Cinque Terre: Pesto Making Class with Wine and Food Tasting

Looking for a hands-on experience that combines culinary skills, local wine, and authentic Ligurian flavors? This Pesto Making Class in Cinque Terre offers just that, giving travelers a chance to learn the art of making Italy’s most famous sauce from scratch. The tour also pairs the lesson with a tasting of local wines, cheeses, and oils, culminating in a delicious meal of gnocchi or focaccia that highlights the region’s simple but vibrant cuisine.

We love how this experience offers an intimate look at Ligurian culinary traditions. The opportunity to make pesto by hand using a mortar and pestle is rare and keeps alive a centuries-old method. Plus, the wine tastings paired with cheeses and oils make the experience both educational and mouthwatering. One potential drawback? The entire class lasts only about 1.5 hours, which might feel a bit quick for those looking to fully enjoy cooking—yet it’s perfectly suited for travelers with limited time or those wanting a taste of local flavors in a short span.

This tour suits food lovers eager to learn practical skills, wine enthusiasts, or anyone interested in authentic Italian food experiences. It’s also ideal for travelers who appreciate small, friendly groups where everyone can participate actively and ask questions. If you’re after a fun, tasty, and culturally rich activity in Cinque Terre, this is worth considering.

Key Points

• Authentic Pesto Making: Learn how to make pesto the traditional way with a mortar and pestle using fresh, quality ingredients.
• Regional Tastes: Enjoy local wines paired expertly with cheeses, oils, and bread, giving insight into Ligurian food culture.
• Culinary Souvenir: Walk away with new skills to recreate pesto and local dishes at home.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to just 8 participants, ensuring a personal and engaging atmosphere.
• Authentic Setting: The class takes place in a typical Cinque Terre cellar, adding genuine local ambiance.
• Value for Money: At around $70, the experience combines tasting, instruction, and a meal, making it a memorable and affordable foodie adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Welcome and Setting

Your adventure begins in a traditional Cinque Terre cellar, a space awash with rustic charm—think ancient stone walls and wooden accents. This authentic environment immediately sets the tone, making you feel like you’re stepping into a local’s kitchen rather than a touristy setup. Meeting your guide at the Vernazza train station, just a short hike up from the station, keeps logistics simple and straightforward.

The Pesto Lesson

The core of this experience is learning how to make pesto by hand. Unlike store-bought jars, the pesto here is prepared using carefully selected ingredients—fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, cheese, and high-quality olive oil. The real treasure? Making it by hand using a mortar and pestle, a traditional technique that offers a deeper appreciation for the sauce’s texture and flavor.

According to reviews, the guide is highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic about sharing local culinary traditions. One guest notes, “Our instructor was beyond wonderful—one of our favorite experiences in Italy.” We loved the way the instructor guides you through each step, explaining why each ingredient matters, which turns this from a simple cooking class into a cultural lesson.

Food and Wine Pairings

After mastering pesto, the fun continues with a series of tastings. You’ll enjoy local wines paired with cheese, focaccia, and extra virgin olive oils. The wine selections are praised for their quality, with one reviewer mentioning, “The wine pairings (4!) were delicious, and I even bought two bottles later in the day.” The pairing feels thoughtfully curated, highlighting the region’s best offerings.

The lunch or snack features gnocchi or focaccia—both topped or infused with pesto—giving you a chance to taste your freshly made sauce in a classic dish. The gnocchi is served inside the pesto, which adds a rich, flavorful dimension. A delightful addition is the Limoncino, a lemon-flavored liqueur, and chocolate samples, making the tasting experience sweet and refreshing.

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The Authentic Atmosphere

Participants consistently praise the intimate setting and the friendly, expert guidance. One guest wrote, “Loved the class. Great wine pairings and the pesto was delicious.” With only 8 people per group, everyone has the chance to ask questions and participate actively, making the experience more personal and enriching.

Practical Details and Value

The class lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it accessible even for travelers with tight schedules. The cost is about $70.24 per person, which includes multiple tastings, instruction, and the chance to take home some newfound skills. Considering the quality of the ingredients, the expert guidance, and the memorable experience, this offers excellent value.

Included in the price are the Cinque Terre wine tasting, focaccia, cheese, oils, pesto, gnocchi, limoncino, and chocolate, along with water. The small group size and the authentic setting make it a more personal and genuine experience compared to larger, commercial classes.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The meeting point is straightforward—just a short walk from Vernazza train station. Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a bit uphill. Bringing some snacks and water is recommended, especially if you have dietary restrictions, though gluten intolerance isn’t accommodated here. The activity is wheelchair accessible, so most travelers should find it manageable.

What Travelers Say

Based on reviews, visitors find the experience both fun and educational. One reviewer said, “We had such a wonderful time learning how to make pesto the traditional way,” emphasizing the hands-on nature and the guide’s expertise. Others appreciated the intimate setting, noting, “The Pesto was delicious, and the wine pairings made it even better.” It’s clear that this class offers a genuine taste of Ligurian culture and cuisine.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy interactive culinary experiences and want to learn practical skills you can share at home, this class is perfect. It’s also ideal for wine lovers who appreciate local tastings paired with quality food. Travelers interested in authentic, small-group activities will find this a highlight, especially those who want a break from sightseeing to indulge in regional flavors.

However, if you’re gluten intolerant or seek a longer, more immersive cooking experience, this might not fully satisfy those needs. Still, for a brief, enjoyable taste of Ligurian gastronomy, you can’t go wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the class last?
The class is approximately 1.5 hours long, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or other activities.

Where does the activity meet?
You meet your guide at the stone building on the left after a short hike of about 20 meters from Vernazza train station.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, and the small group size adds to the ease of participation.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers wine tasting, focaccia, cheese, extra virgin olive oils, pesto, gnocchi, limoncino, chocolate, and water.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your schedule shifts.

Is this suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly stated, the small group setting and hands-on nature are generally family-friendly, provided children are comfortable with tasting alcohol.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, some snacks, and water are recommended. Food allergies or gluten intolerance are not catered to, so plan accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Making Class with Wine and Food Tasting in Cinque Terre offers a delightful blend of hands-on cooking, regional wine, and authentic Ligurian flavors. Its small-group setting and knowledgeable guide provide a genuine insight into local culinary traditions, making it a memorable highlight for foodies and curious travelers alike.

If you’re looking to bring home more than just souvenirs, this experience arms you with practical skills to recreate Ligurian dishes and a heightened appreciation for regional ingredients and methods. It’s an engaging, tasty, and culturally enriching activity that fits well into most travelers’ schedules and budgets.

Ideal for those who enjoy interactive, intimate experiences with a focus on local cuisine, this class is a wonderful way to deepen your understanding of Liguria’s culinary heritage while enjoying some of its finest wines and flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just eager to learn, this hands-on pesto adventure is a true taste of Cinque Terre life.

You can check availability for your dates here: