SESTRI LEVANTE: Pesto & Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting

Sestri Levante, a picturesque Italian coastal town, offers a unique culinary experience that immerses visitors in the rich traditions of Ligurian cuisine. From hands-on pesto and pasta-making classes to an exquisite wine tasting, this gastronomic journey promises to delight the senses and leave a lasting impression. Discover the secrets behind authentic Genoese pesto, master the art of crafting traditional Ligurian dishes, and savor the flavors of the region’s finest wines. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a culinary novice, this experience promises to transport you to the heart of Sestri Levante’s vibrant gastronomic culture.

Key Points

• Offers pesto-making, traditional Ligurian cuisine, and wine tasting experiences in Sestri Levante, Italy, priced from $53.96 per person.
• Provides hands-on cooking classes focused on Ligurian specialties like pesto, pasta, and focaccia, led by experienced instructors.
• Teaches authentic Genoese pesto-making techniques using a marble mortar, with participants taking home freshly made pesto.
• Includes a wine tasting at La Sciamadda dei Vinacceri Ballerini, featuring five signature wines from the winery paired with local gastronomic delights.
• The experience is accessible, wheelchair-friendly, and has a well-organized itinerary with a focus on Ligurian culinary traditions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of Experience

Located in the charming coastal town of Sestri Levante, Italy, this unique culinary experience offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the art of pesto-making and traditional Ligurian cuisine.

Priced from $53.96 per person, the activities include pesto and cooking classes, as well as wine tasting, all conducted in multiple languages including Arabic, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and guests can reserve now and pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing booking flexibility.

Cooking Classes

Visitors to this culinary experience in Sestri Levante can choose from a variety of cooking classes that allow them to learn the art of traditional Ligurian cuisine. The offerings include:

| Class | Description |

| — | — |

| Pesto Experience | Learn to make authentic Genoese Pesto using a marble mortar; take home your pesto in a special container. |

| Pasta Experience | Create traditional Ligurian pasta (I Corzetti) and potato gnocchi using wooden molds. |

| Focaccia & Bread Experience | Prepare and taste Genoese Focaccia and award-winning Pane Marinaro. |

These hands-on classes are led by experienced instructors, providing participants with the opportunity to enjoy the rich culinary traditions of the region.

Pesto Experience

What makes the Pesto Experience at this cooking class in Sestri Levante so special? Participants learn to make authentic Genoese pesto using a traditional marble mortar, a time-honored technique that elevates the flavors.

Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, they grind together basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Pecorino cheeses, and olive oil to create the iconic green sauce.

At the end of the class, they take home their freshly made pesto in a special container, allowing them to continue enjoying this taste of Liguria long after the experience.

Pasta Experience

During the Pasta Experience, participants have the opportunity to create traditional Ligurian pasta dishes using classic techniques and tools.

Guided by experienced instructors, guests learn to make I Corzetti, a distinctive Ligurian pasta shape, as well as potato gnocchi. Using wooden molds, they hand-craft these regional specialties, gaining insight into the time-honored culinary traditions of the area.

The hands-on lesson culminates in tasting the freshly prepared pasta, allowing participants to savor the fruits of their labor and appreciate the nuances of Ligurian cuisine.

This immersive experience provides a unique glimpse into the rich gastronomic heritage of Sestri Levante.

More Great Tours Nearby

Focaccia & Bread Experience

The Focaccia & Bread Experience allows participants to prepare and taste the renowned Genoese Focaccia as well as the award-winning Pane Marinaro, a traditional Ligurian bread.

Under the guidance of expert instructors, guests will learn the techniques for making these iconic breads.

After the preparation, you will have the opportunity to savor the freshly baked Focaccia and Pane Marinaro, accompanied by local gastronomic products.

This hands-on experience provides a delightful introduction to the rich bread-making traditions of the Ligurian region.

Fish Experience

Guided by a professional chef, the Fish Experience allows participants to prepare two fish dishes based on the day’s catch.

Relying on the freshest local seafood, guests will learn techniques for expertly cleaning, filleting, and cooking the fish.

Popular menu items may include the Vernazzina pie, a savory tart featuring anchovies, onions, and olives.

Participants leave with not only a delicious meal but also newfound skills to recreate the dishes at home.

The Fish Experience offers an immersive culinary journey, providing a hands-on opportunity to master the art of Mediterranean coastal cuisine.

Wine Experience

What does the Wine Experience entail?

The wine tasting at La Sciamadda dei Vinacceri Ballerini in Sestri Levante offers guests the opportunity to sample five of the winery’s signature wines.

A wine tasting experience at La Sciamadda dei Vinacceri Ballerini in Sestri Levante, featuring five of the winery’s signature wines.

The lineup includes the crisp Vermentino-based NAVIGATO, the aromatic TRAM blend, the robust red TERRANOVA, the sparkling KAVA Brut, and the sweet ALEA Malvasia Liquorosa.

Each wine is paired with local gastronomic delights such as bruschetta, salami, cheese, and regional specialties like Biet pie and Tiramisù.

The tasting is led by knowledgeable staff, providing insights into the winemaking and regional culinary traditions.

Meeting Point & Itinerary

La Sciamadda dei Vinacceri Ballerini in Sestri Levante serves as the starting location for this experience.

From here, the itinerary can be accessed from various points, including Genoa, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre.

The exact itinerary is subject to change, allowing for flexibility and adaptation to participants’ needs and preferences.

Guests can expect a well-organized and seamless experience, guided by knowledgeable staff who ensure a memorable culinary journey through the flavors and traditions of the Ligurian region.

Ask Away

What Is the Minimum Age Requirement for the Cooking Classes?

The cooking classes do not appear to have a stated minimum age requirement. The experience is suitable for participants of all ages, though parental supervision may be recommended for younger participants to ensure their safety and enjoyment during the hands-on activities.

Is There a Vegetarian or Vegan Option for the Cooking Experiences?

The cooking experiences offer vegetarian and vegan options upon request. Guests can inquire about customizing the menu to accommodate their dietary preferences when booking the class or wine tasting experience.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Wine Tasting?

Yes, dietary restrictions such as vegetarian or vegan can typically be accommodated for the wine tasting experience. Customers are advised to notify the organizers of any special dietary needs at the time of booking.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Cooking and Wine Experiences?

The cooking and wine experiences offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility to adjust their plans if needed.

Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for Booking Multiple Experiences?

The experience offers discounted packages for booking multiple activities. For example, guests can book a combination of cooking and wine tasting experiences at a reduced rate. Check with the provider for specific package details and pricing.

Final Words

A mouthwatering culinary adventure awaits in Sestri Levante. Enjoy the rich flavors and traditions of Ligurian cuisine through hands-on pesto, pasta, and focaccia classes. Complement the experience with an exquisite wine tasting, pairing regional delicacies with the area’s finest vintages. This comprehensive gastronomic journey promises an unforgettable taste of the local culture.

You can check availability for your dates here: