Lecce isn’t just about baroque architecture and lively streets. Its location in Salento makes it a prime spot for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. The region offers a rich variety of wine tours, from hands-on cooking experiences to visits to historic vineyards. We particularly enjoy the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Corigliano, where you get to cook alongside locals in a charming villa, blending culinary skill with regional wines (see details here). It’s a true taste of Salento’s hospitality and flavors.
For those wanting a more educational experience, the Wine Experience tour (see details here) offers an insider look into family-run wineries. If you’re on a budget, the Rich tasting of Salento wines (see details here) provides a quick and delicious way to sample regional labels. No matter your interests, Lecce’s wine scene is diverse and ripe for exploring.
Below, we introduce a selection of 15 top wine tours in Lecce. These include hands-on cooking classes, vineyard walks, full-day winery visits, and even city-based tastings. Each one offers a special way to connect with Puglia’s famous wines and cuisine.
1. Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
Joining Enza and her family in their cozy villa in Corigliano d’Otranto, this immersive experience combines cooking, wine tasting, and dinner. You’ll learn to make orecchiette and macaroni with traditional Apulian techniques, using fresh, seasonal ingredients. The hosts emphasize authentic home-style cooking in a welcoming environment, making this a perfect choice for foodies who want an authentic local experience.
Rated 5.0/5 from 215 reviews, guests praise the warmth of Enza and Antonio, the fun of learning pasta by hand, and the delicious meal that follows. Many highlight this as a highlight of their trip—a chance to connect with regional traditions and enjoy home-cooked flavors. The approximately 3.5-hour experience is a good value at around $91 per person, offering both educational fun and hearty regional dishes.
Bottom line: If you want a personal touch and a taste of Lecce life, this tour is a firm favorite.
2. Lecce: Pasta Making Class in 1400s-Era Courtyard with Wine
At number 2, this historic pasta-making class combines cultural charm with hands-on fun. Set in a courtyard from the 1400s in the heart of Lecce, you’ll have the chance to hand-make Orecchiette and Sagne pasta with a local cook (see details here). Afterward, enjoy your homemade pasta with a glass of local wine in this atmospheric setting.
The reviews emphasize the friendly hosts and the interactive nature of the class. Guests appreciate the well-organized structure and the chance to learn regional techniques in a historic environment. Priced at $66, it’s an affordable and memorable way to experience authentic Apulian cuisine. The inclusion of wine and dinner makes it especially appealing for those wanting a complete cultural experience.
Bottom line: This class is ideal for history lovers and foodies wanting a fun, engaging pasta experience with wine.
3. Wine Experience
For around $29, the Wine Experience tour (see details here) offers an intimate look into Salento’s wine traditions. Hosted at a family-run boutique cellar, you’ll explore the vineyards on a walk, learn about native grapes, and sample a variety of red, white, and rosé wines alongside local snacks.
Rated 5.0/5 from 61 reviews, visitors praise the knowledgeable guide and the personal attention. The tour’s short duration makes it ideal for those short on time but eager to indulge in regional wine culture. The setting, in a small winery, adds to the authenticity. Many mention the friendly hosts and the opportunity to taste unique local wines like Negroamaro.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine novices or anyone seeking a relaxed but authentic tasting experience.
4. Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner included and Wines
This hands-on cooking class takes place in a beautiful 1400s courtyard in Lecce’s historic center (see details here). You’ll learn to make Orecchiette and Sagne pasta, then enjoy your creations paired with local wines and regional dishes. The focus is on technique and tradition, making it a great way to bring home cooking skills.
Rated 5.0/5 from 52 reviews, guests rave about the friendly staff, fun atmosphere, and delicious dinner. The class lasts about 2.5 hours and delivers excellent value at $68.50 per person. Reviewers mention the warm hospitality and the memorable experience of creating and tasting regional pasta.
Bottom line: This tour is suited for anyone wanting a cultural cooking experience combined with wine tasting—a true taste of Salento’s culinary soul.
