Pesto “how to make” – courses in Cinque Terre

Pesto course: Manarola 

In a strategic and unforgettable location was born this new bar with a breathtaking view, run by two young guys. 

The pesto course will take life here, starting from the basil harvest in their own vegetable garden and by picking the ingredients. Simone will show you how to make the traditional pesto sauce, with the use of the mortar, explaining its ingredients and history. 

You will enjoy making pesto surrounded by wonderful places, colors and perfumes. 

At the end you will taste your own job on a bruschetta (toasted bread) together with a glass of Cinque Terre wine and a platter of cured meats and cheeses. The best “student” will be rewarded with a special gift…surprise!! 

Tour available: every day, except on Tuesday, from March 15 to October 31 

Meeting point: Manarola 

Time: 10,30 am 

Duration: about 1 hour 

Price: € 50 per person 

Participants: Min 4 / Max 10 

Price includes: basil harvest, pesto course with mortar, a platter of cured meats and cheeses, pesto tasting and ¼ l p.p of local wine, printed recipe, apron, special gift for the winner 

Language: English, Italian 

Pesto course: Levanto 

Since 1976 in Levanto’s historical center the laboratory of the pesto prepares the most ancient and well-known sauce in the world. In this laboratory you will have the chance to learn how to make the pesto sauce with your own hands following the tradition. After tasting a glass of sparkling wine accompanied with a local extra virgin olive oil on a bruschetta, you will taste the pesto sauce made with the modern method while assisting the demonstration and explanation of the pesto sauce made with the mortar. 

Here comes the moment to make your own pesto sauce with the mortar: wash and dry the basil leaves, pounding them together with salt, pine nuts and garlic, add the parmesan cheese and at the end the extra virgin olive oil. You will get a concentrated and perfumed pesto cream, which can be used on the pasta or on a slice of bruschetta.

At the end you will enjoy your own made pesto sauce together with a glass of white wine and some typical local products such as olives “taggiasche” (small and black olives), bruschetta with anchovies and a typical pastry with limoncino. 

Tour available: every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday, from January 1 to December 31 

Meeting point: Levanto 

Time: 11 am or 5 pm (starting time can change according to the seasons) 

Duration: about 1 hour 

Price: € 29 per person 

Participants: Min 2 / Max 30 

Price includes: pesto course with mortar, pesto tasting with a glass of wine and local appetizers, olive oil tasting, printed recipe 

Language: English