Ligurian Cooking Class with Focaccia and Wines
Discover the ancient flavors of the Riviera through fresh pasta, homemade pesto, and DOP wines
This Ligurian cooking class invites you into an authentic kitchen setting on the Riviera, where you will prepare classic regional recipes alongside a knowledgeable local host. From hand-rolled fresh pasta to genuine Genovese focaccia, every technique taught here is rooted in centuries of Ligurian culinary tradition.
The experience begins with a welcoming aperitif that showcases the region's most beloved staples: real Genovese focaccia, bruschetta topped with homemade pesto and salted anchovies, and seasoned olives harvested from the Riviera. This tasting sets the tone for everything that follows, grounding you in the flavors that define this coastal cuisine.
The hands-on segment centers on fresh pasta, specifically the traditional cutters shaped using the iconic wooden instrument known as the guitar. You will craft the dough, work it through the guitar, and finish the dish with the pesto you prepare yourself during the class.
The session closes with a curated selection of DOP white wines from the Ligurian territory, presented with genuine passion by your host, followed by Italian-style espresso coffee and a digestivo from Genoa. No prior cooking experience is required, and the relaxed pace makes this suitable for all skill levels.
Highlights
Prepare authentic Genovese focaccia and taste it as part of a traditional aperitif spread.
Shape fresh pasta cutters using the historic wooden guitar instrument, a technique passed down through generations.
Make genuine Ligurian pesto from scratch and serve it over the pasta you have just prepared.
Sample a selection of DOP-certified white wines from the Ligurian territory, introduced by your host.
Conclude with an Italian espresso and a traditional Genovese digestivo for a complete cultural experience.
Learn directly from a local host deeply connected to the culinary heritage of the Riviera.
Itinerary
Arrive and settle in with a traditional aperitif featuring real Genovese focaccia, bruschetta with homemade pesto and salted anchovies, and seasoned Riviera olives. This tasting introduces you to the foundational flavors of Ligurian cuisine.
Under your host's guidance, prepare a classic Ligurian basil pesto using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients. This sauce will later be used to dress the fresh pasta you create.
Learn to prepare fresh pasta dough and cut it into traditional shapes using the guitar, an ancient wooden instrument specific to this region. Your host will walk you through each step of the process.
Sit down to enjoy your freshly made pasta tossed in the pesto you prepared earlier. The dish is served as a proper meal course, allowing you to fully appreciate the results of your work.
Your host presents a curated selection of DOP white wines from the Ligurian territory, explaining the origin and character of each. The session concludes with an Italian-style espresso and a Genovese digestivo.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
- Welcome aperitif with focaccia, bruschetta, pesto, anchovies, and seasoned olives
- All ingredients for fresh pasta and pesto preparation
- Use of the traditional guitar pasta-cutting instrument
- Pasta tasting with homemade pesto
- Selection of DOP Ligurian white wines
- Italian espresso coffee
- Genovese digestivo
- Guidance from a local culinary host throughout the session
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional food or beverages beyond the session menu
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot
Spaces in this small-group cooking class fill quickly, particularly during peak Riviera season. Secure your place to enjoy an unhurried, hands-on introduction to Ligurian culinary traditions.
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