Sestri Levante may be famous for its colorful beaches and charming town atmosphere, but it’s also a quiet hotspot for wine lovers. With its proximity to Liguria’s rolling vineyards and historic wine traditions, this town offers some excellent tasting options. We’re especially fond of the Pesto & Cooking Classes with Wine Tasting, which combines culinary skills with a taste of local wines—a perfect way to learn about Liguria’s flavors. What makes this experience stand out is the hands-on pesto making with a marble mortar, paired with a wine tasting of Vinaccieri Ballerini wines, plus pasta, focaccia, and fish dishes prepared under the guidance of a professional chef. It’s not just about drinking wine but learning how it complements Ligurian cuisine.
Sestri Levante’s wine tours range from participatory cooking classes to more traditional tastings of reserve wines. If you prefer a deep dive into Liguria’s wine heritage, the Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting offers a curated exploration of five reserve wines with regional bites. For those with limited time, the Wine Experience at Turin’s provides a quick, lively introduction to Ligurian wines paired with local delicacies. Each experience offers a different way to savor Liguria’s wine heritage, whether through hands-on classes or relaxed tastings.
1. Sestri Levante: Pesto & Cooking Classes, Wine Tasting
At number 1, this interactive experience combines cooking and wine tasting in a lively, small-group setting. Starting at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, participants learn to prepare authentic pesto using a marble mortar, then take home their fresh pesto and pasta. The class continues with making focaccia and bread, offering a full home-style meal with wines from Vinaccieri Ballerini. Guided by a professional chef, you’ll also prepare two fish dishes, adding a maritime touch to your culinary repertoire. The highlight is tasting Vinaccieri Ballerini’s wines, paired expertly with the dishes you’ve crafted.
What makes this tour special is the personalized approach—most groups are small, allowing for tailored tips and friendly interaction. The reviews praise the intimate atmosphere and the knowledgeable guides like Davide, who keeps things fun with humor and insight. Guests appreciate the value for money, especially since they get to take away homemade pesto, pasta, and focaccia. The experience is ideal if you want to combine cooking, wine, and regional flavors in a short time, with prices around $56.94 per person.
Bottom Line: This hands-on class offers a balanced mix of culinary skills and wine tasting, perfect for those who want to bring home authentic Ligurian flavors and knowledge.
2. Sestri Levante: Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting
At number 2, this reserve wine tasting focuses on five Vinaccieri Ballerini wines, paired with regional gastronomic delights. Taking about three hours, it’s a relaxed journey through Liguria’s maritime wine tradition, led by a sommelier who shares detailed insights into each bottle. The tasting takes place at La Sciamadda dei Vinaccieri Ballerini, where you can savor the nuanced flavors of wines like their reserve reds and whites, carefully paired with local snacks and small bites.
What makes this experience stand out is the deep dive into the region’s wine history and techniques. Unlike typical tastings, this includes a curated selection of dishes and the chance to learn how Ligurian wines are crafted and enjoyed. Though the reviews are limited, the 4.5-star rating reflects high satisfaction—particularly for wine enthusiasts wanting a more scholarly approach. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a slower, more educational experience with an emphasis on quality over quantity.
Bottom Line: If you’re eager to understand Liguria’s wine heritage through a curated, in-depth tasting while enjoying local flavors, this tour offers great value and a sophisticated experience.
3. Wine Experience at Turin’s – Local Products Tasting
Finally, at number 3, this wine experience provides a quick but charming taste of Ligurian wines paired with typical regional foods. With a duration of just about an hour, it’s a practical choice for travelers short on time who still want a genuine experience. Hosted in Sestri Levante, it emphasizes the importance of local products—from fresh cheeses to regional specialties—complementing the wines you’ll sample.
What makes this experience attractive is its emphasis on the local land and tradition, with the hosts expressing their passion for Liguria’s products. It’s an affordable option at around $39.86 per person, making it accessible for most travelers. While it’s shorter and less comprehensive than the other two options, it’s perfect for a quick cultural fix and a relaxed introduction to Ligurian wines. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a convivial atmosphere without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: This tour delivers a taste of Ligurian wine and local products quickly and affordably, ideal for travelers looking for a short, friendly introduction.
How to Choose the Perfect Wine Tour in Sestri Levante
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you want a full hands-on experience that combines cooking and wine, the Pesto & Cooking Classes offers great value and memorable skills. For those eager to deepen their knowledge of Liguria’s reserve wines, the Vinaccieri Ballerini Reserve Wine Tasting is perfect. And if you’re short on time but still want a genuine taste, the Wine Experience at Turin’s provides a quick, friendly introduction to local flavors.
Think about your interest in culinary skills versus wine education, and match your schedule accordingly. For example, if you’re traveling with family or want a relaxed, cultural experience, the quick tasting might be best. If you’re passionate about cooking or wine, the more immersive options will satisfy your curiosity.
Booking early is always wise, especially during peak seasons in spring and summer. Each experience offers a chance to taste Liguria’s wines authentically—so picking the right one depends on what kind of experience you truly want.
In all, Sestri Levante offers a variety of wine experiences that cater to different tastes and schedules. Whether you prefer hands-on culinary classes, in-depth reserve tastings, or quick regional samplers, there’s an option for you. Exploring Ligurian wines is a delightful way to deepen your appreciation of this beautiful coast—and each of these tours provides an authentic, enjoyable introduction.
