SESTRI LEVANTE: Pesto & Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting

Nestled along the breathtaking Ligurian coastline, the charming town of Sestri Levante beckons culinary adventurers to uncover its gastronomic treasures. From the vibrant hues of Genoese pesto to the time-honored tradition of hand-crafted pasta, this picturesque destination offers a delectable journey into the heart of Italian cuisine. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a curious foodie, the opportunity to learn from skilled chefs and savor the region’s finest vintages promises an experience that tantalizes the senses and leaves you craving more. Prepare to be captivated as you learn about the culinary wonders of Sestri Levante.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Wine Tours In Camogli.

Good To Know

• Culinary experiences in Sestri Levante include hands-on cooking classes on authentic Genoese pesto, Ligurian pasta, and focaccia.
• Cooking classes focus on Ligurian culinary traditions and involve preparing dishes like Genoese pesto and ancient Ligurian pasta.
• The pesto experience teaches traditional pesto-making techniques using a marble mortar and showcases the rich culinary heritage of Liguria.
• The pasta experience covers crafting ancient Ligurian dishes, such as I Corzetti and Genoese potato gnocchi, using traditional wooden molds.
• Wine tastings feature local Ligurian vintages paired with regional specialties, enhancing the appreciation of Ligurian flavors and pairings.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of Offerings

Located along the picturesque Italian Riviera, Sestri Levante hosts an array of culinary experiences that invite visitors to explore the region’s gastronomic delights.

From learning the art of making authentic Genoese pesto in a marble mortar to crafting ancient Ligurian pasta and Focaccia, the hands-on cooking classes offer an immersive journey through the area’s rich culinary heritage.

Complementing the cooking experiences, the wine tastings allow guests to savor the finest local vintages, accompanied by cured meats, cheeses, and other regional specialties.

With flexible scheduling, multilingual instruction, and accessibility options, these activities cater to diverse interests and needs, ensuring an unforgettable taste of Sestri Levante’s vibrant food and wine culture.

Cooking Class Details

Immersing visitors in the art of Ligurian culinary traditions, the cooking classes in Sestri Levante offer hands-on experiences to craft iconic regional dishes.

Participants can learn to make authentic Genoese pesto using a marble mortar, create ancient Ligurian pasta and potato gnocchi, or prepare and taste real Genoese focaccia and pane marinaro.

For a seafood adventure, the fish experience guides budding chefs in preparing two delectable fish dishes under the tutelage of a professional.

With a glass of wine to start each class, these immersive sessions provide a delicious taste of Ligurian cuisine and the opportunity to take home one’s culinary creations.

Pesto Experience

Although the aroma of freshly crushed basil and garlic fills the air, participants in the Pesto Experience eagerly await their turn to wield the wooden pestle and grind the ingredients into the perfect Genoese pesto.

Under the guidance of local experts, they learn the traditional technique, carefully crushing the basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Pecorino cheese in a marble mortar.

As the pesto takes shape, the senses come alive with the vibrant green hue and the complex flavors.

With a sense of accomplishment, each participant bottles their handcrafted pesto to take home, ready to recreate the taste of Liguria in their own kitchens.

Pasta Experience

The Pasta Experience invites guests to dive into the heart of Ligurian culinary traditions, where ancient techniques meet modern flair.

Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you will learn to create two beloved regional pasta dishes – the ancient Ligurian I Corzetti and the beloved Genoese potato gnocchi.

Using traditional wooden molds, guests will hand-craft these delectable pastas, blending age-old methods with a touch of contemporary creativity.

Upon completion, you will depart with their freshly made creations, ready to recreate the flavors of Sestri Levante in their own kitchens, savoring the fruits of their labors.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Focaccia and Bread Experience

After mastering the art of ancient Ligurian pasta-making, guests can now turn their attention to the equally revered culinary tradition of Genoese focaccia and pane marinaro.

Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, you will knead, shape, and bake these iconic breads, infusing them with the flavors of the Mediterranean.

The hands-on experience allows guests to understand the nuanced techniques required to achieve the perfect texture and golden crust.

Baking their own focaccia and pane marinaro, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for these beloved regional specialties and savor the fruits of their labors.

Fish Experience

Guided by a professional chef, guests embark on a culinary journey to prepare two exquisite fish dishes, blending the flavors of the Ligurian coast.

They’ll learn the art of selecting the freshest, local seafood and masterfully incorporating Ligurian herbs and spices to create a truly authentic experience.

The hands-on class takes participants through the step-by-step process, from filleting the fish to expertly plating the final creations.

As the aromas fill the air, guests savor every bite, delighting in the perfect balance of flavors that celebrate the rich maritime heritage of this captivating region.

Wine Tasting Experience

Guests embark on a captivating wine tasting journey, guided by the knowledgeable staff at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini. They savor a carefully curated selection of five exceptional wines from the Vinaccieri Ballerini winery.

The tasting is accompanied by a delightful array of cured meats, local cheeses, and other regional gastronomy products, providing a harmonious pairing that delights the senses. The experience offers an opportunity to learn about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions of the Ligurian coast, while indulging in the rich flavors that have made this region renowned.

For those participating in the cooking classes, a complimentary glass of wine is offered at the start, adding an extra touch of enjoyment to the culinary experience.

Meeting Point and Accessibility

The La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, located in the charming town of Sestri Levante, serves as the starting point for this immersive culinary experience.

The cooking classes and wine tastings are easily accessible from various locations, including the nearby cities of Genoa, Portofino, and the picturesque Cinque Terre region.

Whether you’re arriving by car, train, or bus, you’ll find the La Sciamadda conveniently situated and welcoming to guests of all abilities, as the facility is wheelchair accessible.

With a focus on making the experience inclusive and accommodating, the La Sciamadda sets the stage for a delightful journey through the flavors and traditions of the Ligurian coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do the Cooking Classes Take to Complete?

The cooking classes last around an hour, providing ample time for participants to learn authentic techniques and take home their freshly-made creations. Whether it’s pesto, pasta, or focaccia, the classes offer a hands-on, immersive culinary experience.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?

The cooking classes offer group discounts, making them an affordable and engaging activity for friends, families, or colleagues. Visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience in a welcoming setting while learning to prepare authentic Genoese specialties.

Can Vegetarian/Vegan Options Be Accommodated in the Cooking Classes?

Yes, the cooking classes can accommodate vegetarian and vegan participants. The expert instructors are happy to adjust the recipes and ingredients to meet dietary requirements, ensuring all guests have a delightful hands-on culinary experience.

Does the Wine Tasting Experience Include Any Food Pairings?

The wine tasting experience includes a delectable pairing of cured meats, cheeses, and local gastronomy products – a perfect complement to the guided tasting of five Vinaccieri Ballerini wines.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Activities?

The wine tasting experience includes a selection of cured meats, cheeses, and local gastronomy products to pair with the wines. There are no age restrictions for the activities, making them enjoyable for all participants.

The Sum Up

Dive into the vibrant flavors of Ligurian cuisine in Sestri Levante. Learn from skilled chefs, crafting pesto, pasta, and focaccia, while savoring exceptional local wines. This hands-on experience offers a unique taste of Italy’s rich gastronomic heritage, catering to foodies of all levels. Enjoy authentic traditions and uncover the heart of this captivating coastal town.

You can check if your dates are available here: