Genoa: Hands-On Cooking Class and Wine Tasting With a Sommelier

Imagine whisking your way through the culinary delights of Genoa, the historic port city famed for its vibrant food culture. Join Alberto and Cristina, local experts, as they guide you on a hands-on journey through traditional Ligurian cuisine. From crafting homemade pasta to pairing regional wines, this intimate experience promises to elevate your palate and deepen your appreciation for the city’s rich gastronomic heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious foodie, this class offers a chance to uncover the flavors that make Genoa truly…

This experience made our list of the 7 Best Cooking Classes In Genoa.

Key Points

• A hands-on cooking class in Genoa, Italy, focusing on traditional Genoese cuisine, including homemade Pasta Matta, focaccia, and Ligurian apricot gobeletti.
• A wine tasting led by a sommelier, featuring three local wines and insights into Ligurian winemaking traditions, with pairing recommendations.
• Suitable for all skill levels, offering an immersive experience in Genoa’s culinary heritage, with a maximum of 6 participants for a personalized experience.
• Accessibility and dietary restrictions are considered, although the class is not wheelchair accessible due to its location on the 5th floor of a historic building.
• The class has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 28 reviews, highlighting the hospitality and expertise of the hosts, as well as the high-quality food and authentic dishes.

Overview and Experience

This hands-on cooking class in Genoa, Italy provides a delightful opportunity to learn traditional Genoese cuisine from a local cook and sommelier.

With 28 reviews and a Badge of Excellence, the class promises an authentic and engaging experience. Guests will discover how to prepare a 3-course Genoese lunch, including classics like pesto and focaccia.

The class also includes a wine tasting, where participants can learn the art of pairing these regional dishes with the perfect wine.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious foodie, this class offers a unique chance to learn about the culinary traditions of this Italian coastal city.

Genoese Pasta Matta and Focaccia

Homemade pasta is a cornerstone of Genoese cuisine, and the class delves into the art of preparing Pasta Matta, a signature Ligurian noodle.

Students learn to knead, roll, and cut the dough by hand, creating long, thin strands that capture the essence of the region.

Alongside the pasta, the class also tackles the preparation of focaccia, a beloved local flatbread.

Participants discover the secrets to achieving the perfect crispy crust and fluffy interior, as they shape the dough and top it with traditional ingredients like olive oil, sea salt, and aromatic herbs.

It’s a hands-on exploration of the flavors that have defined Genoa’s culinary heritage for generations.

Ligurian Apricot Gobeletti Dessert

After mastering the savory pasta and bread, the class turns its attention to a sweet treat – the delectable Ligurian apricot gobeletti.

These small cakes are a specialty of the Ligurian region, made with fresh apricots, eggs, sugar, and a touch of flour. The juicy apricots are nestled inside a light, flaky pastry shell, creating a perfect balance of tart and sweet.

As the group gathers around the table, the hosts demonstrate the intricate process of shaping and baking the gobeletti. Soon, the aroma of warm apricots and buttery pastry fills the air, whetting the appetites of the eager participants.

A final dusting of powdered sugar completes this delightful Ligurian dessert.

Meeting Point and Start Time

The cooking class and wine tasting experience begins at Vico Palla, 3, 16128 Genova GE, Italy.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Participants should arrive by 10:00 am to begin the hands-on cooking lesson and sommelier-led wine tasting.

The class is limited to a maximum of 6 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

Key details to remember:

1. Meeting point: Vico Palla, 3, 16128 Genova GE, Italy
2. Start time: 10:00 am
3. End point: Back at the meeting location
4. Maximum of 6 travelers

Accessibility and Dietary Restrictions

The cooking class and wine tasting experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, as the apartment where the activity takes place is located on the 5th floor of a historic palace without an elevator.

However, the location is near public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers.

Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance, as the hosts aim to accommodate participants’ needs.

The legal drinking age in Italy is 18, so guests 18 and over can enjoy the included wine tasting.

Whether you have mobility challenges or dietary requirements, the hosts strive to make the experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for all participants.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Guests who’ve experienced this cooking class and wine tasting in Genoa seem generally quite satisfied, based on the 28 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5.

The feedback highlights several positives, including:

1. Praise for the hospitality and expertise of hosts Alberto and Cristina.
2. Enthusiasm around the high-quality food and authentic regional dishes.
3. Enjoyment of the wine tasting and pairing experience.
4. Overall satisfaction with the value and educational aspects of the class.

However, a few reviewers mentioned challenges with the location, such as the apartment being on the 5th floor with no elevator, as well as varying perspectives on the cooking class expectations and overall value.

Wine Tasting With a Sommelier

Although the cooking class is the main draw, the wine tasting experience led by a sommelier is a highlight of this Genoese culinary adventure. The sommelier, Alberto, expertly guides guests through a tasting of three local wines, sharing insights into the region’s winemaking traditions and highlighting the optimal food pairings. Guests have the opportunity to savor the nuanced flavors and aromas of Ligurian wines, gaining a deeper appreciation for the terroir and the sommelier’s expertise.

Wine	Region	Tasting Notes	Pairing
Vermentino	Cinque Terre	Crisp, mineral-driven, with notes of citrus and herbs	Focaccia, seafood
Rossese	Dolceacqua	Light-bodied, with red fruit flavors and a subtle herbal finish	Pasta Matta, beet salad
Sciacchetrà	Cinque Terre	Sweet, concentrated, with dried apricot and honey notes	Ligurian apricot gobeletti

Hands-On Cooking Class Details

Aspiring home cooks embark on a delightful culinary journey during the hands-on cooking class in Genoa. Under the guidance of a local cook and sommelier, participants learn to prepare a traditional 3-course Genoese lunch.

The menu includes:

1. Hand-made pasta, known as Genoese Pasta Matta.
2. Focaccia, the renowned Focaccia di Recco, and a pie with beets and fresh cheese.
3. Ligurian apricot gobeletti, a mouthwatering dessert.
4. A wine tasting featuring three carefully selected pairings.

This immersive experience allows participants to discover the region’s culinary heritage and master classic dishes like pesto, all while enjoying the fruits of their labor over a leisurely lunch.

Since You Asked

How Do I Get to the Cooking Class Location From the Nearest Airport/Train Station?

To get to the cooking class location, you’ll need to make your way to Vico Palla, 3, 16128 Genova GE, Italy. The nearest airport or train station can provide directions and guidance on the best route to take.

Can I Bring My Own Wine or Alcohol to the Experience?

No, you cannot bring your own wine or alcohol to the experience. The class includes a wine tasting with the sommelier, so bringing outside drinks is not allowed. Enjoy the wines they’ve selected to pair with the traditional Genoese dishes.

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Children or Families?

The cooking class is best suited for adults, as it includes wine tasting and focuses on traditional Genoese cuisine. However, with prior arrangement, families may be able to participate in a modified version of the experience.

What Is the Dress Code or Attire Recommended for the Class?

The dress code for the cooking class is casual and comfortable. Participants should wear clothes they don’t mind getting a bit messy, as they’ll be hands-on in the kitchen. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Hidden Costs Beyond the Listed Inclusions?

The listings don’t mention any additional fees or hidden costs beyond the listed inclusions. The price includes the cooking class, 3-course lunch, wine tasting, and other amenities. Travelers should expect to pay only for anything not explicitly specified.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Genoa with this hands-on cooking class. Learn to prepare traditional Ligurian dishes under the guidance of expert hosts, Alberto and Cristina. Complement your meal with a wine tasting led by sommelier Alberto, showcasing the region’s finest vintages. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this intimate experience is sure to enhance your appreciation for Genoa’s vibrant food culture.