Authentic Pesto Class & Tasting on the Ligurian Coast in Chiavari

About this tour

Learn to pound basil, pine nuts, garlic and cheese into proper pesto with a Ligurian cook in Chiavari, then eat what you've made. This 2.5-hour class runs you through the technique that separates authentic sauce from supermarket versions, finishing with trofie coated in your own pesto, pudding, and a glass of local wine. You'll leave with both the method and the confidence to do it again at home.

Highlights

• Pound pesto by hand using traditional mortar and pestle
• Trofie al pesto made with your own sauce
• Regional wine pairing with the meal
• Chef teaches Ligurian technique, not shortcuts
• Small group setting in coastal Chiavari
• Local Cesarine network host

What to expect

You'll start with whole basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, pecorino and Parmigiano, and learn exactly how much pressure and rhythm the mortar needs. The chef walks you through common mistakes—overworking the leaves, wrong nut ratios, temperature concerns. Once your batch is ready, you'll dress fresh trofie and taste the difference proper pesto makes. Dessert follows, plus wine. Expect about 90 minutes hands-on, then 45 minutes eating and chatting.

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