SESTRI LEVANTE: Pesto & Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting

Nestled along the picturesque Italian Riviera, Sestri Levante beckons travelers with its rich culinary heritage. Here, visitors can enjoy the art of pesto-making and local cuisine through hands-on cooking classes led by expert instructors. These interactive experiences invite guests to craft authentic Genoese pesto, handmade pasta, fluffy focaccia, and fresh seafood dishes. But the culinary adventure doesn’t stop there. Complementing the cooking classes is a captivating wine tasting, where five local vintages are paired with cured meats and artisanal cheeses, offering a true taste of Sestri Levante’s gastronomic delights. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary enthusiast, this enchanting destination promises to elevate your senses and leave you craving more.

Key Points

• Immersive culinary experiences in Sestri Levante, featuring hands-on classes in pesto making, pasta crafting, focaccia baking, and Ligurian fish preparation.
• Priced at CZK 1,251 per person, with the option for private group sessions and wheelchair accessibility.
• Opportunity to learn traditional techniques from expert instructors and take home freshly made culinary creations.
• Guided wine tasting of five Vinaccieri Ballerini wines, paired with local cured meats, cheeses, and regional products.
• Conveniently located in Sestri Levante, with easy access from nearby towns like Genoa and Cinque Terre.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of Experiences

This experience offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy the culinary traditions of Sestri Levante. Priced from CZK 1,251 per person, the 1-hour program is available in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, Italian, Russian, and Spanish.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance ensures flexibility. The experience is wheelchair accessible, and private group options are available for a more personalized touch.

Whether you’re interested in learning to make authentic pesto, crafting pasta, baking focaccia, or preparing local fish dishes, this program has something to suit all tastes.

The wine tasting component further enhances the immersive experience, making this a must-do activity during your visit to Sestri Levante.

Cooking Class Offerings

The cooking class offerings at this experience cater to a variety of culinary interests. From learning to make authentic Genoese pesto, to crafting fresh pasta and traditional Ligurian breads, the classes provide hands-on instruction and the opportunity to take home one’s culinary creations.

Pesto Experience	Pasta Experience	Focaccia & Bread Experience
Learn to make authentic Genoese pesto using a marble mortar	Create I Corzetti and Genoese potato gnocchi using ancient wooden molds	Make traditional Genoese focaccia and pane marinaro
Take home your pesto creation	Take home fresh pasta	Taste and take home your bread products
Guided by a professional chef	Guided by a professional chef	Guided by a professional chef

The Fish Experience class allows participants to prepare two fish dishes under the guidance of a professional chef, with the opportunity to taste the final products.

Pesto Experience

The Pesto Experience offers visitors a chance to explore the heart of Ligurian culinary tradition, guiding them through the time-honored process of crafting authentic Genoese pesto.

Participants will learn to use a marble mortar, the traditional tool for this iconic dish, and master the technique of grinding basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil into a vibrant, fragrant sauce.

The experience culminates in taking home the pesto they’ve created, allowing them to savor the flavors of Sestri Levante long after their visit.

This immersive class provides an opportunity to connect with the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.

• Hands-on pesto making using a marble mortar
• Learn traditional techniques from expert instructors
• Take home your own freshly made Genoese pesto
• Connect with Ligurian culinary tradition

Pasta Experience

Participants enjoy the art of handcrafting traditional Genoese pasta during the Pasta Experience.

Under the guidance of skilled instructors, they’ll create I Corzetti and Genoese potato gnocchi using ancient wooden molds. This hands-on class teaches the techniques behind shaping, cutting, and finishing these regional pasta varieties.

Guests can then savor their freshly made creations, taking home the pasta they’ve prepared.

The Pasta Experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich culinary heritage of Sestri Levante, leaving participants with a newfound appreciation for the art of pasta making.

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Focaccia & Bread Experience

In the Focaccia & Bread Experience, guests embark on a journey to master the art of traditional Genoese focaccia and pane marinaro.

Under the guidance of skilled instructors, they’ll learn the intricacies of kneading, proofing, and baking these beloved local breads.

The experience culminates in tasting the freshly baked creations, accompanied by the satisfying aroma of yeast and herbs.

Guests can then take home their handmade focaccia and pane marinaro, ready to recreate the flavors of Sestri Levante in their own kitchens.

• Hands-on instruction in crafting traditional Genoese breads
• Opportunity to taste the freshly baked products
• Ability to bring home the fruits of one’s labor
• Insights into the rich culinary heritage of the region

Fish Experience

Guided by a professional chef, guests embark on a hands-on culinary journey as they prepare two authentic Ligurian fish dishes during the Fish Experience.

Under the expert guidance, participants learn the techniques and flavors of the local cuisine. They’ll discover how to clean, fillet, and cook the fresh seafood with care, infusing it with the signature Ligurian herbs and spices.

The class culminates in savoring the delectable dishes they’ve created, allowing participants to fully appreciate the fruits of their labor.

This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich culinary heritage of the Sestri Levante region.

Wine Tasting Experience

The Wine Experience offers guests a guided tasting of five Vinaccieri Ballerini wines, each thoughtfully paired with cured meats, cheeses, and other local products.

This immersive tasting allows visitors to explore the rich flavors and nuances of the region’s renowned vintages.

The experience includes:

• A knowledgeable sommelier to guide the tasting and share insights about the local winemaking tradition.
• Carefully curated pairings that complement the wines and showcase the area’s culinary specialties.
• The opportunity to savor the harmonious interplay of flavors and deepen one’s appreciation for the art of wine tasting.
• A chance to discover new favorites and bring home a taste of Sestri Levante’s vibrant wine culture.

Location and Accessibility

The starting location for the experiences is La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, situated in Sestri Levante.

This central location makes the classes and wine tasting easily accessible from various nearby towns, including Genoa, Sori, Camogli, and the Cinque Terre.

Whether you’re visiting from Recco, Zoagli, or San Fruttuoso, you can conveniently reach the starting point.

The same goes for guests coming from Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure, Rapallo, Chiavari, Lavagna, Moneglia, Deiva Marina, Framura, or Bonassola.

This accessibility allows visitors from across the Ligurian region to enjoy the culinary and oenological delights of Sestri Levante.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Policy for Children Attending the Classes?

The cooking and wine tasting classes accept children, though they don’t offer a special kids’ program. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and there may be an age limit for certain hands-on activities.

Do the Cooking Classes Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?

The cooking classes accommodate various dietary restrictions. They offer alternatives for participants who have special dietary needs, ensuring that everyone can fully participate and enjoy the culinary experience.

Can Participants Take the Food They Prepare Home?

Yes, participants can take home the food they prepare during the cooking classes. The classes offer the opportunity to create authentic Ligurian dishes like pesto, pasta, and focaccia, which you can then enjoy at home.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Included in the Price?

The price includes all the ingredients and materials needed for the cooking classes and wine tasting experience. However, participants may incur additional costs for transportation or optional purchases not specified in the overview.

What Is the Expected Group Size for the Cooking and Wine Tasting Experiences?

The group size for the cooking and wine tasting experiences is typically small, ranging from private classes to groups of up to 12 people. This allows for personalized attention and an intimate learning environment.

Recap

Sestri Levante’s pesto and cooking classes offer a chance to take in the region’s rich culinary traditions. From crafting authentic Genoese pesto to learning local fish dishes, these hands-on experiences are guided by experts. The complementary wine tasting showcases the area’s finest offerings. It’s an opportunity to savor the flavors of Sestri Levante and take home your culinary creations.

You can check availability for your dates here: