Pesto cooking class in Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre

Make pesto by hand and take it home

A two-hour pesto cooking class in Riomaggiore teaches you the traditional methods of preparing pesto genovese, from selecting basil to choosing high-quality ingredients. You'll learn both the mortar-and-pestle technique and the electric blender method, package what you've made to take home, and enjoy a glass of local Ligurian wine with water included.

The experience

Two hours is enough time to move through the history of pesto from Spezia, the basil selection process, and both preparation methods without rushing. Your guide, Cesarina, walks through the traditional system of choosing the best plants and high-quality ingredients that make the flavor work. You'll handle the mortar and pestle yourself, then see how the electric blender changes the texture and speed, and get practical tips on storing pesto so it stays fresh once you're home.

The class sits with a view of the sea from the vineyard, so you're working with that backdrop. After you've made your batch, you package it up to carry with you. Some people eat it that same day on the rocky cliff overlooking the water. Others wait until they're back home. A glass of local Possa winery wine and water come with the class, so you're tasting as you go.

What’s included

• Pesto cooking class with live guide in English or Italian.
• instruction in both mortar-and-pestle and electric blender methods.
• one glass of local Possa winery wine.
• water.
• the pesto you make, packaged to take home.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 7 May 2027

AgesAdult (9 and older) · Child (4 to 8 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “From the meeting point, you'll need to walk 200m uphill to Cesarina's house. Descend the hill's terraced steps, turn right at the sign for "I Foresti" Farm, and follow the path to Cesarina's house.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Public transport nearby

Operated by Cesarine: Cooking Class

Is this one for you?The class runs two hours and involves standing and working at a table with your hands, so it suits anyone comfortable with a morning or afternoon in the kitchen. You'll leave with a jar of pesto you made yourself, not a recipe or a demo to watch.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Italian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What exactly do I learn to make in this class?

Pesto genovese. The traditional Ligurian sauce made from basil, garlic, pine nuts, cheese and olive oil. You'll learn both the hand method using a mortar and pestle and the faster electric blender technique, plus how to store it properly so it lasts.

Can I eat the pesto I make, or do I just take it home?

You can do either. You'll package it up to take home, but if you want to eat it right away, you can have it on the rocky cliff overlooking the sea while you're still in Riomaggiore. It's your choice.

What's included in the two hours?

The class itself, instruction on basil selection and ingredient quality, both pesto-making methods, a glass of local Ligurian wine, water, and the pesto you make to take with you. Local taxes are included.

Is this class taught in English?

Yes, your guide Cesarina teaches in English or Italian, so you can choose which language works for you when you book.