Genoa: Hands-On Cooking Class and Wine Tasting With a Sommelier

Genoa, the vibrant port city on Italy’s Ligurian coast, beckons travelers to enjoy its rich culinary traditions. This hands-on cooking class offers an unparalleled opportunity to do just that. Guided by a local cook and sommelier, you will learn to prepare iconic Genoese dishes like pesto, focaccia, and fresh pasta. But the experience doesn’t end there – guests will savor the fruits of their labor over a delightful three-course lunch, each course expertly paired with fine Italian wines. With an intimate class size, this immersive encounter promises to be a memorable highlight of any visit to this captivating city.

Key Points

• Immersive hands-on experience in crafting iconic Ligurian dishes like pesto, focaccia, and fresh pasta under the guidance of a local cook and sommelier.
• Opportunity to learn traditional techniques and use locally-sourced ingredients while preparing a three-course Genoese lunch.
• Expert wine pairing by a sommelier to enhance the flavors of the handmade dishes, showcasing Italy’s diverse vintages.
• Intimate class size of 6 participants ensures personalized attention and the ability to engage with the instructor and fellow participants.
• Conveniently located in the historic heart of Genoa, with easy access to public transportation and a free cancellation policy.

Immersive Culinary Experience in Genoa

Situated in the historic heart of Genoa, this immersive culinary experience invites travelers to uncover the rich traditions of Ligurian cuisine.

Led by a local cook and sommelier, the hands-on cooking class showcases the preparation of a three-course Genoese lunch. Participants will learn to make classic dishes like pesto, focaccia, and fresh pasta, while enjoying a leisurely meal paired with fine Italian wines.

The intimate class size ensures personalized attention, allowing guests to fully enjoy the flavors and culture of this coastal city.

With its emphasis on traditional techniques and locally-sourced ingredients, this culinary adventure offers an authentic taste of Genoa.

Preparing Pesto, Focaccia, and Fresh Pasta

At the heart of the Genoese culinary experience lies the preparation of iconic local dishes. Under the guidance of the local cook and sommelier, participants learn to craft the quintessential Ligurian specialties – pesto, focaccia, and fresh pasta. The hands-on class offers an immersive journey, where guests knead dough, blend basil into pesto, and shape pasta by hand. As they work, the instructor shares insights into the traditions and techniques that imbue these dishes with their distinctive flavors. The class culminates in a delightful lunch, where the freshly prepared courses are paired with fine Italian wines, creating a harmonious dining experience that celebrates the essence of Genoa’s culinary heritage.

Dish	Ingredients	Significance
Pesto	Basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil	A quintessential Ligurian sauce, showcasing the region’s abundant basil and olive oil
Focaccia	Flour, yeast, water, olive oil, salt	A cornerstone of Genoese cuisine, with variations that include savory toppings like beets and cheese
Fresh Pasta	Flour, eggs, water	A staple of Italian cooking, handcrafted pasta reflects the region’s artisanal culinary traditions

Genoese Pasta Matta and Regional Delicacies

During the cooking class, participants explore the art of crafting Genoese Pasta Matta, a beloved regional specialty. This handmade pasta, with its unique texture and flavor, is a cornerstone of Ligurian cuisine.

Under the guidance of the local cook, guests learn the intricate process of rolling, shaping, and cooking this delicate pasta. Alongside the pasta, the menu also features the savory Focaccia di Recco, a delectable pie filled with beets and fresh cheese.

For dessert, the class indulges in the Ligurian apricot gobeletti, a delightful treat that showcases the region’s vibrant flavors. Throughout the experience, a sommelier leads a wine tasting, expertly pairing the dishes with three fine Italian wines.

Pairing the Menu With Fine Italian Wines

How do the carefully selected wines complement the menu’s flavors during this Genoese cooking class?

The sommelier’s wine pairing expertise elevates the experience, allowing guests to savor the regional delicacies to the fullest.

