Genoa: Walnut Pesto Mortar Masterclass with Tasting and Wine

Step into Genoa’s culinary soul: crush walnuts by hand, craft a creamy pesto, and savor it with pasta and Ligurian wine. A unique, hands-on taste of local tradition. Don’t miss this tasty experience!

Discover a lesser-known treasure of Ligurian cuisine with this hands-on Walnut Pesto Masterclass in the heart of Genoa’s old town. Just a few steps from the House of Christopher Columbus, you’ll step into the cozy and authentic world of our BioTigullio5Terre Bottega, where tradition, flavor, and history come together. During this immersive culinary experience, you’ll learn how to make traditional walnut pesto using a Carrara marble mortar and wooden pestle, just as Ligurian grandmothers have done for generations. This creamy, delicate sauce is made from simple, wholesome ingredients: Italian walnuts, bread soaked in milk, Parmigiano Reggiano, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and a touch of marjoram. Under the guidance of our expert hosts, you'll crush and blend the ingredients by hand, learning how to balance flavors and create the perfect texture. Along the way, you’ll hear about the history of walnut pesto, how it differs from the more famous basil pesto, and why it has a special place in Ligurian mountain cuisine. Once your pesto is ready, you’ll sit down to enjoy it with a fresh dish of handmade pasta (typically trofie or pansotti), paired with a glass of local Ligurian wine—either Vermentino from Colli di Luni or Ciliegiolo from the Tigullio Gulf. To make your experience even more memorable, we’ll gift you a 90g jar of artisan walnut pesto to take home, along with a personalized certificate of participation—a unique souvenir from Genoa that marks your initiation into Ligurian culinary traditions. Whether you’re a food lover, a curious traveler, or simply looking for an authentic, small-group activity in Genoa, this workshop is the perfect way to connect with local culture in a warm and welcoming setting. What’s included: Hands-on cooking class with marble mortar and pestle All fresh ingredients provided Pasta tasting with the pesto you prepared 1 glass of local Ligurian wine 90g jar of artisan walnut pesto to take home Personalized participation certificate Location: BioTigullio5Terre, Via di Ravecca 51/r, Genoa – Italy Just 3 minutes from the House of Christopher Columbus