Pesto, the vibrant green sauce from the Ligurian coast, is the star of this immersive culinary experience in Vernazza, Cinque Terre. Visitors can learn to craft this iconic dish firsthand, then savor it alongside regional wines. During the 2-hour class, you will discover the secrets behind traditional recipes and local flavors. Whether a seasoned cook or curious novice, this intimate gathering offers a chance to connect with the rich gastronomic heritage of the Italian Riviera.
Key Points
- The pesto class and wine tasting experience in Vernazza, Cinque Terre, is priced at $77.66 per person and lasts up to 1.5 hours.
- The experience includes a tasting plate, gnocchi with pesto, and dessert, highlighting the flavors of Ligurian cuisine.
- The meeting point and end location is at Via Roma, 71, in Vernazza, and the activity is available Monday to Saturday from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM.
- The experience is not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants can sit on laps during the activity.
- Guests can cancel the experience for free up to 24 hours before the start, and the experience has received a 5.0 rating based on traveler feedback.
Experience Overview
The activity in Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Italy offers a pesto class and wine tasting experience from $77.66 per person.
The duration is to be confirmed with the local provider in advance, with a maximum of 10 travelers. The experience includes a tasting plate, gnocchi with pesto, and dessert.
Participants will meet at Via Roma, 71 and the activity ends back at the same location. The class is available Monday to Saturday, 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM from October 17, 2022 to April 2, 2026.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start.
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Menu Details
A starter tasting plate is served, featuring Ligurian focaccia, bread, cheeses, and oils. The main course is gnocchi with pesto, served in a traditional mortar. For dessert, guests enjoy a selection of lemon and chocolate treats.
| Menu Item | Description |
| — | — |
| Starter | Ligurian focaccia, bread, cheeses, oils |
| Main | Gnocchi with pesto (served in a mortar) |
| Dessert | Lemon and Chocolate |
This culinary experience offers a delightful taste of Ligurian cuisine, allowing participants to learn about and savor the flavors of the region.
Meeting and Pickup Information
To reach the meeting point, guests should head up the hill from the train station, where Cinque Sensi is located 20 meters on the left, in Piazzetta dei Caduti along Via Roma, 71 in Vernazza.
The activity takes place Monday through Saturday, from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, during the period of 10/17/2022 to 4/2/2026.
At the end of the experience, guests will return to the original meeting point.
The activity isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and infants must sit on laps.
Alcohol is reserved for those 18 and older, with minors offered carbonated beverages as a substitute.
Accessibility and Age Restrictions
Is the activity wheelchair accessible? No, the Pesto Class and Wine Tasting is not wheelchair accessible. However, it is stroller accessible, and infants are welcome to sit on laps during the experience.
| Accessibility | Yes | No |
|—————-|—–|—|
| Wheelchair | | x |
| Stroller | x | |
| Infants | x | |
While the activity is reserved for ages 18 and over for the wine tasting, minors may substitute with carbonated beverages. Confirmation of the activity details is received at the time of booking, and the cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Cancellation Policy
According to the information provided, the cancellation policy for the Pesto Class and Wine Tasting experience in Vernazza allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of the activity.
This gives participants flexibility in their travel plans and the ability to adjust their schedule if needed.
The policy is straightforward and practical, ensuring a smooth booking process for those interested in this unique culinary and cultural experience in the picturesque town of Vernazza, part of Italy’s stunning Cinque Terre region.
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Reviews and Ratings
The Pesto Class and Wine Tasting experience in Vernazza has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a stellar 5.0 rating based on feedback from travelers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Out of 2 total reviews, guests have praised host Carol’s assistance and welcoming nature. They’ve enjoyed the interactive pesto-making lesson and the wine tasting, along with the delicious Ligurian cuisine served during the experience.
With its scenic location, hands-on activities, and hospitable host, this Vernazza offering seems to be a hit with visitors to the Cinque Terre region.
Getting to Vernazza, Cinque Terre
Travelers can reach Vernazza, one of the picturesque villages in Italy’s Cinque Terre region, by various means of transportation.
The most popular option is to take the train, with the nearest station just a short walk from the activity’s meeting point. Visitors can also arrive by boat, with ferries connecting the five villages along the coast.
For those driving, parking is limited, so it’s best to use public transportation whenever possible.
Once in Vernazza, the meeting point at Via Roma, 71 is easily accessible on foot, just 20 meters from the main square.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Wine Is Included in the Tasting?
The wine tasting includes local Ligurian wines, often featuring a range of regional red and white varietals. The specific wines may vary, but they’re carefully selected to complement the pesto and other Ligurian specialties served during the experience.
Is the Pesto Class Hands-On or Demonstration-Style?
The pesto class is hands-on, allowing participants to prepare pesto in a mortar. This interactive experience enables guests to actively learn the traditional techniques of making authentic Ligurian pesto.
Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Menu?
The experience can accommodate dietary restrictions for the menu. Guests should communicate any dietary needs when booking, and the local provider will work to adjust the dishes accordingly where possible.
How Long Is the Total Duration of the Experience?
The total duration of the experience is to be confirmed with the local provider in advance. The activity listing states the duration, but travelers should check with the provider to get the exact time of the experience.
Are Any Souvenirs or Take-Home Items Provided?
The experience doesn’t provide any souvenirs or take-home items. Participants get to enjoy the pesto and wine on-site, and the focus is on the hands-on cooking class and tasting rather than receiving any tangible keepsakes.
The Sum Up
The pesto class and wine tasting in Vernazza, Cinque Terre, offers a fantastic opportunity to take in the rich flavors of Ligurian cuisine. With a tasting plate, homemade gnocchi, and regional wines, this intimate experience promises a delightful culinary journey. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or simply seeking a unique cultural experience, this class is not to be missed.
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