Genoese pesto cooking class with aperitif, Levanto (April to November)
There are things you can taste once and remember forever. Genoese pesto is one of them.
Fresh basil, pine nuts, Parmigiano, pecorino, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and a pinch of salt, all crushed slowly in a marble mortar. No blender shortcuts, no “modern twists” that lose the recipe's soul. Just the real Ligurian method, the one that turns a simple sauce into a small ritual.
At Oasi Boutique Hotel in Levanto, we invite you to join our Pesto Experience, a relaxed, sociable cooking class set in our colourful garden, followed by a proper Ligurian aperitif.
A personal story, the Ligurian way
I was born and grew up in the Cinque Terre area. Then life took me to Paris, and when I returned I re-discovered my region through its traditions, its food and its wine. Pesto, naturally, became my favourite again.
I learned the traditional recipe during a happy summer afternoon on my grandmother’s balcony, overlooking Vernazza’s main street. It is one of those memories that stays with you, along with the simple joy of doing things slowly and properly. Today I love sharing that knowledge with guests from all over the world, so you can bring a little piece of the Italian Riviera back home.
What happens during the class
Our class is designed to be easy, fun and hands-on. You will not be watching from the side. You will make your own pesto, step by step, with your own marble mortar and pestle at the table.
While we prepare the sauce, we sip a glass of Cinque Terre white wine and enjoy a small selection of local nibbles. Once your pesto is ready, we taste it together on warm Genoese focaccia toasts, because that is the best moment of the whole story.
During the experience, I will also share practical tips that really matter once you are back home:
- how to choose the ingredients
- how to balance garlic and cheese
- how to store pesto properly
- the best pasta shapes and simple recipes that work brilliantly with it
When
From April to November
Every Thursday to Monday at 12:30
Duration: about 1 hour
Location: our garden. If the weather is not on our side, we move into the veranda.
Price
€30 per person for Oasi guests
€40 per person for non-residents
The price includes all ingredients, your personal mortar setup, focaccia, typical snacks, savoury rice cake and the essential glass of Cinque Terre wine.
Why guests love it
Because it is not a “tourist show”. It is a real Ligurian recipe, taught in a relaxed setting, with time to ask questions, laugh a bit, and enjoy the moment. And yes, you leave with a skill you can actually use. Next time you invite friends for dinner, you will have a story to tell and a dish to serve that tastes like sunshine on the Riviera.
How to book
If you are staying with us, just message us before arrival or during your stay. Places are limited, so booking in advance is recommended.
We cannot wait to welcome you to our garden and make pesto together.