive oil tasting, and regional bites.
- Experience: Learn traditional and modern pesto recipes, including pounding basil in a mortar.
- Group size: Limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience.
- Accessibility: The activity is wheelchair accessible.
The Historic Setting of Levanto’s Pesto Shop
The tour begins at the Laboratory of Pesto, a shop with roots dating back to the mid-1970s. This cozy location in Levanto’s historic center creates an authentic backdrop for your pesto journey. The shop has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels very local and family-owned, making it appealing for those seeking a genuine taste of Liguria.
Inside, the owner or instructor guides you through the process of making pesto using traditional techniques, including pounding basil, garlic, pine nuts, and salt in a mortar. This hands-on approach is praised for its interactive nature and the detailed explanations provided during the process.
Learning How to Make Ligurian Pesto
The class starts with tasting sparkling wine paired with local extra virgin olive oil on bruschetta, giving you a flavorful preview of the ingredients. Then, you’ll learn to make modern pesto before trying the traditional method: pounding basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts together in a mortar.
The traditional pesto preparation involves washing and drying fresh basil leaves, then crushing them with salt, pine nuts, and garlic. Afterwards, you add Parmigiano cheese and extra virgin olive oil to create a fragrant, thick pesto. The instructor emphasizes authenticity and skill, often taking time to explain the differences between handmade and store-bought pesto.
Tasting Your Homemade Pesto with Local Products
Once you’ve prepared your pesto, you’ll get the chance to sample your creation with a glass of white wine. The tasting experience is enhanced by regional local bites such as olives and bruschetta with anchovies. The olive oil tasting further immerses you in Ligurian flavors, giving you insight into the high-quality ingredients used in regional cuisine.
Many reviews highlight the deliciousness of the pesto and the generous tastings of wine and regional snacks. Visitors often describe the hands-on activity as fun and educational, with detailed guidance from the instructor.
The Instructor and Atmosphere
The small group setting ensures plenty of interaction with the instructor, who explains each step clearly. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable and friendly host, often mentioning how welcoming and energetic the instructor is. The local setting in Levanto’s historic center adds a charming ambiance, making the class feel authentic and cozy.
Some participants mention that the shop is cute and inviting, perfect for a rainy day or anyone seeking an indoor activity. The small group size means everyone gets to participate actively, making it a fun and engaging experience.
More Great Tours NearbyMaking Your Own Pesto: Hands-On and Fun
A major highlight is the opportunity to make your own pesto using traditional tools like the pestle and mortar. This interactive element allows you to learn by doing, leading to a sense of accomplishment when tasting your freshly made pesto. Many reviews describe the process as fun and satisfying, with the pesto turning out delicious.
Participants appreciate the detailed guidance that ensures even those unfamiliar with cooking can produce a great result. The complex flavors of the pesto develop as you crush the ingredients, giving you a hands-on appreciation of Ligurian culinary craftsmanship.
Tasting Session: Regional Bites and Wine
After making the pesto, the tasting session becomes a highlight. Alongside your freshly crafted pesto, you sample regional products such as olives and a bruschetta topped with anchovies. The white wine served complements the flavors beautifully, and some reviews mention enjoying lemon cake or limoncino as a sweet finish.
The tastings are noted for being generous and well-chosen, allowing you to appreciate the local ingredients that make Ligurian cuisine so special.
Accessibility and Group Size
This activity is designed to be accessible for most participants, including those in wheelchairs. The small group size enhances the learning and social atmosphere, making it easy to ask questions and engage with the instructor.
The limited group size also means a more personalized experience, with plenty of time to interact and learn the secrets of pesto-making in a relaxed setting.
Value for Money
Considering the price of $50.11, the class offers excellent value. You receive instruction, tasting, a glass of wine, and the opportunity to create your own pesto—a memorable activity for culinary enthusiasts or anyone interested in Ligurian culture.
The reviews repeatedly mention the quality of the experience, with many describing it as worthwhile and fun. The inclusive tastings and personalized guidance make this activity a great deal for food lovers.
Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most
This pesto-making class appeals most to adults, foodies, and cultural travelers eager to learn authentic Ligurian recipes. It’s ideal for those seeking a relaxed, interactive activity in Levanto that combines cooking, tasting, and local culture.
Since it does not include lunch or dinner, it’s perfect as a midday activity or an afternoon excursion. Children under 10 are not suitable due to the nature of the activity, and wheelchair users will find the venue accessible.
Levanto Pesto-Making Class: Authentic, Fun, and Tasty
The Levanto: Pesto-Making Class offers an engaging way to learn about Ligurian traditions. The expert guidance, hands-on experience, and regional tastings combine to create a truly enjoyable activity. Visitors rave about the friendly hosts and the delicious pesto they make, often citing it as a highlight of their trip.
This small-group experience balances informative instruction with relaxation and fun. It’s a wonderful choice for those wanting to learn a regional craft while savoring local wine and bites in a welcoming setting. The price point makes it accessible, and the quality of the experience earns high praise.
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Levanto: Pesto-Making Class
“Really enjoyed this experience, was interesting, got to sample different types of pesto, local wine, lemon cake and lemoncino, as well as making pe…”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pesto-making class suitable for children?
This activity is not suitable for children under 10 years old due to the nature of the hands-on process.
What is included in the price?
The price includes the pesto-making class, a glass of local wine, olive oil tasting, and regional appetizers.
Where does the class take place?
The class starts at Il laboratorio del Pesto in Levanto’s historic center and concludes at the same location.
How long does the activity last?
The class lasts approximately 1.5 hours.
Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.
Do I need to pay in advance?
Booking is recommended, with options to reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible. Cancellations are free if made 24 hours in advance.
Can I learn both traditional and modern pesto recipes?
Yes, the instructor guides you through both modern and traditional methods during the class.
What should I bring or wear?
Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing suitable for cooking and to arrive ready to get hands-on.
Is this activity available in multiple languages?
Yes, the instructor offers guidance in Italian and English.
Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely—based on high praise from many past participants, this activity offers authenticity, fun, and culinary insight that enhances any trip to Levanto.
