authentic Ligurian pesto lesson

About this tour

Spend an hour in Liguria learning to pound authentic pesto in a marble mortar from someone who knows the craft. You'll explore what makes the region's pesto distinct—the basil varieties, the quality of pine nuts and cheese—then make your own batch using proper technique. By the end, you'll understand why homemade tastes nothing like the jarred version, and you'll have the skills to replicate it in your own kitchen. Finish with fresh focaccia and local white wine.

Highlights

• Pound pesto using traditional marble mortar
• Learn the history and regional ingredient differences
• Taste and compare quality basil, pine nuts, pecorino
• Make a batch you can recreate at home
• Enjoy focaccia and Ligurian white wine together

What to expect

This is hands-on from the start. You'll work with the marble mortar yourself, learning the rhythm and pressure needed to release the basil's oils without bruising them—a crucial step most home cooks skip. Your guide will walk through the provenance of each ingredient and why substitutions matter. You'll make enough pesto to taste immediately with warm focaccia, paired with a glass of local white wine. The whole session stays relaxed and practical, focused on muscle memory and understanding rather than theatre.

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