Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine

Guests preparing basil and ingredients for pesto

Fun group activity making authentic Genovese pesto

Sharing a joyful moment while making fresh pesto together

Fun, hands-on experience in a friendly setting

Hands-on experience using the traditional mortar and pestle

Guests learning to make pesto the traditional Genovese way

Enjoy your handmade pesto with local wine and fresh trofie pasta

Duration2h 30m

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

Group sizeUp to 6 travelers

Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

This experience offers an authentic deep dive into Genoa’s culinary tradition, just steps from the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. You’ll learn to prepare real Genovese pesto using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle—just like locals have done for centuries.

Set in our small artisan “food and wine” shop in the heart of the old town, the experience is hands-on, authentic and full of flavor. You’ll taste high-quality local ingredients and enjoy your handmade pesto served with trofie pasta, paired with a guided tasting of Ligurian wines.

What makes this experience truly special is our family involvement: the class is led by us together with Gaia, our daughter, who was the youngest finalist at the World Pesto Championship in Genoa (March 2026).

This is not just a cooking class, but a real connection to Ligurian culture, traditions and family hospitality.

What's included

Alcoholic Beverages
Brunch

Private transportation
Gratuities
Optional purchase of top-quality local food and wine to support the local economy.

What to expect

You’ll be welcomed into artisan "food and wine" shop in the heart of Genoa, near Columbus’ House. After a short briefing explaining the local ingredients, you’ll learn to make authentic Genovese pesto by hand, using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle.
Then, enjoy the pesto you’ve made served over artisanal trofie pasta, paired with a tasting of one or two local wines: Vermentino and Ciliegiolo. We’ll finish with time to relax, take photos, and receive your participation certificate and a jar of long-shelf-life pesto to take home.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at the BioTigullio5Terre shop, 100m from Columbus’ House. Easily reachable from Piazza De Ferrari (5 min walk, metro and buses). Look for the handmade sign outside in coloured wood. Call or WhatsApp us if needed.

End point

Meet at the BioTigullio5Terre shop, 100m from Columbus’ House. Easily reachable from Piazza De Ferrari (5 min walk, metro and buses). Look for the handmade sign outside in coloured wood. Call or WhatsApp us if needed.

Pickup details

We can accommodate your needs upon request

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

4.9 (41)