Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine
Overview
This experience offers an authentic deep dive into Genoa’s culinary tradition, just steps from the birthplace of Christopher Columbus. You’ll learn to prepare real Genovese pesto using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle—just like locals have done for centuries.
Set in our small artisan “food and wine” shop in the heart of the old town, the experience is hands-on, authentic and full of flavor. You’ll taste high-quality local ingredients and enjoy your handmade pesto served with trofie pasta, paired with a guided tasting of Ligurian wines.
What makes this experience truly special is our family involvement: the class is led by us together with Gaia, our daughter, who was the youngest finalist at the World Pesto Championship in Genoa (March 2026).
This is not just a cooking class, but a real connection to Ligurian culture, traditions and family hospitality.
What's Included
- Brunch
- Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic Beverages
- Private transportation
- Gratuities
- Optional purchase of top-quality local food and wine to support the local economy.
Meeting Location
Via di Ravecca
51r, 16128 Genova GE, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
You’ll be welcomed into artisan "food and wine" shop in the heart of Genoa, near Columbus’ House. After a short briefing explaining the local ingredients, you’ll learn to make authentic Genovese pesto by hand, using a traditional marble mortar and wooden pestle.
Then, enjoy the pesto you’ve made served over artisanal trofie pasta, paired with a tasting of one or two local wines: Vermentino and Ciliegiolo. We’ll finish with time to relax, take photos, and receive your participation certificate and a jar of long-shelf-life pesto to take home.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-5583644P4
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 43 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- Brunch.
- Alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic Beverages.
- Private transportation.
- Gratuities.
- Optional purchase of top-quality local food and wine to support the local economy.
The minimum age to participate is 11. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Brunch
- Alcoholic beveragesAlcoholic Beverages
- Private transportation
- Gratuities
- Optional purchase of top-quality local food and wine to support the local economy.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