5. Make pasta, drink wine. Cooking class with transported included!
If you’re after a more immersive experience, this full-length cooking class (see details here) offers hands-on pasta making, regional wines, and transportation. It’s a 3.5-hour adventure designed to connect you with Salento culture in a fun, interactive way.
Rated 5.0/5 from 48 reviews, the focus is on practical skills you can use at home, with plenty of local stories and tips. Guests enjoy the informal atmosphere and the delicious meal at the end. The inclusion of transportation makes it a good choice for visitors who prefer convenience without sacrificing authenticity.
Bottom line: Best suited for foodies who want a comprehensive, stress-free experience combining cooking, wine, and local insights.
6. Lecce: Countryside Vineyard Walk & Wine Tasting
Just 10 minutes from Lecce, this village vineyard walk (see details here) combines nature, history, and wine tasting. You’ll explore the vineyards, gather wild herbs, and learn about Salento’s indigenous grapes. The visit includes a guided wine tasting at a historic estate, paired with local farm produce.
Rated 4.9/5 from 63 reviews, visitors love the informal, relaxed vibe and the insider knowledge shared about local wine traditions. The experience is ideal for those who want to enjoy beautiful countryside and sample authentic wines in a casual setting. It’s a two-hour tour, making it a quick yet rewarding outing.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers wanting a short, scenic, and educational wine walk.
7. Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing in Lecce
Located in the heart of Lecce’s old town, this class (see details here) offers a scenic setting for learning regional pasta skills. You’ll make orecchiette, then relax with a guided wine pairing featuring four local wines alongside cheeses, cold cuts, and focaccia.
Rated 4.5/5 from 161 reviews, it’s praised for its informal atmosphere and small-group experience, which allows for personal attention. Reviewers highlight the delicious food and the informative wine pairing. The 2-hour experience costs around $77, making it a good value for a culinary and wine combo.
Bottom line: Ideal for wine lovers who enjoy pairing regional wines with fresh, homemade pasta.
8. Rich tasting of Salento wines
If you’re short on time but want to taste top Salento wines, this 2-hour tasting (see details here) delivers an expert-led sampling session. Hosted by a local wine specialist, it features six wines paired with traditional dishes like cheeses and cured meats.
Rated 5.0/5 by 39 reviews, visitors appreciate the passionate guide and the informal, conversational style. The tasting takes place under a lemon tree, adding a charming outdoor touch. It’s perfect for wine newcomers or those in a rush who just want a taste of Salento.
Bottom line: Great for a quick, relaxed introduction to regional wines.
9. Lecce Hands-on Home Cooking Class: Craft Orecchiette & Savor Wine
This small-group class (see details here) emphasizes hands-on pasta making in a cozy family setting. You’ll learn to craft orecchiette and maccheroni al ferretto, then enjoy a meal paired with local wines and salento specialties. The focus on authentic techniques makes it ideal for culinary enthusiasts.
Rated 4.5/5 from 138 reviews, guests praise the friendly hosts and the delicious meal. The 3-hour experience costs about $115 per person, offering value for the rich experience. Many reviewers mention that they leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation for Salento cuisine.
Bottom line: Recommended for foodies who want a personalized and interactive cooking session.
10. Lecce: E-Bike tour to Galatina with old olive mill & wine taste
For those who prefer active exploration, this 6-hour E-bike tour (see details here) takes you through countryside villages, olive groves, and historic sites. Highlights include a visit to an underground olive oil mill, tasting pasticciotto, and exploring Galatina’s beautiful Basilica di Santa Caterina.
Rated 5.0/5 from 31 reviews, participants love the combination of physical activity and cultural discovery. The tour is well-suited for active travelers who want an authentic and engaging experience outside the city.
Bottom line: Ideal for adventurous travelers seeking scenic rides and local flavors.
11. Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce old town
This city-based tasting (see details here) offers a relaxing way to explore Lecce’s culinary scene. Paired with a guided walk of the city’s baroque architecture, you’ll sample four local wines with regional delicacies like cheeses and cured meats.
