Genoa: Wine Tasting with Pesto, Focaccia Near Columbus House

Genoa: Wine Tasting with Pesto, Focaccia Near Columbus House — A Genuine Ligurian Experience

If you’re traveling to Genoa and craving a taste of Liguria’s finest, this wine tasting experience offers an intimate, authentic look into the region’s rich culinary traditions. For just $52 per person, you’ll spend about an hour in a charming, family-run bottega just a short walk from Genoa’s iconic Columbus House. Led by passionate local guides, this seated tasting combines five distinctive Ligurian wines with traditional pesto, crispy focaccia, and local cheeses from the Val Graveglia valley.

What makes this experience special? First, the small-group setting (max six guests) ensures personalized attention, storytelling, and relaxed conversation. Second, the carefully curated wine and food pairings highlight regional specialties you might not easily find elsewhere. You’ll enjoy the chance to learn about Ligurian winemaking in a cozy, historic shop that’s been designated as a Bottega Storica, with objects telling stories of the land and its traditions.

A potential consideration is that this experience is indoor and seated, so it’s not suited for those seeking an outdoor or more active tour. Also, transportation to the location isn’t included, so plan your arrival accordingly.

This tour is ideal for wine lovers, curious foodies, and travelers who appreciate genuine, local experiences. If you enjoy tasting regional wines paired with authentic bites, this is a perfect way to deepen your appreciation of Liguria’s culinary soul.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Ligurian Wines: Taste five regional wines, including rare Vermentino Nero and wines from inland vineyards.
Local Food Pairings: Enjoy pesto, focaccia, and cheeses from Val Graveglia, all served in a cozy, historic shop.
Personal & Intimate: Small group (max six), guided by passionate, knowledgeable local staff.
Educational & Engaging: Guided storytelling about the region’s winemaking, history, and traditions.
Convenient Location: Near Columbus House, inside a historic and welcoming environment.
Value & Quality: For $52, you get a genuine taste of Liguria, with plenty of insights and a small gift to take home.

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A Deep Dive into the Ligurian Flavors

This wine tasting experience in Genoa offers a rare opportunity to understand Liguria’s diverse wine landscape. Located just steps from the Columbus House, the BioTigullio5Terre team host you inside their historic bottega — a space that’s part shop, part storytelling haven. Their passion for local traditions shines through in both the setting and the carefully selected wines and foods.

The Itinerary and Setting

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted inside the Bottega Storica, a registered historic shop that’s brimming with Ligurian wines and local products. The intimate environment — with just a handful of guests — makes for a relaxed atmosphere where everyone feels like a guest in a friend’s cozy kitchen. Your host, possibly Gaia or Massimiliano, will guide you through the tasting with enthusiasm, sharing stories about the region’s winemaking and culinary history.

The Wines: A Tour of Liguria’s Diversity

You’ll sample five wines, each with a story and unique character. You might start with two Vermentino wines from inland Lunigiana: one fruity and aromatic and the other drier and mineral, showcasing the variety within a single grape. Then, you’ll enjoy a rare Vermentino Nero from Fosdinovo, giving you a glimpse of a less common but increasingly appreciated Ligurian varietal. The tasting continues with a blend of white wine from Cinque Terre and a Ciliegiolo from the Gulf of Tigullia, revealing regional diversity.

Each wine is thoughtfully paired with traditional Genovese specialties: fragrant basil pesto, crispy focaccia secca, and artisanal cheeses from Val Graveglia. The pairing not only enhances the wine but also highlights the region’s culinary craftsmanship.

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The Food: More Than Just Tastes

The pesto is authentic, made with fresh basil, olive oil, and pine nuts, rich in flavor and a staple of Ligurian cuisine. The focaccia is crisp and flavorful, perfect for soaking up wine and pesto. The cheeses, sourced locally, add a creamy balance to the tasting. As Elizabeth noted, the experience involves delicious local wine, cheese, pesto, and focaccia, making for a truly satisfying sensory experience.

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The Guided Experience and Storytelling

The guides are clearly passionate about their region. They will share stories about the wineries, winemaking techniques, and the cultural significance of each sip. Olga mentions that the explanations are delivered in a warm and friendly manner, making it feel more like a visit to a friend’s house than a commercial tour.

Why This Is a Value-Added Experience

For $52, you’re not just sampling wine; you’re gaining a deeper understanding of Liguria’s terroir, traditions, and local craftsmanship. The inclusion of pesto, focaccia, cheeses, and a small gift makes this a memorable, well-rounded experience that’s worth the price.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want to connect with local culture without leaving the city. It’s perfect for food and wine enthusiasts, curious about Liguria’s lesser-known wines, or those eager to enjoy an authentic, small-group setting. It’s also ideal if you prefer a relaxed, seated activity that combines tasting with storytelling rather than a fast-paced tour.

If you’re interested in learning about regional wines and pairing them with local foods, but don’t want a large, impersonal group, this experience hits the mark.

Practical Details & Tips

Location: Inside the BioTigullio5Terre shop near Columbus House in Genoa.
Duration: About one hour, perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing.
Price: $52 per person, offering good value for the quality of wine, food, and storytelling.
Reservation: Recommended, with the option to book now and pay later.
Group Size: Small-group experience (max 6 guests), so expect personalized attention.
Timing: Arrive at least 10 minutes early; check local weather if you’re coming with a dog (small dogs are welcome if well-behaved).
Language: Guided in English and Italian.
Allergies/Dietary Restrictions: Noted in advance — it’s indoor and seated, so inform the guides beforehand.

FAQ

Do I need to bring anything with me?
No, just bring your curiosity and a comfortable attitude. All tasting items are provided, along with a small gift to take home.

Is transportation included?
No, you’ll need to make your way to the shop. It’s located near Columbus House, so plan your city transport or walking route accordingly.

Can I join if I don’t speak Italian?
Yes, the guide offers the experience in English, ensuring you won’t miss out on the stories and insights.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
It’s recommended to inform the hosts in advance. The experience inside the shop is indoors and seated, so they can accommodate dietary needs if notified beforehand.

Is this experience suitable for children or dogs?
Small well-behaved dogs are welcome if kept on a leash. Children are generally fine, but the experience is adult-oriented, given the wine tasting.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility in your travel plans.

Wrapping It Up

This Genoa wine and food tasting offers a genuine slice of Liguria’s culinary world in a warm, welcoming setting. You’ll leave with more than just a few bottles — you’ll understand the region’s winemaking and food traditions, and get to enjoy some of its best local products. It’s a perfect fit for anyone wanting to experience Liguria beyond the typical tourist spots, combining history, culture, and flavor in just the right amount of time.

If you value small-group intimacy, insightful storytelling, and authentic food and wine, this is a delightful way to deepen your connection with Liguria. It’s a chance to taste the land’s offerings, hear their stories, and enjoy a memorable moment in Genoa’s lively food scene.

Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a curious traveler, this experience delivers a satisfying taste of Liguria’s spirit — in a setting that feels like visiting good friends who happen to be excellent hosts.