The menu features:

1. A crisp, dry white wine to balance the richness of the handmade pasta and Genoese Pasta Matta.
2. A light, fruity red wine that complements the savory notes of the focaccia and Focaccia di Recco.
3. A sweet, aromatic dessert wine that perfectly complements the Ligurian apricot gobeletti.
4. Three distinct wines that showcase the diversity of Italy’s renowned vintages, providing a well-rounded tasting experience.

The carefully curated wine pairing heightens the appreciation for the traditional Genoese flavors, creating a harmonious and unforgettable culinary journey.

Cultivating Connections Through Intimate Class Size

With a small group size capped at 6 participants, this Genoese cooking class fosters an intimate and personalized experience.

The low participant count allows the host to provide dedicated attention to each guest, ensuring they learn the traditional techniques and flavors of Ligurian cuisine. Guests can ask questions, share their own experiences, and connect with the instructor and fellow participants in a relaxed setting.

This cultivates a sense of camaraderie, enhancing the authenticity of the cooking class. The small group size also ensures ample hands-on time for each person, enabling them to fully enjoy the preparation of the Genoese dishes.

This intimate approach creates a memorable and enriching culinary journey.

Navigating the Meeting Point and Class Details

The cooking class and wine tasting experience meets at Vico Palla, 3, 16128 Genova GE, Italy.

The class starts promptly at 10:00 am and concludes back at the meeting point.

Here are a few key details to note:

1. The class isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.
2. Dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance to the host.
3. The legal drinking age in Italy is 18, so no alcoholic beverages are served to minors.
4. The price starts from $153.49 with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the class.

Instructor Expertise and Guest Feedback Highlights

The cooking class and wine tasting experience is highly rated, with a Badge of Excellence and an average of 4.5 stars from 27 reviews.

Guests have consistently praised the host’s charm, hospitality, and teaching style, creating an authentic Italian experience. The delicious food and well-paired wines have left a lasting impression on the participants.

Reviewers appreciate the small group size, which allows for personalized attention from the knowledgeable sommelier and local cook.

Additional Information and Confirmation

Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase, and the cooking class and wine tasting experience is operated by Curioseety SRLS.

Reviews suggest this class offers a mix of cooking, cultural insights, and an enjoyable atmosphere that guests often highlight as a trip highlight in Genoa.

The class:

1. Isn’t wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation.
2. Requires communicating any dietary restrictions in advance.
3. Follows Italy’s legal drinking age, with no alcoholic beverages for minors.
4. Has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the Class Accommodate Vegetarian or Vegan Dietary Requirements?

Yes, the cooking class can accommodate vegetarian or vegan dietary requirements. Guests should communicate any dietary needs in advance so the instructor can make the necessary adjustments to the menu.

Is the Class Suitable for Children or Families?

The class doesn’t seem specifically tailored for children, but families could still enjoy the experience. The small group size and hands-on nature may work well for older children, though the wine tasting is limited to those of legal drinking age.

What Is the Dress Code for the Cooking Class?

The cooking class has no formal dress code, though guests should wear comfortable, casual clothing that they don’t mind getting a bit messy. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety in the kitchen.

Are Participants Required to Bring Any Cooking Equipment or Utensils?

No, participants don’t need to bring any cooking equipment or utensils. All necessary materials are provided by the host for the hands-on cooking class. The focus is on learning traditional Genoese recipes and techniques.

Can the Class Be Booked for a Private Group or Special Occasion?

Yes, the cooking class can be booked for private groups or special occasions. The host offers personalized attention and flexibility to accommodate group needs, making it suitable for celebrations, team-building events, or customized culinary experiences.

Recap

Unlock the flavors of Genoa with this intimate cooking class led by a local expert. Participants will learn to craft classic dishes like pesto and focaccia, culminating in a delightful three-course lunch complemented by fine Italian wines. With a small group size, this immersive experience offers personalized guidance and camaraderie, making it a memorable highlight of any visit to the Ligurian capital.