Cinque Terre: Pesto Cooking Class at a Locals Home

Enjoy the vibrant culinary heritage of Italy’s captivating Cinque Terre region. Join a local host for an intimate pesto cooking class, where you’ll uncover the secrets to crafting this iconic dish using traditional techniques. Savor the robust flavors of fresh basil, pine nuts, and Parmigiano-Reggiano as you learn the art of pesto-making, all while sipping on a glass of crisp Ligurian wine. Discover the nuances that make this regional specialty so beloved, and leave with the knowledge to recreate the magic in your own kitchen.

Key Points

1. The pesto cooking class is a 2-hour hands-on experience in a local’s home, limited to 10 participants, and priced at $173.66 per person.
2. Participants will learn two methods of preparing pesto and receive tips on proper pesto storage, accompanied by a glass of local Ligurian wine.
3. The class offers insights into the history and quality of pesto ingredients, set against the scenic backdrop of the Ligurian landscape.
4. Dietary accommodations, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options, are available upon confirmation.
5. The class culminates in participants packaging their homemade pesto to take home, allowing them to savor the flavors of Cinque Terre.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The activity is a 2-hour Pesto Cooking Class at a local’s home in the stunning Cinque Terre region.

Priced at $173.66 per person, the class is limited to 10 participants and offered in English and Italian.

Guests will learn two pesto-making methods, receive tips on storage, and enjoy a glass of local wine during the class.

They’ll also package the pesto to take home.

The experience offers insights into Italy’s culinary heritage and the importance of high-quality ingredients.

The meeting point requires a 200m uphill walk, and dietary needs can be accommodated with prior confirmation.

Class Details

Participants will learn two methods of preparing pesto during the class – using a mortar and pestle or an electric blender.

The class will provide tips on properly storing pesto to keep it fresh. A glass of local Ligurian wine from Possa winery and water will be served during the class.

Participants will also package the pesto they make to take home. This culinary experience offers insights into the history of pesto from Spezia and the importance of high-quality ingredients, including the best basil plants.

The stunning vineyard views complement the immersive pesto-making lesson.

Culinary Experience

Exploring Italy’s culinary heritage, you will have the opportunity to taste the famous pesto recipe and gain insights into its history from Spezia.

They’ll discover the importance of high-quality ingredients, such as the best basil plants, and the two traditional methods of preparing pesto: using a mortar and pestle or an electric blender.

During the class, guests will enjoy a glass of local wine from the Possa winery in Liguria, as well as water, while learning tips on proper pesto storage to keep it fresh.

Ultimately, they’ll package their homemade pesto to take home and savor.

Location and Meeting Point

Stunning views from the vineyard greet guests as they make their way to the Cesarina’s house for the pesto cooking class.

The meeting point requires a 200m uphill walk, descending terraced steps and turning right at the I Foresti Farm sign. Participants then follow the path to the Cesarina’s home, where they’ll learn the art of pesto-making.

A 200m uphill walk, descending terraced steps, and turning right at the I Foresti Farm sign leads to the Cesarina’s home for a pesto-making class.

The location offers a picturesque setting, with the Ligurian landscape providing a beautiful backdrop for the culinary experience.

The exact address of the Cesarina’s house is provided after the reservation is confirmed, ensuring guests arrive at the correct destination.

More Great Tours Nearby

Dietary Accommodations

What about dietary requirements? The cooking class organizers are happy to accommodate various dietary needs upon confirmation.

Participants can request modifications for:

1. Vegetarian or vegan diets

2. Gluten-free or dairy-free preferences

3. Nut allergies or other food sensitivities

4. Kosher or halal dietary restrictions

The Cesarina, or local host, will work closely with the group to ensure everyone can fully enjoy the pesto-making experience and the subsequent tasting.

Just be sure to provide any dietary information when booking the class, so the team can prepare accordingly.

Pesto Preparation Methods

During the pesto cooking class, participants have the opportunity to learn two distinct methods for preparing the iconic sauce – the traditional mortar and pestle technique, as well as the modern electric blender approach.

The mortar and pestle method allows for a more hands-on, artisanal experience, as participants grind the ingredients together to achieve the desired texture and flavor.

Conversely, the electric blender method is faster and more efficient, producing a smooth, consistent pesto.

Throughout the class, the instructor provides tips on properly storing the pesto to maintain its freshness and vibrant green color.

Pesto Storage Tips

To keep pesto fresh and vibrant, the class covers several important storage tips.

Participants learn:

1. Transfer pesto to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a bowl with an airtight lid.

2. Pour a thin layer of olive oil over the top of the pesto to create a protective barrier.

3. Store the pesto in the refrigerator, where it can last up to 5 days.

4. For longer-term storage, freeze pesto in ice cube trays, then transfer the cubes to a resealable bag, allowing up to 3 months of freshness.

Local Wine Pairing

A key highlight of the pesto cooking class is the opportunity to enjoy a glass of local wine from the renowned Possa winery in Liguria.

This regional wine perfectly complements the rich, fragrant flavors of the homemade pesto. Participants can savor the crisp, refreshing notes of the wine as they learn the intricacies of pesto preparation.

The wine serves as a palate cleanser, allowing guests to fully appreciate the nuances of the pesto. Along with water, the local wine provides a delightful pairing that enhances the overall culinary experience during the class.

The Sum Up

Enjoy the flavors of the Cinque Terre as you learn to create authentic pesto in an intimate setting. This hands-on cooking class offers a chance to savor the region’s culinary heritage, complete with expert guidance and local wine pairings. Whether you’re a pesto enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this class promises an unforgettable taste of Italy.

You can check availability for your dates here: