Wine, Olive Oil and Pesto Tasting in La Spezia: Vermentino

This wine, olive oil and pesto tasting in La Spezia is a short introduction to the flavours of Liguria. A local host opens with the region's food and wine traditions, then pours two wines from a respected local winery, a crisp white Vermentino and a rarer Vermentino Rosso.

The wines arrive with typical Ligurian specialities, and the host talks through the story behind every dish.

• Focaccia with three house-made pestos: classic Genovese, zucchini and pistachio
• Olives of the Taggiasca variety, dressed in extra virgin oil
• Toasted bread to try with lemon and thyme oils
• A sweet crostino with local honey to finish

The session lasts about half an hour and is led by a local host, who explains the history and characteristics of each dish as you taste it. The pestos are homemade from fresh local ingredients and the wines come from a renowned local winery. By the end you know what makes each wine and dish typical of Liguria.