ORECCHIETTE CLASS WITH WINE TASTING & APERITIF

If you’re heading to Lecce and looking for a way to truly connect with local flavors and traditions, this Orecchiette class with wine tasting and aperitif might just be what you need. It promises an immersive dive into Salento’s culinary culture, all wrapped into a relaxed, two-hour experience. As someone who’s seen a lot of food tours and cooking classes, I can say that this kind of activity offers more than just a chance to learn a new skill — it’s about savoring the atmosphere, meeting new people, and understanding the heart of Apulian gastronomy.

We love that this class is set in a charming bistro in Lecce’s lively historic center, making it convenient and scenic. The opportunity to learn how to make orecchiette, the iconic pasta of Puglia, with a knowledgeable instructor, is a definite highlight. Plus, the wine tasting of four local Salento wines paired with regional delicacies makes it a well-rounded experience. On the flip side, some reviews mention logistical hiccups like unclear locations and limited wine tasting, so it’s worth considering if you’re particular about perfection. This experience is perfect for those who enjoy a food-focused cultural activity, whether you’re a foodie, a wine lover, or just curious about Italian traditions.

Key Points

• Hands-on pasta making gives you a practical skill and a delicious souvenir.
• Wine tasting features four wines from Salento’s best wineries, carefully paired with local snacks.
• The experience is set in a cozy, authentic setting in Lecce’s lively historic center.
• Vegan, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options are available if you inform in advance.
• It’s a small-group activity, generally about eight people, fostering a friendly atmosphere.
• The experience is flexible with cancellations and payments — cancel 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from This Orecchiette Class

Imagine wandering through Lecce’s picturesque streets, then stepping into a cozy, welcoming bistro where the aroma of fresh pasta and regional wines fills the air. This tour is designed to balance interactive learning with casual tasting, creating a convivial environment perfect for making new friends or simply enjoying good food and drink.

The Pasta Making

The heart of this experience is learning to craft orecchiette, the small, ear-shaped pasta that’s a hallmark of Puglia. Over approximately an hour, your instructor — who speaks both English and Italian — will guide you through the process, starting from raw ingredients to shaping your own pasta. The step-by-step instructions are practical and accessible, even for beginners. Many reviews praise the friendly, engaging instructor, with some noting that they appreciated the detailed explanations about the history and significance of orecchiette.

One reviewer from the US mentioned, “Really taught you how to make handmade orecchiette — just what I was looking for,” highlighting how straightforward the process is when guided properly. The emphasis on local traditions makes this more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a culture. And of course, you’ll get to take your handmade pasta home or enjoy it with the other regional dishes served during the tasting.

The Wine Tasting

Following the pasta session, the focus shifts to sampling four wines from top Salento wineries. You’ll learn about their organoleptic properties, with insights into what makes each wine unique, and how they pair with regional flavors. The wines are selected to complement the culinary experience, and the tasting includes accompanying local delicacies. It’s an enjoyable way to deepen your understanding of Salento’s wine culture without needing a dedicated winery tour.

Some reviews note that the wine portion is brief — just a few glasses at the start and end — but the quality and regional relevance of the wines make it worthwhile. One guest from the US said, “Our instructor was absolutely lovely. We learned all about the history, the process, the quality, and the benefits of making fresh pasta,” which also applied to the wines, making the tasting informative as well as enjoyable.

The Aperitif and Local Flavors

The final part of the experience is a convivial aperitif featuring local delicacies, seasonal specialties, and your freshly made orecchiette. It’s a relaxed setting where you can chat with other participants, enjoy the food, and soak in the lively ambiance of Lecce’s nightlife. If you have dietary restrictions, the organizers are accommodating — vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly options are available if you inform them beforehand.

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The Setting and Atmosphere

What really makes this experience stand out is how intimate and authentic it feels. Situated in a lively street of Lecce’s historic center, the bistro setting adds to the sense that you’re discovering local life firsthand. It’s not a sterile, touristy class — it’s a genuine slice of Salento culture, with friendly hosts and a warm, convivial vibe.

Practical Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Language: Conducted in both English and Italian
• Group size: Small, around 8 people, for a personalized experience
• Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
• Price: Comparable to other food experiences in Lecce, offering good value considering the hands-on activity, wine tasting, and local snacks
• Cancellation & Payment: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, with the option to reserve now and pay later, which adds flexibility for travel planning

The Good and the Not-So-Good

What makes this tour appealing? First, the quality of the wine and the food really stands out. Several reviews mention how much they enjoyed the variety and tastiness of the wines and snacks, which are thoughtfully paired to enhance the pasta experience. The hands-on pasta making is also a highlight — it’s practical, fun, and leaves you with a skill you can try again at home.

However, some reviewers noted logistical issues, like not receiving clear instructions on the exact location initially or waiting longer than expected for their pasta. One guest pointed out that the wine tasting was limited to just a few glasses, and the overall service at the bistro was not highly rated. These are minor drawbacks but worth keeping in mind if you’re expecting a perfectly seamless experience.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is ideal for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to learn about local traditions in a relaxed setting. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy small-group activities and want a taste of local life rather than a generic tour. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner, it makes for a fun, memorable outing that combines learning, tasting, and socializing.

Final Thoughts

This Orecchiette Class with Wine Tasting & Aperitif offers a lovely way to spend a couple of hours in Lecce. It’s a well-organized, culturally rich activity that balances hands-on cooking with regional wine and local flavors. The setting is cozy and authentic, and the hosts are friendly, making it easy to feel comfortable and engaged.

While it’s not without minor logistical hiccups, the overall experience delivers genuine insight into Salento’s culinary heritage. If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful activity that combines learning and tasting, and you’re happy to embrace the casual, convivial vibe, this tour should definitely be on your list.

It’s perfect for those who value quality food and wine, want a break from sightseeing, and enjoy meeting fellow travelers in a relaxed atmosphere. Just remember to book in advance, especially if you have specific dietary needs, and be prepared to participate actively for the full experience.

FAQs

Is this experience suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, the experience is available with vegan and vegetarian options. You’ll need to notify the organizers in advance so they can accommodate your dietary preferences.

Can I cancel this experience if my plans change?
Absolutely. You can cancel up to 24 hours beforehand for a full refund, giving you flexibility to adjust your trip plans.

How many wines will I taste during the session?
You will taste four wines from the best Salento wineries. The tasting is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, pairing well with regional snacks.

Is the location easy to find?
The activity takes place in a charming bistro within Lecce’s historic center. While the general area is accessible, some reviews mention initial difficulty in receiving precise directions, so it’s good to confirm the address beforehand.

Is this activity good for families or children?
While not specifically geared toward children, the activity is generally suitable for those interested in food and wine. Kids might enjoy watching the pasta being made, but the focus is more adult-oriented with wine tasting.

What should I wear?
Comfortable casual attire is fine. If you’re participating in the pasta making, consider wearing something you don’t mind getting a bit floury.

This experience offers a genuine taste of Lecce’s culinary soul in a friendly, relaxed setting. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious about Italian pasta and wines, it’s a delightful way to spend a couple of hours soaking in local flavors.

You can check availability for your dates here: