Genoa isn’t just Italy’s maritime city; it’s also a wine lover’s paradise. The narrow alleys, historic piazzas, and lively markets create an authentic backdrop for exploring Ligurian wine and cuisine. We’re particularly intrigued by experiences like the Genoa: Homemade Pasta & Pesto Local Chef Class with Wine, which combines hands-on cooking in a historic setting with a relaxed wine pairing. For those wanting a more comprehensive taste of the city’s culinary heritage, the Genoa: Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour offers a lively stroll through the old town, sampling local dishes and wines along the way. Each of these tours gives a taste of Genoa’s authentic flavors, but they differ in focus and style—whether you prefer active participation, guided sightseeing, or intimate tastings.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of wine tours: from small-group cooking classes and expert-led tastings to historical city walks with wine stops, each designed to suit different interests and budgets. Whether you want to learn how to make pesto in a family-run shop or sip Ligurian wines in a cozy cellar, this guide will help you choose the perfect Genoa experience.
1. Genova: Homemade Pasta & Pesto Local Chef Class with Wine
This tour is all about hands-on Italian cooking with a local chef in Genoa’s historic Palazzo. You’ll learn how to make fresh pasta and classic basil pesto from scratch—an authentic skill passed down through generations. The chef shares tips on perfect dough and folding techniques, ensuring you walk away with both recipes and confidence. After preparing your meal, you sit down to enjoy it alongside local wines, making this a true culinary immersion. The small group size guarantees personal attention, and the experience ends with a leisurely lunch featuring your creations. It’s perfect for foodies who want to master a Genoese classic while tasting regional wines.
Bottom line: This class offers a fun, intimate way to learn and eat like a local, ideal if you’re eager to cook and taste in one go.
2. Genoa: Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour
For those who prefer exploring with a guide, this Genoa: Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour combines sightseeing with tasting. Over just 2 hours, you’ll visit key landmarks like the Doge’s Palace and Genoa Cathedral, while sampling 5 types of traditional Genovese food and 2 glasses of the best local wine. The itinerary includes stops at bakeries, local restaurants, and bars, with a focus on customizing the menu to cater to vegetarian, vegan, or food intolerance needs. The guide shares insights into the city’s history, adding context to the flavors. It’s a lively, social experience perfect for first-time visitors eager to combine culture, history, and gastronomy.
Bottom line: Great for those who want a mix of sightseeing and tasting in a short, flexible format, with options to tailor the menu.
3. Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Tour with “Superb Gems”
This 2-hour tour stands out for its deep dive into Genoa’s culinary heritage. Starting at the house of Christopher Columbus, the tour visits historic palaces like Palazzo Ducale and the San Lorenzo Cathedral, blending cultural sights with tastings of focaccia, fried fish, and pesto. It also includes Genoese wines, providing a true taste of regional viniculture. Lorenzo, the guide, is praised for sharing insider knowledge and taking guests to hidden spots — “private chapels and shops that could be museums,” one review mentioned. The tour’s strength is its combination of history, architecture, and authentic food, making it appealing for travelers who want a richer experience.
Bottom line: An engaging mix of sightseeing and tasting, ideal for history buffs and food lovers alike.
4. Genoa: Pesto Masterclass with Tasting and Wine
At number 4, this pesto-making experience is a true highlight. You’ll craft pesto using a marble mortar and wooden pestle, just like in old Ligurian tradition. Afterwards, you’ll taste your freshly made pesto with trofie pasta, accompanied by local wine. The class takes place in a typical shop in Genoa’s center, adding to its authenticity. Participants receive a jar of homemade pesto as a gift, and some even buy a mortar to take home. The tour’s focus on traditional methods and regional flavors makes it ideal for foodies eager to learn a skill they can recreate back home.
Bottom line: A hands-on, authentic experience with a lasting culinary souvenir.
5. Mortar Pesto Lesson with World Champion and Local Menu with Wine
For a truly unique experience, this tour is led by Camilla Pizzorno, a World Champion in pesto making. She guides you through creating your pesto using a vintage mortar over 100 years old. The experience also includes a full Ligurian menu — from Genoese focaccia to tiramisu — paired with good Riviera wine and Italian liqueurs. The outdoor setting in a summer garden adds a relaxing vibe. This is perfect for those wanting to learn from the best and enjoy a comprehensive Ligurian feast.
Bottom line: An exceptional opportunity to learn secret techniques from a champion while indulging in a complete regional meal.
6. Food Guided Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa
A flavorful 2-hour walk that combines artisanal tastings with wine. The tour stops at historic sites like Porta Soprana and Columbus’ House, with stops for focaccia, regional fish dishes, and desserts. Two carefully selected wines complement the bites, and the guide shares stories about Genoa’s maritime history and culinary traditions. Visitors praise the relaxed pace and the chance to ask questions.
Bottom line: Perfect if you want a flavorful mix of sightseeing, tasting, and cultural insights in a short timeframe.
7. Wine Tasting in Genoa City Center with Sommelier
This 1-hour, small-group wine tasting in Genoa’s city center features 4 regional wines paired with focaccia, grissini, and olives. Led by a professional sommelier, you’ll learn wine-tasting techniques and the stories behind Ligurian vineyards. Limited to only 10 participants, this relaxed session is suitable for anyone wanting a quick but high-quality introduction to Ligurian wines.
