Sestri Levante isn’t just famous for its stunning coastline and colorful houses; it’s also a fantastic spot to explore Liguria’s wine and food scene. What makes this small town stand out for wine tours is its perfect blend of local tradition and accessible experiences. For instance, the Pesto & Cooking Classes with Wine Tasting offers a chance to learn how Ligurian pesto is made—using a marble mortar and pestle—while pairing it with wines from Vinaccieri Ballerini. This hands-on experience isn’t just about tasting; it’s about understanding the local culinary culture in a personal way. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to combine cooking, wine, and local flavors in one fun session. For a more refined wine experience, the Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting provides a chance to sample five reserve wines paired with regional bites, all in an elegant setting.
If you’re curious about how Sestri Levante’s wine scene connects to Liguria’s maritime roots, the Wine Experience at Turin’s offers a shorter, lively tasting of local wines paired with typical dishes. Each of these experiences offers a different glimpse into Liguria’s wine culture, whether you want to cook, taste selectively, or learn about the region’s maritime traditions.
Quick Overview
This guide features a mix of wine-related experiences in and around Sestri Levante, from interactive cooking classes to in-depth wine tastings. Here’s what you’ll find:
- Hands-on culinary and wine pairing with local wines and traditional Ligurian dishes (Pesto & Cooking Classes)
- Exclusive reserve wine tastings focusing on Vinaccieri Ballerini’s finest wines, complemented by regional gastronomic delights (Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting)
- A short, convivial wine experience at Turin’s with local products, perfect for a quick immersion into Liguria’s wine tradition (Wine Experience at Turin)
Now, let’s dive into each tour to see what makes them unique and who they’re best suited for.
1. Sestri Levante: Pesto & Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting
This experience is a standout for its combination of hands-on cooking and wine tasting in the heart of Liguria. You’ll start at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, where you’ll learn to make authentic Genoese pesto using a traditional marble mortar—something you can replicate at home. The class also includes making fresh pasta with ancient molds, preparing focaccia and bread, and cooking two fish dishes under the guidance of a professional chef. After the cooking, you’ll enjoy tasting Vinaccieri Ballerini wines paired with regional products.
What makes this tour special is the small group size and private feel, often leading to personalized attention. Many reviews highlight the fun atmosphere and the skillful guidance from Davide, who keeps the experience lively and educational. The inclusion of take-away items like pesto, pasta, and focaccia means you leave with more than just memories.
This tour is ideal for foodies and wine lovers who want to enjoy Ligurian cuisine. The price, at around $57 per person, offers excellent value considering the variety of activities and the quality of the experience. It’s perfect if you want to learn new cooking skills while pairing your dishes with local wines.
Bottom Line: It’s a hands-on, fun-filled introduction to Ligurian flavors, ideal for those who enjoy cooking, wine, and authentic regional dishes.
2. Sestri Levante: Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting
For those who prefer to focus on wine alone, this reserve wine tasting at Vinaccieri Ballerini is a refined choice. Over approximately 3 hours, you’ll savor five different reserve wines, each carefully curated to showcase Liguria’s best. The tour includes a pairing of wines with gastronomic delights—a great way to learn how regional flavors complement each other, guided by a knowledgeable sommelier.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on Vinaccieri Ballerini’s heritage and craftsmanship. You’ll hear about the maritime tradition of the winery, deepening your appreciation for the local story behind each glass. Guests praise the relaxed yet informative atmosphere and the chance to try some of Liguria’s finest wines in an intimate setting.
This experience is best suited for wine enthusiasts looking for a more detailed tasting—particularly if they appreciate reserve wines and regional gastronomy. The 3-hour duration makes it a nice, leisurely activity without taking up your whole day.
Bottom Line: A sophisticated, in-depth wine tasting that pairs well with a desire to explore Liguria’s winemaking heritage in a relaxed environment.
3. Wine Experience at Turin’s – Wine Tasting with Local Products
Although slightly outside Sestri Levante, this wine experience at Turin’s is worth mentioning for its affordable price ($39.86) and focus on local Ligurian wines. In just one hour, you’ll sample elegant, fresh, and fruity wines paired with typical regional dishes. The emphasis here is on casual conviviality—perfect if you want a quick, fun introduction to the area’s wine and food.
The hosts express a genuine love for their region and a desire to share its best products with visitors. This experience offers a taste of Liguria’s culinary traditions in a friendly, informal setting, making it suitable for travelers short on time or those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
While this tour doesn’t go as deep as the others, it’s a great value for a brief, enjoyable taste of Liguria’s wine scene. If you’re curious about local wines and regional dishes but don’t want to commit to a longer experience, this is an excellent choice.
Bottom Line: A quick, affordable way to sample Liguria’s wines and local flavors in a lively, informal setting.
$39.86 per person
How to Choose
Choosing the right wine experience depends on your interests, schedule, and budget. If you love cooking and hands-on experiences, the Pesto & Cooking Classes (more info) offers a full immersion into Ligurian cuisine. For a more focused wine tasting that highlights reserve wines and regional stories, the Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting (more info) is ideal. If your time is limited or you’re looking for a casual introduction, the Wine Experience at Turin (more info) fits the bill.
Consider your budget, the level of activity you prefer, and whether you want to focus on learning to cook, indulging in reserve wines, or simply tasting and relaxing. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Sestri Levante offers a rich selection of wine-related experiences that suit a variety of tastes and interests. For a hands-on cooking and wine pairing, the first tour is hard to beat. If you’re more into wine sampling, the reserve tasting provides a refined experience, while the quick, lively tasting at Turin is perfect for a short visit.
No matter which you choose, these experiences promise authentic tastes and stories that deepen your appreciation of Liguria’s culinary traditions. Booking early is always wise—these tours tend to fill up quickly, especially in warm weather. So pick your adventure, and enjoy discovering the flavors of Sestri Levante.