Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine
Description
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.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can accommodate your needs upon request
Traveller Ratings
Important 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
Reviews(31)
Wonderful experience. Fun and now we know how to make great pesto! Host was super friendly and entertaining.
The team at Bio Tigullio5terre is amazing. With the pesto lesson, they taught us in a simple, informative, and calm manner how to prepare an excellent Genovese pesto. The tasting of pesto paired with chestnut pasta and local wines was delicious👍.
Grazie mille per la splendida recensione! 💚 È stato un piacere condividere con voi i segreti del vero pesto genovese. Siamo felici che abbiate apprezzato l'atmosfera, le spiegazioni e naturalmente il risultato finale! Vi aspettiamo ancora a Genova per altre esperienze liguri. 🌿😊🍷"
An incredibly unique experience! Highly recommended. Really great cooking class with the best pesto we have ever eaten. Great presentation and entertainment. We felt very comfortable.
Thank you very much for your kind words! 💚 We are thrilled that you enjoyed the experience and loved the pesto. Sharing our traditions and welcoming guests from around the world is what we love most. We hope to welcome you back to Genoa in the future! 🌿😊
Fantastic experience. I will be making my own Pesto from now on. The girl teaching the class was awesome.
Thank you so much! 💚 We are very happy you enjoyed the experience and that you are ready to make your own pesto at home now 😊🌿 It was a pleasure sharing our Ligurian tradition with you, and we’ll be sure to tell Gaia your kind words. Hope to see you again one day in Genoa for more food and wine experiences! 🍷✨
First of all, Barbara was completely amazing! She was so welcoming and her shop left me in awe! I love that the items in her shop for sale were from locals. The class was something my husband and I will never forget! I can’t wait to make pesto for my family here in the states!
Thank you so much for your beautiful words! It truly means a lot to us that you felt welcomed and inspired during the experience. We love sharing our passion for Ligurian products and traditions, and knowing that you’ll recreate pesto back home in the States is the greatest compliment we could receive 😊 We hope every time you make it, it brings you back to Genoa and to this special moment with us. A big thank you also from Barbara – she’ll be so happy to read your review! We really hope to welcome you again one day 🍃
Personal hands-on class by a friendly and warm host. Takes place in a charming shop that focuses on Ligurian products. Excellent class for all levels. Your work pays off with a delicious lunch made with your pesto and local wine. If you like pesto and have never made it Genovese style (with a mortar and pestle), then this is for you!
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re really happy you enjoyed the hands-on experience and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of our small shop. Our goal is exactly this: to make everyone feel comfortable, learn something authentic, and enjoy simple but genuine Ligurian flavors together. And yes… tasting your own pesto at the end is always the best part 😄🍝 We hope to see you again in Genoa for another experience!
This was an incredible experience !! Barbara is a passionate instructor who is the perfect representation of a generous and happy Italian. She shares her passion through jokes and light discussions. Don’t forget the homemade pesto which was just fabulous and yummy. #Bestpesto I recommend this course at 100%
Thank you so much for your amazing words! Barbara will be very happy to read this 😊 We love sharing our passion through simple moments, good food and a bit of fun — so we’re really glad you felt it. And yes… homemade pesto always makes everything better! 😄 Hope to see you again in Genoa!
This cooking class was an amazing experience!! Barabara was really nice. It’s a good way to talk to a local, cook a delicious meal and learn about Genoa’s famous pesto ! I recommend 100%
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re really happy you enjoyed the experience and especially the pesto — this means a lot to us! Sharing our local traditions and cooking together is what we love the most. Hope to welcome you again in Genoa soon! 😊
This was a fantastic experience with our children, ages 13 and 17. The shop is amazing and we were guided step by step in making a delicious pesto, which we enjoyed over trofi pasta with some wines from the local area. A highly recommended experience while in Genoa.
Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a real pleasure to host your family and share this experience together. We always love welcoming guests of all ages, and we’re happy that both you and your children enjoyed making pesto and tasting our local wines. We hope to see you again in Genoa one day! Warm regards, Barbara & Massimiliano
Barbara, the shoppe owner and instructor, was wonderful! She was very patient and clear in her teachings. She made the class enjoyable and we now know how to make pesto. If you are looking for something unique to do and love pesto, this is a great experience.
Thank you so much Kelly for your kind words! It was a real pleasure to have you with us 😊 Barbara always puts a lot of passion into sharing the authentic way of making pesto, and we’re so happy you enjoyed the experience and can now make it at home! We hope to see you again in Genoa soon — maybe for another tasting or a new Ligurian experience! Warm regards, Massimiliano & Barbara
