Pesto Experience, Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting in Sestri Levante

If you’re visiting the Ligurian coast and craving an authentic taste of Italy, this Pesto Experience combined with cooking classes and wine tasting in Sestri Levante offers a delightful way to learn about local flavors. With a highly rated, private setting led by passionate chefs and sommeliers, it promises more than just a cooking lesson—it’s a full cultural taste adventure.

One of the most appealing aspects? The hands-on approach that allows you to create your own pesto, pasta, focaccia, or fish dishes, which you can take home or enjoy immediately. The inclusion of a guided wine tasting adds a sophisticated touch, making it a well-rounded experience perfect for food and wine lovers alike.

A possible consideration is the duration—at around an hour, it’s fairly quick, but packed with enough activity to keep you engaged. This works best for those who want a meaningful, interactive experience rather than a lengthy culinary journey.

Ultimately, this tour is ideal for travelers eager to learn real Ligurian cooking techniques, enjoy local wines, and bring home edible souvenirs from their Italian adventure.

Key Points

• Authentic hands-on experience with a private chef guiding every step
• Learn to make traditional Genoese pesto and other Ligurian dishes
• Enjoy a curated wine tasting of five regional wines with expert commentary
• Take home your own pesto in a special container to savor later
• Ideal for small groups or individuals seeking personalized culinary activities
• Affordable for the quality at around $58 per person, especially considering all the tastings and takeaways

An In-Depth Look at the Pesto & Cooking Classes

This experience is hosted by LA SCIAMADDA DEI VINACCIERI, a reputable provider specializing in Ligurian cuisine and wine tastings. The setting is in Sestri Levante, a charming coastal town with a laid-back vibe, making it a perfect backdrop for a culinary day out.

The tour begins at the meeting point on Via XXV Aprile, where you’ll meet your private chef and sommelier. Each session lasts approximately an hour, making it a manageable yet highly interactive activity. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which means you’ll get direct guidance and plenty of opportunities to ask questions or clarify techniques.

The Pesto Experience

The highlight for many is the Pesto Experience—over 20,000 guests have been taught how to produce authentic Genoese pesto using a mortar, just like in traditional recipes. Our tour reviewer Debbie describes it as “so fun,” highlighting how the chef’s patience and encouragement made the process enjoyable. You’ll learn about the history and anecdotes behind pesto, adding context to the culinary lesson.

What makes this part especially appealing is the opportunity to make pesto yourself with your own mortar and pestle, rather than just watching a demonstration. The chef walks you through each step, from crushing basil, pine nuts, garlic, and cheese, to blending the ingredients into that signature vibrant green sauce. Once finished, you’ll taste your creation and receive a special container to take your pesto home—perfect for pasta, sandwiches, or just spreading on bread.

Pasta and Ligurian Specialties

For those interested in more than pesto, other courses include making I Corzetti, a beautifully embossed Ligurian pasta, and Genoese potato gnocchi. These are made with traditional wooden molds, giving each piece an authentic touch. One reviewer mentions how they loved learning to craft the pasta “from scratch,” emphasizing the skill involved and the delicious payoff of fresh pasta.

The Focaccia & Pane Experience is another highlight, where you’ll knead and bake Genoese Focaccia—a bread with a crispy crust and fluffy interior—and Marinaro Bread, which pairs perfectly with seafood. The chef’s tips on achieving the perfect texture and flavor are valuable for anyone wanting to replicate these at home.

Fish Experience

An added twist is the Fish Experience, where your chef will guide you in creating two fish recipes, depending on what’s caught that day. The Vernazzina pie is a standout, and the flexibility of the menu based on daily catch is appreciated for its freshness and local authenticity. This part is especially recommended for seafood lovers looking to learn regional techniques.

Wine Tasting

The Wine Experience elevates the tour by pairing the culinary journey with a guided tasting led by a sommelier. You’ll sample five wines from Vinaccieri Ballerini, a well-regarded winery, complemented by cured meats, cheeses, and regional products. The tasting not only introduces you to local wines but also enhances your understanding of Ligurian gastronomy.

Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the wine selection, describing it as “excellent” and noting that the sommelier’s guidance helped them better appreciate the flavors. If you wish, you can also create a lunch or dinner using the dishes you’ve prepared—though this is at an extra cost, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy your culinary creations in a relaxed setting.

The Practical Side of the Experience

The entire experience is private, meaning only your group participates, which allows for a more comfortable and personalized setting. The price of around $58.05 per person offers great value, considering the variety of dishes, wine tastings, and takeaways included.

Transportation options are convenient, with the tour starting at the meeting point near public transit, making it accessible without the need for a car. The activity is suitable for all ages and physical abilities, as it involves hands-on cooking rather than strenuous activity, and service animals are permitted.

What Travelers Have Said

Debbie’s review captures the general sentiment: “The class was so fun, learning how to make the pasta and then enjoying the same pasta delicious. The chef was very patient and encouraging.” Such comments highlight the approachable yet professional guidance you’ll receive. Other reviews emphasize the delicious food and excellent wine, making it clear that this experience satisfies both your taste buds and your curiosity about regional cuisine.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for foodies, wine enthusiasts, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Ligurian cooking. It’s especially suited for travelers seeking an interactive, memorable activity that combines learning, tasting, and culture—all in a single hour.

Couples, small groups, and solo travelers will all find value here, thanks to the private setting and flexible options to customize the experience. If you’re interested in creating your own pesto, learning regional pasta recipes, or simply enjoying excellent wines with authentic dishes, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Experience in Sestri Levante offers an authentic, hands-on taste of Liguria’s culinary treasures. The opportunity to craft your own pesto and other local dishes, paired with a curated wine tasting, ensures a memorable and educational outing. The private guidance from knowledgeable chefs and sommeliers elevates the experience from a simple cooking class to a true cultural event.

The value is clear, especially considering the delicious food, quality wines, and the chance to bring home a homemade pesto. It’s a fantastic choice for those who want more than just sightseeing—they want to connect with local traditions through their taste buds.

Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this experience delivers genuine insight into Ligurian cuisine, making it a highlight of any trip to Sestri Levante.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for children or non-cooks?
Yes, it’s designed to be approachable and fun, with guidance from a personal chef. Kids or non-cooks can comfortably participate, especially since the focus is on learning and tasting.

How long does the experience last?
Each class lasts approximately 1 hour, making it a short but highly engaging activity. You can choose to combine it with other activities or sightseeing.

Are the dishes created during the class edible immediately?
Yes, you will taste your own pesto or pasta right after making it. The pesto, in particular, is yours to take home in a special container.

Can I customize the experience?
While the main focus is on pesto, you can opt for other courses like pasta, focaccia, or fish, depending on your interest. The experience is private, so your preferences are accommodated.

What is included in the wine tasting?
A sommelier will guide you through five regional wines from Vinaccieri Ballerini, accompanied by cured meats, cheeses, and other local products for a complete tasting experience.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book about 33 days ahead, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred date and time.

This Pesto Experience offers an unbeatable way to dive into Ligurian flavors, learn new skills, and enjoy regional wines—all in one compact, expertly guided session. For anyone craving an authentic slice of Italy, it’s a deliciously practical choice.