Lecce, the heart of Puglia, is a fantastic place for exploring local wines and culinary traditions. Its proximity to vineyards, olive groves, and historic towns makes it easy to pair your sightseeing with tasting authentic Salento wines. Among the many options, we particularly like the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Corigliano because it combines hands-on cooking with warm family hospitality, giving you a true taste of local life. For those seeking a quick introduction to Puglia’s wines, the Wine Experience offers an intimate visit to a family-run winery, perfect for sampling a variety of native grapes. And if you want to explore Lecce’s vibrant street food scene alongside wine, the Guided Street Food Walking Tour is a fun way to combine culture and cuisine.
If you’re considering your options, here’s a quick overview: From authentic cooking classes like Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing to boutique winery tours such as the Wine Experience, Lecce offers something for every taste and schedule. Whether you prefer a short tasting, a full-day tour, or a hands-on cooking class, you’ll find options that fit your interests and budget.
1. Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
At number 1, this Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Corigliano offers a deep dive into local culinary traditions. Led by Enza and her family in their charming villa, you’ll learn how to make oregano and macaroni using traditional Apulian techniques. The class lasts about 3.5 hours and includes hands-on pasta making, regional recipes using seasonal ingredients, and a hearty dinner paired with local wines.
What makes this experience stand out is its warm, authentic atmosphere. Enza’s family treats guests like old friends, making everyone feel at home. The reviews speak volumes—listeners mention it as “a major highlight” and praise the informative, fun instruction and delicious food. Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this immersive experience provides a genuine taste of Salento hospitality. The wine pairing complements the meal perfectly, giving you a full sensory experience.
Bottom Line: For travelers who want a memorable, hands-on immersion in Puglian cuisine and wine, this class offers excellent value at around $91.50, especially given the reviews praising the hosts’ warmth and the quality of the food.
2. Wine Experience
Next, the Wine Experience is perfect for those who want a quick, intimate introduction to Salento wines. Held at a family-run boutique winery just outside Lecce, this 1-hour tour costs about $29 and features a walk through the vineyards, where a host explains the native grape varieties like Negroamaro. You’ll sample reds, whites, and rosé wines, paired with local snacks, making this tour a straightforward but memorable way to get a taste of the region’s wines.
One reason this ranks high is the personalized approach—guests note the host’s passion and knowledge, and the private setting allows for questions and in-depth tasting. The vineyard’s small size and environmentally friendly practices add to the authenticity. Reviewers describe it as “an enjoyable and exclusive experience,” emphasizing the knowledgeable guide and the high quality of wines.
Bottom Line: If your time is limited but you want a quality wine tasting with a personal touch, this tour offers excellent value at around $29, and it’s perfect for wine newcomers or those wanting a quick overview.
3. Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine
For an energetic, cultural experience, the Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour explores the city’s lively markets, ancient squares, and winding alleys. Lasting around 2 hours, this tour covers local treats like pasticciotto and taralli, ending with a glass of Apulian wine and rustic snacks.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting. The guide, Lucianna, is praised for her warmth and knowledge, making the tour both fun and educational. You’ll learn about Lecce’s architecture and history while sampling regional specialties. The reviews highlight the delicious food and the friendly guide as key highlights, making it a great choice for food lovers who enjoy walking.
Bottom Line: A lively, compact experience for those who want to experience Lecce’s food and culture in a short time, with an emphasis on local flavors and social atmosphere.
4. Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing in Lecce
Number 4 on our list is the Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing. Set in central Lecce, this 2-hour hands-on class has you making the iconic orecchiette pasta—a true regional specialty. The hosts guide you through shaping and cooking the pasta, which you’ll enjoy with regional cheeses, cold cuts, and focaccia. Afterward, relax with a guided tasting of four local wines.
What makes this experience particularly appealing is its small-group format, encouraging personal attention despite the slightly larger size of 161 reviews. Guests love the friendly, enthusiastic instructors and the chance to get practical skills for making authentic pasta. The class offers solid value at about $77 for a memorable, interactive experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies eager to learn and taste, this class offers a delicious combination of hands-on pasta making and wine tasting, ideal for a short but enriching stay in Lecce.
