Rolling vineyards and centuries-old wineries make Lecce one of Italy’s most underrated wine destinations. The local wine scene centers on two stellar varieties: the bold Negroamaro and rich Primitivo grapes, both perfectly suited to Puglia’s sun-baked terrain.
The best tours here are refreshingly intimate, maxing out at 8-12 people, and combine wine education with hands-on experiences. I’m especially fond of tours that pair tastings with cooking lessons – nothing beats learning to make orecchiette pasta while sipping regional wines. The half-day vineyard visits outside town offer the best value, with tastings, cellar tours, and light food pairings included.
For maximum authenticity, stick with small family-run wineries that include transportation from central Lecce. Their passionate owners share generations of winemaking knowledge while pouring generous samples.
Check out these carefully selected wine tours that showcase the best of Lecce’s wine culture.
Key Points
- Wine tasting experiences in Lecce offer guided tours through vineyards and production sites, with tastings of Negroamaro and Primitivo wines paired with local delicacies.
- Hands-on cooking classes in Lecce focus on crafting traditional orecchiette pasta, often accompanied by local wine tastings and culinary pairings.
- Scenic and thematic tours in Lecce combine rickshaw rides, bike tours, and wine tastings, highlighting the city’s architecture and cultural heritage.
- Cultural experiences in Lecce include traditional dance lessons, such as Pizzica, providing an immersive experience in the local traditions.
- Overall, Lecce offers a range of high-quality, immersive wine and culinary experiences, with positive feedback highlighting engaging hosts and authentic local flavors.
Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce
The allure of Lecce’s culinary heritage beckons visitors to partake in the Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting, an immersive experience that allows them to master the craft of crafting the region’s iconic pasta while indulging in expertly paired local wines.
Hosted in a scenic location in the historic center, the class provides hands-on instruction and a guided wine tasting featuring cheeses, cold cuts, and focaccia.
With a maximum group size of 16, the experience earns high praise for its friendly and knowledgeable hosts, though some participants note that larger groups can make it difficult to fully engage.
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Lecce: Wine Tasting and Authentic Rural Experience
Nestled in the picturesque Valle della Cupa, just 10 minutes from the historic heart of Lecce, Casina Spezzaferri beckons visitors to enjoy an authentic rural experience blending the region’s enogastronomic traditions with the captivating beauty of its countryside.
The 2-hour guided tour offers a sensory journey through the property’s vineyards, gardens, and ancient wine production site, culminating in a tasting of three exceptional local wines paired with traditional Salento delicacies.
Conducted by owner, sommelier, and winemaker Giorgia, the experience is praised for its warm welcome, informative tours, and overall enjoyment.
Whether seeking a deeper connection to the region’s culinary heritage or simply a charming rural respite, this intimate wine tasting adventure isn’t to be missed.
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Cooking Class, Dinner and Wine Tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
After exploring the idyllic wine country around Lecce, visitors can enjoy a captivating culinary adventure in the nearby town of Corigliano.
This 3-in-1 experience combines a cooking class, dinner, and wine tasting for an unforgettable evening. The €69 per person activity includes hands-on pasta-making, sampling regional dishes like orecchiette and macaroni, and enjoying prosecco, wine, and limoncello.
With 174 glowing reviews and a Badge of Excellence, this private experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with hosts Enza and Antonio known for their warm hospitality.
Guests rave about the delicious food, fun atmosphere, and lasting memories created during this immersive culinary journey.
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Lecce: Pasta Making Class in 1400S-ERA Courtyard With Wine
Visitors to Lecce can enjoy a captivating pasta-making experience set within the historic confines of a 15th-century courtyard.
Priced from $61.06 per person, this 2.5-hour class teaches participants to make traditional Apulian pasta, including orecchiette and sagne, under the guidance of a local cook.
The hands-on instruction takes place in the atmospheric Faggiano Archaeological Museum, and culminates with participants enjoying their handmade creations paired with a glass of wine.
With a 4.7/5 rating from 124 reviews, this class is a must for those seeking an authentic taste of Lecce’s culinary heritage.
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Wine Experience
The Wine Experience in Lecce offers visitors an immersive journey into the region’s acclaimed winemaking heritage.
Travelers can embark on a private tour and tasting, sampling typical Apulian snacks and alcoholic beverages along the way. The experience is highly recommended, with 100% of past participants giving it glowing reviews.
Knowledgeable guides, such as Luca, Alexandra, and Francesca, lead intimate vineyard tours and tastings, providing a personal and educational experience.
The tour starts and ends at the convenient meeting point in Guagnano, and the activity is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the lowest price guarantee.
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WINE TASTING AND TRADITIONAL DANCE
In this unique cultural experience, participants learn the captivating steps of Pizzica, a traditional dance of the Salento region.
Set in a 1400s palace near Piazza Sant Oronzo, the 1.5-hour activity includes a glass of artisanal wine and traditional food.
A professional dancer guides participants through the private dance lesson, suitable for all ages.
Instruction is available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, French, and Spanish.
The experience is designed for couples, friends, solo travelers, and families, with an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 14 reviews.
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, and no upfront payment is required to reserve.
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Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce Old Town
Lecce’s old town offers a captivating wine and food tasting experience at La Strada Del Vino Wine Bistrot.
The guided tasting includes four regional wines paired with local specialties like cheeses, salami, focaccia, and bruschetta. An expert host provides insights on Puglia’s winemaking history and culture.
The activity, which lasts 1-2 hours, accommodates up to 20 travelers with a minimum of 2 per booking. Wheelchair and stroller accessible, the experience is priced from $32.27 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Reviews highlight the knowledgeable hosts, delicious wines, and generous portions, making it a recommended option for discovering Lecce’s flavors.