Bottom line: A quick, expert-led tasting for wine enthusiasts who want to pick up tasting tips and sample top regional wines.
8. Tour of Genoa Historic Center and Wine Tasting with Dinner
This 3-hour tour combines a walk through Genoa’s historic center with a visit to a local cellar in the heart of the city. You’ll explore piazzas, noble palaces, and hidden corners before tasting three different wines paired with local foods. It’s a superb way to combine cultural discovery with wine appreciation, especially for those who enjoy pairing history with flavors. The tour is highly rated, with reviews emphasizing the engaging storytelling and quality of the tastings.
Bottom line: A comprehensive experience suited for travelers who want both sights and a well-curated wine tasting.
9. Genoa: Wine Tasting with Pesto, Focaccia Near Columbus House
A cozy, small-group wine tasting near Columbus House, this tour pairs five Ligurian wines with pesto, focaccia, and local cheeses. Hosted by BioTigullio5Terre, it’s a casual yet authentic tasting that emphasizes regional craftsmanship. Guests love the chance to sample multiple wines in a relaxed setting, with some calling it “a true local experience.”
Bottom line: Ideal for wine lovers wanting an intimate tasting close to Genoa’s iconic Columbus House.
10. Guided Food Tour with Wine Tastings in Genoa
This 2-hour tour offers a culinary walk through Genoa’s old town, with stops at historic sites and artisan food shops. Expect fish bites, focaccia, gelato, and regional wines. The guide provides entertaining stories and insights, making it perfect for travelers wanting a lively mix of food, wine, and history. The tour ends at Cantine di Colombo, a wine bar with an excellent selection.
Bottom line: A lively, well-rounded introduction to Genoa’s food and wine scene suitable for first-time visitors.
11. Dining Experience with Cooking Demo and Wines in Rapallo
Although outside Genoa itself, this private cooking experience in Rapallo is worth mentioning. It features a short cooking demo and a 4-course meal of Ligurian dishes paired with regional wines. The hosts are praised for their warmth, and the experience offers a genuine taste of local life. It’s perfect if you want a more intimate, home-style meal.
Bottom line: Best suited for those seeking an authentic, private meal combined with cooking skills and local wines.
12. Genoa: Columbus Trail Urban Trekking with Wine & Local Tastings
This 3-hour urban trek takes you through Genoa’s most evocative sites, ending with a tasting of cheeses, pesto, and Ligurian wines at BioTigullio5Terre. It appeals to travelers who want a sustainable, active experience with plenty of history and food in one loop, away from crowds. The tour includes stops at Castelletto and Piazza Fontane Marose for photos and tastings.
Bottom line: Suitable for active travelers interested in combining sightseeing, walking, and local tasting.
13. Genoa: Wine Tasting Near The Cruise: the best Italian wine
This 1.5-hour tasting near Genoa’s cruise port offers high-quality Italian wines including Amarone, Barolo, and Franciacorta. Paired with focaccia, pesto, cheese, and meats, it’s an excellent choice for travelers on a tight schedule. The reviews highlight the expert knowledge of the host and the diverse selection.
Bottom line: Perfect for cruise travelers or those short on time but wanting a premium wine experience close to the port.
14. Genoa: Walking Tour & Traditional Cooking Class with Wine
This 3-hour private class combines city sightseeing with hands-on cooking. You’ll visit a local market, shop for ingredients, then prepare Italian dishes like pasta and dessert with your host. The class ends with a meal paired with local wines and lively conversation. It’s ideal for travelers who want a personalized culture.
Bottom line: Best suited for foodies craving a full, interactive Genoese experience with local wine included.
15. Wine Tasting Near the Aquarium of Genoa
This quick, 1-hour tasting in the city center offers 4 regional wines paired with cheese, ham, and focaccia. It’s a simple, straightforward way to get a taste of Ligurian wines without a big time commitment. The reviews praise the knowledgeable guide and the quality of wines served.
Bottom line: Great for travelers who want a short, focused wine experience near the city’s main attractions.
How to Choose Your Perfect Genoa Wine Tour
When selecting the ideal experience, consider your budget, time availability, and interests. Want to learn to cook and taste wine in a small group? Check out the Homemade Pasta & Pesto Class. Prefer sightseeing with tastings? The Genoa Food and Wine Tasting Walking Tour offers a balanced approach. Looking for a quick wine intro? The Genoa: Wine Tasting in the City Center is ideal for a short session. For a full cultural and culinary immersion, the Historic Center Tour with Dinner provides an elegant blend of sights and flavors.
Book early, especially for popular experiences like the Pesto Masterclass or the Guided Food Tour, to secure your spot.
Genoa offers a fantastic variety of wine and food tours that cater to different tastes, whether you want to cook, learn, explore the city, or just sip local wines. From intimate classes to lively city walks, each experience promises a deeper appreciation of Ligurian culture. For a tailored trip, consider what appeals most—whether it’s hands-on cooking, historic sightseeing, or quick tastings—and plan accordingly. With so many authentic options, your Genoa trip will surely be memorable, flavorful, and fun. Remember to book early, especially if you want to enjoy some of the more popular experiences.
