Mortar Pesto Lesson with World Champion and Local Menu with Wine｜Italy

The only cooking class in which a Chef and World Champion, Camilla Pizzorno, winner of the World Pesto al Mortaio Championship, reveals her recipe, her secrets... and lets you taste an authentic Ligurian menu.

1. The authentic ingredients
You will be welcomed in a typical Ligurian garden surrounded by greenery during the summer, or in a covered and heated outdoor area surrounded by greenery in the winter months, to enjoy an authentic Italian experience at any time of the year.
We will start by exploring the fundamental ingredients of the tradition: from the aroma of Genovese D.O.P. basil, to Vessalico garlic, Italian pine nuts, Parmigiano Reggiano aged for 24 months, Fiore Sardo pecorino, and finally, extra-virgin olive oil from the Ligurian Riviera and coarse salt.
You will learn to recognize their quality and role in each step.

2. Genoese Pesto made in a mortar
With a large, antique Carrara marble mortar that is more than 150 years old and an olive wood pestle, Camilla will guide you step by step in the preparation of your pesto, following the original technique and the gestures handed down through generations.

3. Mortar pesto food tasting
Together, we will taste the freshly prepared pesto, served as an appetizer with Genoese focaccia and paired with a typical Ligurian pasta, such as trofie or croxetti.

4. Typical dessert and final toast
The experience will conclude with a traditional dessert, the famous Italian tiramisu.
The dishes will be accompanied by a wine from the Ligurian Riviera and Italian liqueurs such as limoncello, mirto, grappa, and Camatti amaro.

*Who is Camilla Pizzorno?
Camilla Pizzorno, Chef and World Champion of Pesto Genovese al Mortaio (2022), is the youngest winner in history, with the highest score ever achieved! She beat over 100 competitors from all over the world, including world-renowned chefs. Born and raised among basil and family traditions, she has transformed a passion into gastronomic excellence. She selects only the highest quality ingredients and uses a century-old marble mortar with a pear wood pestle to enhance each aroma with artisanal care.

Important note
1. If you have any allergies or intolerances, please let us know at the time of booking. Before the workshop starts, you will be required to sign a liability waiver form: while we guarantee that the reported food will not be used, we cannot ensure the total absence of contamination due to packaged products or industrial processes.
2. If you are celebrating a birthday or a special occasion, a home-made cake can be included on request: if available, it will be offered by us as a welcome and celebratory gesture!