Rated 4.5/5 from 83 reviews, visitors enjoy the informative commentary and the convenient location. The 1.5-hour experience is perfect for a midday break from sightseeing and suits wine novices and foodies alike.
Bottom line: A compact, city-centered experience for wine and food lovers.
12. Primitivo and Negroamaro wine tour: a visit to two wineries and typical lunch. From Lecce
Spending a full 8 hours exploring Salento’s famous wines, this small-group tour (see details here) hits all the highlights. You’ll visit two wineries, learn about winemaking techniques, and enjoy tastings of Negroamaro and Primitivo. The trip includes a regional lunch made from fresh ingredients, making it a comprehensive day out.
Rated 5.0/5 from 19 reviews, guests emphasize the knowledgeable guide and the delicious wines. The tour is best for serious wine lovers wanting an in-depth experience, though the long day might be less ideal for those with tight schedules.
Bottom line: Best for dedicated wine enthusiasts eager to explore multiple wineries in one go.
13. Street Food Lecce: Guided walking tour with typical food and wines
For a tasty and cultural adventure, this street food tour (see details here) combines local bites, wines, and city sights. Walking through Lecce’s historic streets, you’ll sample Caffe Leccese, Pizzarelle, Rustico, and local wines. The guide offers insightful commentary on the city’s culinary traditions.
Rated 4.5/5 from 32 reviews, travelers praise the delicious food, friendly guide, and informative local stories. It’s a great option for those wanting a casual, walking-focused experience with a focus on regional flavors. Duration is about 2 hours, making it manageable for most.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies wanting a casual exploration of Lecce’s street flavors.
14. Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour
This full-day journey combines city highlights with wine tasting in Gallipoli (see details here). You’ll explore Lecce’s baroque old town and then visit Gallipoli’s historic island town, with wine tastings at local vineyards. The tour includes a traditional regional lunch and guided walks.
Rated 5.0/5 from 3 reviews, it’s perfect for multi-site explorers who want an all-in-one day covering history, architecture, and wine. The private transportation simplifies logistics, making this a comfortable choice.
Bottom line: Best for travelers who want a comprehensive day of cultural and gastronomic discovery.
15. Salento Tasting: Local Bites, Wine & Traditional Flavors
This gourmet tasting (see details here) features homemade appetizers, local wines, and seasonal desserts. The interactive experience includes building your own bruschetta and learning about Salento’s culinary traditions from passionate hosts. It’s a relaxed, convivial setting for food and wine lovers.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, it’s praised for its authenticity and friendly atmosphere. The 2.5-hour experience costs around $53, making it an affordable way to enjoy regional flavors in a casual setting.
Bottom line: Perfect for those seeking a personalized tasting with a hands-on approach.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lecce Wine Tour
When selecting the best wine tour in Lecce, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you’re after an authentic home-cooked meal with regional wines, Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Corigliano offers a personal and immersive experience. For a shorter, intimate tasting, Wine Experience is ideal.
Active travelers might enjoy the E-bike tour (see details here), which combines cycling with cultural stops. If wine is just one part of your day, a city-based tasting like Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce old town balances sightseeing with flavor.
Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak season, as many experiences fill quickly.
Final Thoughts
Lecce offers a wonderful variety of wine tours, fitting different interests and schedules. Whether you want to cook, cycle, or simply sample wines in an intimate setting, there’s something for all. Two standout options are the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Corigliano for a personal, authentic experience, and the full-day Primitivo and Negroamaro tour for serious wine lovers wanting to explore multiple wineries.
If you’re planning a trip, consider your time constraints and budget. For a quick taste, the Rich tasting of Salento wines offers a delightful introduction. For culinary enthusiasts, the Orecchiette cooking classes combine food, wine, and culture seamlessly.
Finally, remember that booking early can help secure your preferred time, especially for popular experiences. Whatever your style, Lecce’s wine scene is ready to impress and deepen your appreciation for Puglia’s culinary treasures.
