SESTRI LEVANTE: Pesto & Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting

Sestri Levante, a picturesque coastal town in Italy, offers a unique opportunity to dive into the rich culinary heritage of the Ligurian region. With hands-on pesto and cooking classes, as well as engaging wine tasting sessions, visitors can enjoy the flavors that have captivated locals for generations. Led by knowledgeable instructors, these interactive experiences promise to elevate your understanding of Ligurian cuisine and introduce you to the secrets behind iconic dishes like corzetti pasta and focaccia. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, this itinerary is sure to leave you…

Key Points

• Sestri Levante offers hands-on cooking classes focusing on iconic Ligurian dishes, including pesto-making, corzetti pasta, and traditional focaccia.
• The pesto-making experience teaches participants to craft authentic Genoese pesto using a marble mortar and traditional techniques.
• A guided wine tasting showcases five regional wines from Vinaccieri Ballerini, complemented by local specialties like bruschetta and cheese.
• Experienced, multilingual instructors lead the culinary experiences, which are designed to be accessible for all participants.
• Flexible booking options, free cancellation, and private group experiences are available to create tailored culinary journeys.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This experience in Sestri Levante offers visitors the opportunity to learn the art of pesto-making and participate in a variety of cooking classes, as well as a wine tasting.

Priced from $54.61 per person, the 1-hour sessions include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later.

Cooking experiences range from pesto-making to pasta, focaccia, and fish preparation, while the wine tasting features five local wines with accompanying regional delicacies.

The experiences are led by highly-rated multilingual instructors and are wheelchair accessible.

Cooking Experiences Offered

The experience offers visitors a range of hands-on cooking classes, allowing them to learn the techniques behind some of Liguria’s most iconic dishes.

Travelers can choose from the pesto experience, where they’ll use a marble mortar to make authentic Genoese pesto and take home their creation.

For pasta enthusiasts, there’s the Corzetti pasta class, where guests shape ancient Ligurian pasta using wooden molds.

Those interested in local breads can learn to bake traditional Genoese focaccia and Pane Marinaro.

The fish experience teaches participants to prepare two seafood dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.

Pesto Experience

Participants in the Pesto Experience learn to make authentic Genoese pesto using a traditional marble mortar.

Under the guidance of an expert instructor, they’ll grind basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil into a smooth, aromatic paste.

This hands-on class teaches the traditional techniques passed down for generations.

Once the pesto is prepared, participants can taste their creation and take home the fresh pesto they made.

The Pesto Experience offers a unique opportunity to learn this iconic Ligurian dish and bring a taste of Italy back home.

Pasta Experience

During the Pasta Experience, guests create ancient Ligurian pasta known as I Corzetti using traditional wooden molds.

This hands-on class offers a unique opportunity to:

1. Learn the ancient art of shaping pasta with wooden tools.

2. Discover the rich history and cultural significance of I Corzetti.

3. Prepare the dough and craft each individual pasta piece.

4. Take home the fresh pasta you’ve made to enjoy later.

After the class, participants leave with a newfound appreciation for the region’s culinary traditions and a delicious souvenir to remind them of their Ligurian adventure.

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Focaccia & Bread Experience

In the Focaccia & Bread Experience, guests learn to make the iconic Genoese Focaccia and the traditional Pane Marinaro (Sailor’s Bread) under the guidance of a skilled instructor.

Participants will knead the dough, let it rise, and shape the iconic Genoese Focaccia, perfecting its signature dimpled texture.

They’ll also craft the classic Pane Marinaro, a hearty loaf traditionally enjoyed by local fishermen.

Upon completion, guests will have the opportunity to taste their freshly baked creations and take home their handmade breads.

Fish Experience

The Fish Experience allows guests to prepare two fish dishes under the guidance of a professional chef.

Participants will:

1. Learn proper fish preparation techniques, such as cleaning, filleting, and seasoning.

2. Create two delectable local seafood dishes using fresh, high-quality ingredients.

3. Gain insights into the regional cuisine and culinary traditions of Sestri Levante.

4. Savor the fruits of their labor by enjoying the prepared dishes at the end of the class.

This hands-on experience provides an immersive introduction to the seafood specialties that define the flavors of the Ligurian coast.

Wine Tasting Experience

What does the Wine Tasting Experience entail? Visitors can enjoy a guided tasting of five wines from Vinaccieri Ballerini. The lineup includes a crisp Vermentino, a blend of Traminer and Vermentino, a bold red blend, a Pinot Nero sparkling brut, and a sweet Malvasia Liquorosa. To complement the wines, the tasting also features local specialties like bruschetta, salami, cheese, and desserts.

| Wine | Grape Variety | Style |

| — | — | — |

| NAVIGATO | Vermentino | White |

| TRAM | Traminer, Vermentino | White |

| TERRANOVA | Merlot, Sirah, Sangiovese, Granaccia | Red |

| KAVA | Pinot Nero | Sparkling Brut |

| ALEA | Malvasia | Sweet |

Instructor and Accessibility

Highly rated by participants for their knowledge and engaging instruction, the cooking class and wine tasting experiences at La Sciamadda dei Vinacceri Ballerini are led by multilingual professionals.

The instructors are fluent in:

1. Arabic

2. English

3. French

4. German, Italian, and Spanish

The experiences are also accessible, with the venue being wheelchair-friendly.

Plus, private group options are available, allowing for customized and intimate culinary and oenological journeys tailored to the specific needs and interests of the participants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine Different Cooking Experiences in One Session?

Yes, you can typically combine different cooking experiences in one session. The provider offers flexible options that allow you to mix and match the experiences that interest you most during your time there.

Are There Any Dietary Accommodations Available for the Experiences?

Yes, the experiences offer dietary accommodations. They can cater to vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets with advance notice. Participants should simply let the host know of any dietary requirements when booking.

What Is the Minimum/Maximum Group Size for the Activities?

The experiences are available for private group bookings, with no minimum group size. The maximum group size is 12 participants for the cooking classes and 15 for the wine tasting session.

Do the Experiences Include Transportation From Nearby Cities?

The experiences do not include transportation from nearby cities. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to the starting location in Sestri Levante. Private group options are available for those requiring more customized logistics.

Are the Cooking Classes Suitable for Children or Families?

The cooking classes are suitable for families, with options to accommodate children. The hands-on experiences allow participants of all ages to learn traditional Ligurian techniques in a fun, engaging environment.

The Sum Up

Sestri Levante’s pesto and cooking classes offer an immersive cultural experience. Learn to craft authentic Genoese pesto, create iconic Ligurian dishes, and enjoy guided wine tastings. Led by experienced, multilingual instructors, these classes provide an accessible way to dive into the vibrant culinary traditions of the region. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, you’ll leave with newfound skills and a deeper appreciation for Ligurian cuisine.

You can check availability for your dates here: