
Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine worth booking?
Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine is a 2.5-hour experience in Genoa, Italy, from $89 per person. It scores 81 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 43 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 81 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (43)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $89 per person
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 you get
About this experience
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
Included
- Alcoholic beverages
- Brunch
Not included
- Private transportation
- Gratuities
- Optional purchase of top-quality local food and wine to support the local economy.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Genoa
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.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
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.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 6 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Tigullio Trekking - BioTigullio5Terre
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
6 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
43 verified traveler reviews for Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Pesto making-fantastic!
I cannot say enough about what an amazing experience we had. The shop owner and her son, the pesto technique, the stories, the meal and all the wonderful products!! Great way to end our time in Italy I cannot say enough— this is a must do!!
via Viator
Spectacular Pesto Class
This small locally owned shop is a jewel. For directions put in the Columbus house and follow from there. Gaia is a wonderful teacher and no matter your cooking skills, the pesto will come out great. You have local wine with your meal. Try your pesto with the chestnut pasta!
via Viator
Fun and relaxed experience with great conversation, food and wine!
This was a fun experience! We learned how to make pesto and made good memories. The instructions were easy to follow and the instructor was super friendly. It felt like hanging out with family. The wine was also excellent! I would highly recommend this experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your lovely review! ❤️ Hearing that you felt like you were spending time with family truly means the world to us! That's exactly the atmosphere we love to create in our little shop in Genoa. 🌿 We're delighted that you enjoyed making authentic pesto, sharing wonderful memories, and discovering our Ligurian wines. It was a real pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back one day! 🍷🇮🇹
via Tripadvisor
The Best Pesto You Will Ever Make
We were immediately greeted and welcomed when walking in the shop. The shop owner was warm, kind and funny. She taught us how authentic pesto is made and I’m excited to do it at home. I highly recommend and will never forget this experience. My husband and I could not stop talking about how delicious authentic pesto tastes! It’s nothing like what you get in the store.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this wonderful review! ❤️ Barbara will be delighted to read your lovely words! We're so happy that you and your husband enjoyed discovering the secrets of authentic Genoese pesto. 🌿 Knowing that you'll never forget this experience is one of the greatest compliments we could receive. We hope you'll recreate our pesto at home and remember your time in Genoa with a smile! Thank you for sharing this special moment with us! 🇮🇹
via Viator
The best pesto class in Genoa!
Barbara was the most wonderful host and it was so informative and we learned a great deal, it was also small and that contributed to the intimate more personable experience and just cannot say enough good things about this experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much, Neal! ❤️ Your words truly mean a lot to us. We intentionally keep our classes small because we want every guest to feel welcomed, involved and part of an authentic Genoese experience. Barbara loved sharing our pesto tradition with you, and hearing you call it “the best pesto class in Genoa” absolutely made our day! 🌿🇮🇹
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Tigullio Trekking - BioTigullio5Terre, who run 5 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.9.
See everything Tigullio Trekking - BioTigullio5Terre runsWhy this scores 81
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Genoa.
How much does Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine cost?
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Prices start at $89 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Genoa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Genoa is not rushed.
Is Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 81 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 43 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Genoa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine?
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Around 15 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Genoa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Genoa and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Genoa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Genoa?
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On Outty we rank every Genoa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rooftop Cooking Class in Genoa: Pesto, Fresh Pasta & Wine, Genoa Small-Group Food Tour with Full Meal & Local Food Expert, Genoa Food, Wine Tasting & History Walking Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Genoa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Genoa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine?
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Included: Alcoholic beverages; and Brunch. Not included: Private transportation; Gratuities; and Optional purchase of top-quality local food and wine to support the local economy. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 3 listed pickup locations in and around Genoa. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Genoa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Genoese Pesto Lesson with Mortar, Pasta Tasting and Local Wine?
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Across 43 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, good for families. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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