Cinque Terre: Pesto Making Class with Wine and Food Tasting

If you’re visiting the Cinque Terre and want an experience that combines hands-on cooking with tasting local wines and cheeses, the Pesto Making Class with wine and food tasting offers a delightful way to connect with Liguria’s culinary soul. This 1.5-hour session isn’t just about learning a recipe; it’s about understanding the care behind Italy’s most famous sauce while enjoying a cozy, intimate setting that feels more like a dinner with friends than a tourist trap.

What I love about this experience is how they emphasize making pesto by hand using a mortar and pestle—a true nod to tradition—and the quality of the ingredients chosen, which makes a noticeable difference in flavor. Plus, the carefully curated wine tastings paired with cheeses, focaccia, and local oils elevate the experience into a true tasting journey. One minor consideration is that the activity lasts only about an hour and a half, so if you’re craving a full gourmet meal, you might find it a bit brief. Still, it’s packed with authentic charm and practical skills you’ll want to try at home.

Key points / Takeaways

• Authentic Pesto Preparation: You’ll learn how to make pesto by hand using traditional tools, which is rare to find in casual tours.
• Focused Small Group: Limited to 8 participants, so you get personalized attention and a friendly, relaxed vibe.
• Local Setting: All the activity takes place in a typical Cinque Terre cellar, surrounded by stone and wood, enhancing the authentic feel.
• Wine & Food Pairings: Multiple wine tastings with cheese, focaccia, and extra virgin olive oils make for an engaging, flavorful experience.
• Gnocchi & Pesto Combo: You’ll enjoy gnocchi inside the freshly made pesto, paired with a glass of wine, giving you a real taste of Ligurian cuisine.
• Valuable Skills: Leave with the confidence and know-how to recreate pesto at home—an excellent souvenir from your trip.

Entering a World of Ligurian Flavors in a Tiny Cellar

The tour begins in a cozy, stone-walled cellar in Vernazza, a quiet corner that makes you feel like you’re stepping into an old Ligurian home. Meeting your guide here is straightforward—just look for the stone building near the train station, after a brief hike up a few meters. The small group size means you won’t be lost in a crowd, and you’ll gain more from the guide’s knowledge and tips, such as how to select the best basil or the tricks to crushing garlic perfectly.

What makes this setting special isn’t just the ambiance but the attention to detail. The wooden tools, the scent of fresh herbs, and the historic walls all add layers of authenticity that elevate the experience beyond a simple cooking class. This isn’t a mass-produced tour; it’s a carefully curated taste of Liguria’s culinary legacy.

Learning to Make Pesto the Traditional Way

The core of this experience is the pesto-making itself. Rather than using a blender, you’ll use a mortar and pestle, which is how Ligurian families have been making pesto for generations. Your instructor guides you through selecting the best basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese, and extra virgin olive oil. Several reviews highlight the skill of the guides—one mentions “our instructor was beyond wonderful,” and another notes that they left “ready to make pesto at home.”

The process might seem simple, but the nuances matter. You’ll learn how to crush and blend ingredients to get the perfect texture and flavor. One reviewer appreciated the focus on using only selected ingredients—not just any basil from the supermarket. This attention to quality makes your homemade pesto taste vibrant and authentic.

Wine & Food Tasting: More Than Just a Snack

After the pesto is prepared, the fun extends into a wine tasting that includes cheeses, focaccia, and extra virgin olive oils. The guide carefully pairs each sip with carefully selected bites, enhancing the flavors and giving you a true taste of Liguria. Multiple reviews mention the “delicious” wine pairings and the “great cheese”, emphasizing how this elevates the experience from ordinary to memorable.

One highlight is the gnocchi served inside the pesto—a hallmark of Ligurian cuisine—paired with a different wine, which really rounds out the tasting. You’ll also get to sample Limoncino, a lemon-flavored liqueur, and chocolate for a sweet finish. The inclusion of these local treats makes the class feel complete and well-rounded.

Authentic Gnocchi and Pesto: A Satisfying Lunch

The hands-down favorite for many is the gnocchi dish made with the pesto you just prepared. It’s served in a typical Cinque Terre cellar, which makes the meal even more authentic. Having a meal in such a setting, with local wines and knowledgeable guides, feels like a true taste of Ligurian life.

According to reviews, the pesto is delicious, and the wine pairings are “great”—an experience that combines learning and tasting in the most appealing way. The guide’s tips on selecting ingredients and the care they put into each step make this more than just a class; it’s a mini culinary lesson.

The Final Touch: Limoncino & Chocolate

The last part of the tour is a sweet tasting featuring Limoncino and chocolates, which nicely caps off the tasting experience. It’s a reminder of Italy’s love for combining flavors—bright, citrusy limoncino paired with rich chocolate makes for a memorable finish.

Is This Worth the Price?

At $70.24 per person, this experience offers good value, especially considering the included food and multiple wine tastings. You’re not just paying for the pesto lesson but also for the chance to taste local Ligurian specialties and learn about their regional significance. Small group sizes and a knowledgeable guide ensure a personalized experience that’s worth the investment.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This class is perfect for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, food lovers, and those who want to understand the roots of Ligurian cuisine. It’s especially suited for small groups or couples seeking an intimate, authentic experience. If you’re looking for a quick, fun way to bring home a piece of Italy’s culinary tradition, this is an excellent choice.

It’s not ideal if you have gluten intolerance—since gnocchi and focaccia are involved—or if you’re after a full sit-down meal, as this is more of a tasting and learning experience.

Practical Tips for Participants

Bring comfortable shoes for the brief walk, and snacks or water if you’re sensitive to long sessions. Remember, food isn’t allowed to be brought into the class, but the included tastings are ample. Reserve your spot in advance, as the small group size means it can fill up quickly.

FAQs

How long does the class last?
The activity is approximately 1.5 hours, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy each part without feeling rushed.

Is this suitable for non-English speakers?
The instructor speaks English, making it easy to follow along and ask questions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility in your travel plans.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring comfortable shoes, some snacks, and water. No food is allowed to be brought into the class itself.

Is this suitable if I have gluten allergies?
No, it’s not suitable for gluten intolerant travelers because of the gnocchi and focaccia involved.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers wine tastings, focaccia, cheese, olive oils, pesto, gnocchi, Limoncino, chocolate, and water.

Where do I meet the guide?
At a stone building near the Vernazza train station, after a short 20-meter hike. The activity ends back at the same spot.

This Pesto Making Class offers a relaxed, authentic taste of Liguria through its manual pesto process, local wines, and delicious regional bites. It’s ideal for food lovers, couples, or small groups wanting a memorable, informative experience that connects them with the true flavors of the Cinque Terre. You’ll come away with new skills, a few bottles of wine, and a deeper appreciation for Liguria’s culinary traditions.