Hands-On Ligurian Pesto Class in Manarola with Wine Tasting

Your tour begins at A piè de Campu in Manarola

Step into a tucked-away cooking space in the heart of Manarola, one of Cinque Terre's cliff-side villages. Your chef welcomes you with an apron and shares how pesto was born in this narrow coastal region.

Crush fresh basil in the traditional mortar

Now it's your turn. Add hand-picked basil leaves to a wooden mortar passed down through generations of Ligurian cooks. Work the pestle in a steady circular motion so the leaves release their oils without turning bitter.

Blend in pine nuts, garlic, and Ligurian olive oil

Layer by layer, add pine nuts, garlic cloves, coarse salt, and a stream of local extra-virgin olive oil. Finish with grated Parmigiano and Pecorino, then keep grinding until the sauce turns vivid, glossy green.

Savor your pesto with focaccia and Cinque Terre wine

Spoon your creation over slices of the chef's handmade focaccia and pour a glass of crisp Cinque Terre white wine. Take your time to taste the difference a mortar makes, and swap notes with the small group.

Your tour ends at A piè de Campu in Manarola

After around an hour together, you'll wrap up at the same spot where you started. Head down to the harbor for a swim, catch the train to the next Cinque Terre village, or linger over the flavors of Liguria.