5. Organic Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Experience near Lecce
For a taste of sustainable agriculture, the Organic Wine and Olive Oil Tasting at a historic masseria provides a relaxed 1.5-hour experience. Priced at $50, it includes a guided visit to an underground oil mill and cellar, where you learn traditional production methods. You’ll sample three organic wines and fresh olive oil, paired with traditional taralli.
What stands out is the focus on eco-friendly practices and the chance to explore a real working farm. Reviewers appreciate the informative guides and the chance to taste authentic products directly from the source. It’s a great option for those interested in local sustainability and traditional methods, giving insight beyond just tasting.
Bottom Line: A worthwhile experience for eco-conscious travelers or those interested in the process of making Puglia’s famous olive oils and wines, at a reasonable price.
6. Salento Tasting: Local Bites, Wine & Traditional Flavors
Number 6 on our list is the Salento Tasting, offering a building-your-own bruschetta experience paired with local wines. Lasting 2.5 hours and costing $53, it’s perfect for those who love interactive tastings. You’ll learn about the ingredients and traditions behind Salento’s cuisine while enjoying unlimited drinks, including soft drinks and regional wines.
Guests praise the friendly hosts and the chance to sample homemade appetizers and seasonal desserts in a convivial, relaxed setting. This tour is particularly suited for travelers who want to combine culinary education with casual socializing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for food and wine enthusiasts who enjoy hands-on experiences and lively atmospheres, offering solid value for a longer tasting session.
7. Bari: Home Cooking Class- Make Cavatelli & Capunti with Wine
Number 7, the Bari Home Cooking Class, takes you into a local home for a 3-hour session focused on making traditional Puglian pasta like cavatelli and capunti. The experience includes regional antipasti, two pasta courses, and dessert, all enjoyed with local wines.
The value here lies in the authenticity and personal touch of learning in a real home, with reviews mentioning the warmth of the hosts and the delicious, home-cooked meal. It’s best suited for travelers who want a full, homemade Puglian feast and are comfortable with a more relaxed, informal setting.
Bottom Line: Great for food lovers seeking an in-depth, authentic experience of Puglia’s pasta traditions, especially if you want to combine cooking with wine.
8. Lecce: Taranto and Manduria Winery Tour with Wine Tasting
For a full-day exploration, the Lecce: Taranto and Manduria Winery Tour offers a comprehensive look at historic Taranto and famed Manduria wines. This 8-hour tour includes visits to the National Archaeological Museum, a scenic drive, and tasting three wines, including the notable Primitivo.
This tour is perfect for those wanting an immersive experience, with a mix of culture and viniculture. The reviews mention the scenic drives, knowledgeable guides, and the unique opportunity to learn about the rich history and wine-making traditions of the region.
Bottom Line: For wine and history aficionados with a full day to spare, this tour provides a well-rounded, enriching experience.
9. Lecce: Traditional Pasta Cooking Class with Wine
Finally, the Traditional Pasta Cooking Class with Wine offers a hands-on 3-hour session focused on making homemade pasta and meatballs. Set in a historic Masseria, you’ll learn to cook orecchiette, maccheroni, and sagne while enjoying regional wines.
This class emphasizes authenticity and conviviality, making it perfect for those who want a warm, social experience. The reviews note the delicious food, friendly hosts, and the enjoyment of sharing stories over wine.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers who want to learn authentic Puglian pasta recipes and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
How to Choose Your Perfect Puglia Wine and Food Tour
When selecting your experience, consider your budget, time, and interests. For a full hands-on culinary experience, the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting is hard to beat. If you want a quick, quality tasting, the Wine Experience offers a personable introduction. For those eager to explore local street life combined with tasting, the Lecce guided street food tour delivers a fun, cultural overview.
Budget travelers might prefer the Organic wine and olive oil tasting, while dedicated foodies may love the immersive Pasta and Wine class. For a broader cultural experience, the full-day Taranto and Manduria tour offers both history and wine.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak seasons (spring and fall). Consider your energy level—if you prefer relaxed, shorter tastings or full-day adventures, there’s a tour suited for you.
Lecce offers a diverse range of wine and culinary experiences that can suit any traveler, whether you’re after a quick sip, a hands-on cooking class, or a full-day cultural tour. With so many authentic options, you’ll find the perfect way to savor Salento’s flavors and create memories that go well beyond just sightseeing. Book early, plan accordingly, and enjoy the genuine tastes of Puglia.