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Lecce Wine Tour: Rickshaw Guided Tour & Wine Tasting
For those seeking a more unique wine tasting experience, Lecce offers a Rickshaw Guided Tour & Wine Tasting activity.
This 2-hour tour combines a scenic rickshaw ride through the city’s historic center with a visit to a local winery. Guests will learn about Lecce’s baroque architecture and enjoy a guided tasting of the region’s renowned wines.
The tour is offered as a small-group experience and is rated 4.9 out of 5 stars. Priced at Kč 1,505, this activity provides an intimate and memorable way to explore Lecce’s wine and cultural heritage.
It’s an excellent choice for travelers looking to enjoy the local flavors and sights.
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Rich Tasting of Salento Wines
A rich tasting of Salento wines awaits visitors at this private tour in Lecce.
Travelers can explore 36 reviews, 97% of which recommend this experience. Priced from $64.53 per person, the tour includes a starter of traditional Salento bread, main dishes like rustic Leccese pie and fresh local cheeses, and a dessert of Pasticciotto Leccese.
Held in a private garden, the tasting provides a tranquil atmosphere. While most travelers can participate, the activity isn’t recommended for those with back problems, pregnant women, or those with serious medical conditions.
With an overall 5.0 rating, this Salento wine tasting offers an excellent food and wine pairing led by a knowledgeable host.
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ORECCHIETTE CLASS WITH WINE TASTING & APERITIF
Situated in a charming bistro in the heart of Lecce, this immersive 2-hour experience combines the art of crafting traditional orecchiette pasta with a delightful wine tasting.
Participants will learn to make the signature pasta shape that symbolizes the Puglia region, starting from raw materials to the final product.
Alongside the hands-on cooking class, they’ll sample 4 wines from the best Salento wineries, discovering the organoleptic characteristics of each.
The wine tasting is complemented by typical culinary delicacies.
Vegan and vegetarian options are available, and the instructor speaks both English and Italian.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this experience is a must for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Puglia.
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Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner Included and Wines
Hosted in a charming courtyard setting, this Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class provides participants the opportunity to learn the art of crafting the region’s signature pasta.
For €55 per person, the class includes hands-on instruction in making traditional orecchiette, as well as a delicious dinner featuring tomato orecchiette and orecchiette with fresh tomato and basil.
With high reviews and a 5.0 rating, the class is praised for its friendly atmosphere and engaging hosts.
While some participants noted large class sizes could limit individual attention, the overall experience offers an authentic culinary journey in Lecce, complemented by regional wines.
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WINE TOUR WITH TASTING AND TRANSFER
For those seeking a more immersive wine experience in the Salento region, the Wine Tour with Tasting and Transfer offers an excellent opportunity.
Priced from $152.65 per person, this 3-hour tour takes you to a local winery specializing in Negroamaro and Primitivo wines. You’ll taste 4 different wines paired with local products and learn about the production process from an expert.
Round-trip transportation from Lecce is included, and the tour is available in Italian and English.
With a maximum group size of 8, this intimate experience has received rave reviews, with one customer even ordering 12 bottles of red wine to be shipped home.
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Pasta Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce
Immerse oneself in the culinary traditions of Lecce’s Baroque splendor with the Pasta Class and Wine Tasting experience.
This 2-hour hands-on class led by a local chef focuses on crafting the iconic orecchiette pasta, complemented by regional specialties like cheese, bruschetta, and taralli.
Along with the pasta-making, participants enjoy a guided wine tasting featuring the area’s renowned vintages.
With a maximum group size of 10, the experience provides an intimate, authentic setting.
While reviews praise the talented chef and delicious fare, some note issues with organization and communication.
Nonetheless, this pasta-and-wine adventure offers a memorable immersion in Apulian culinary delights.
Read our full review: Pasta Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce Review
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Lecce: Guided Wine Tour by Bike With Wine Tasting
Exploring Lecce’s baroque charm and renowned wines, the guided Bike Tour & Wine Tasting experience allows visitors to soak in the city’s rich history and sample local vintages.
Priced at $73.69 per person, the 3-hour tour leads participants through key landmarks like the Piazza del Duomo, Porta Napoli, and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Along the way, a knowledgeable guide shares local legends and insights. The highlight is a wine tasting session featuring three regional wines, complemented by insights from a cellarman.
With tour options in multiple languages and flexible group sizes, this bicycle-based experience offers an engaging and authentic way to discover Lecce’s cultural and oenological treasures.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Book a Private Wine Tour?
To book a private wine tour, you’ll need to research local tour operators in the area. Many offer customized experiences that allow you to create your own itinerary. Contact them directly to discuss your preferences and make a reservation.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for Wine Tours?
The cancellation policy for wine tours typically allows participants to cancel or reschedule their booking up to 24-48 hours before the tour date without incurring any penalties. Many providers offer flexible policies to accommodate last-minute changes.
Can I Customize the Wine Tasting Experience?
Yes, you can typically customize the wine tasting experience. Many tour operators offer flexible options, allowing you to choose the wineries, duration, and focus of the tour to suit your preferences.
Do Wine Tours Cater to Dietary Restrictions?
Wine tours often cater to dietary restrictions, allowing guests with specific dietary needs to fully enjoy the tasting experience. Many providers offer alternative options, ensuring everyone can participate and appreciate the wine selection.
What Is the Average Duration of a Wine Tour?
The average duration of a wine tour is typically 2-3 hours, though some may last up to 4-5 hours. This allows enough time to visit multiple wineries, sample wines, and learn about the local winemaking process.
The Sum Up
Lecce offers a variety of wine tours and experiences. Visitors can enjoy cooking classes, bike tours, and tastings. Many tours include the opportunity to sample local wines and regional cuisine. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just looking to learn about Lecce’s culture, there are plenty of options to choose from.