Genoa Pesto Workshop: Culinary Tradition

Dive into Genoa’s culinary heritage with a hands-on pesto masterclass, savoring local wines and pasta in an intimate, authentic setting.

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • BioTigullio5Terre - Traditional Products from Tigullio, Cinque Terre, Genoa, and the Hinterland - Visitors are warmly invited to an artisan “food and wine” shop located in the heart of Genoa, close to Columbus’ House. After a brief introduction to the local ingredients, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to make authentic Genovese…
What's Included
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Brunch
What's Not Included
  • Private transportation
  • Gratuities
  • Optional purchase of top-quality local food and wine to support the local economy.
Meal Options
  • Trofie al pesto - Trofie al pesto is a traditional Ligurian pasta dish served with handmade basil pesto for an authentic taste of Genoa.
Additional Information

This experience provides a genuine exploration of Genoa’s culinary heritage, located just a short distance from Christopher Columbus’s birthplace. Participants will learn to create authentic Genovese pesto using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle, as locals have done for generations.
Hosted in a quaint artisan “food and wine” shop in the heart…

Location
BioTigullio5Terre - Prodotti tipici del Tigullio, Cinque Terre, Genova ed entroterra
Via di Ravecca
Meet at the BioTigullio5Terre shop, 100m from Columbus’ House. Easily reachable from Piazza De Ferrari (5 min walk, metro and buses). Look for the handmade sign outside in coloured wood. Call or WhatsApp us if needed.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(28 Ratings)
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Robert_b
May 22, 2026
Pesto in Genoa - Fantastic experience. I will be making my own Pesto from now on. The girl teaching the class was awesome.
Review provided by Viator
Rosalinda_m
Apr 22, 2026
A MUST if you come to Genoa! - First of all, Barbara was completely amazing! She was so welcoming and her shop left me in awe! I love that the items in her shop for sale were from locals. The class was something my husband and I will never forget! I can’t wait to make pesto for my family here in the states!
Review provided by Viator
Cecily_c
Apr 21, 2026
Delicious Class - Personal hands-on class by a friendly and warm host. Takes place in a charming shop that focuses on Ligurian products. Excellent class for all levels. Your work pays off with a delicious lunch made with your pesto and local wine. If you like pesto and have never made it Genovese style (with a mortar and pestle), then this is for you!
Review provided by Viator
Fearless21918252345
Apr 9, 2026
BARBARA’S PESTO ON TOPPP - This was an incredible experience !! Barbara is a passionate instructor who is the perfect representation of a generous and happy Italian. She shares her passion through jokes and light discussions. Don’t forget the homemade pesto which was just fabulous and yummy. #Bestpesto I recommend this course at 100%
Review provided by Tripadvisor
I3598xrlolac
Apr 9, 2026
The best pesto I ever tasted 😋 - This cooking class was an amazing experience!! Barabara was really nice. It’s a good way to talk to a local, cook a delicious meal and learn about Genoa’s famous pesto ! I recommend 100%
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Todd_n
Apr 6, 2026
Amazing pesto class for the family - This was a fantastic experience with our children, ages 13 and 17. The shop is amazing and we were guided step by step in making a delicious pesto, which we enjoyed over trofi pasta with some wines from the local area. A highly recommended experience while in Genoa.
Review provided by Viator
Kelly_s
Mar 23, 2026
Fun way to spend a couple of hours in Geneo - Barbara, the shoppe owner and instructor, was wonderful! She was very patient and clear in her teachings. She made the class enjoyable and we now know how to make pesto. If you are looking for something unique to do and love pesto, this is a great experience.
Review provided by Viator
Mandymd6047ae
Mar 16, 2026
Highlight of our time in Genoa - I booked this class for myself and my sister during our recent stay in Genoa. We had an amazing time. The instructor, Barbara, was wonderful and took the time to explain everything. The classes are small in size and are held in a cute little shop that sells good for local artisans. It was a lovely experience and I look forward to doing it again the next time I visit Genoa.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tiffany_m
Mar 7, 2026
One of the high points of my trip - Barbara and her daughter were so lovely. I am so grateful they did not cancel as I was the only participant. I appreciated the time she spent with me on a very busy day. Working with the mortar and pestle was much harder than I originally thought it would be. The payoff of the aroma and taste was so worth it. I left with a shelf stable jar of pesto as well as what was left of my own handiwork to eat on toast the next day. The wine was wonderful and it was a great way to spend the morning before exploring the city! Thank you Barbara for sharing your memories!
Review provided by Viator
Roxanem748
Feb 11, 2026
Sharing and cooking, a pleasure! - Barbara is passionate and she shares her passion with us. Patient with us, the 2 young teenagers (boys, first 😉) loved the course and delighted in the tasting! A big thank you and a perfect moment of sharing. Gracie
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $90
up to 6 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).