The wine scene in Lecce perfectly captures the heart of Puglia’s viticultural traditions. This compact city serves up some of Italy’s most authentic wine experiences, from intimate tastings to countryside adventures. I especially love the private winery visits, where you’ll sample robust Primitivos and crisp Verdecas while learning directly from local vintners. The e-bike tours through the surrounding vineyards are particularly special, combining exercise with excellent tastings – and you won’t have to worry about driving!
The standout experiences combine wine with food culture. My favorite tours pair regional wines with Pugliese specialties like orecchiette pasta and burrata cheese. For a hands-on adventure, the cooking-and-wine-tasting combinations offer the best of both worlds.
Check out these carefully selected wine tours that showcase the best of Lecce’s wine culture.
Key Points
- Private winery tours, guided tastings, and wine and food pairings offer immersive experiences to sample local Apulian wines in picturesque settings.
- Hands-on cooking and pasta-making classes provide opportunities to learn traditional Pugliese cuisine and enjoy regional wine pairings.
- Guided e-bike and rickshaw tours combine sightseeing, wine tasting, and exploration of Lecce’s historical landmarks and countryside.
- Full-day wine and food tours offer comprehensive experiences, including hotel pickup/drop-off, light meals, and multiple wine tastings.
- Tours cater to various traveler needs, with small group sizes, accessibility, and flexible cancellation policies, ensuring inclusive and personalized experiences.
Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce
What better way to learn about the flavors of Puglia than with an Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce?
This hands-on experience, located in the city famous for its baroque architecture and authentic cuisine, offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of making the traditional Puglia specialty, “orecchiette” pasta. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll roll, shape, and prepare this delicious pasta from scratch.
The class also includes a guided wine tasting, where you’ll sample four regional wines paired with local cheeses, cold cuts, focaccia, and more.
Held in a small-group format, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and an informal atmosphere. The starter menu features a delightful selection of local delicacies, including the freshly made orecchiette.
With rave reviews praising the kind hosts, fun environment, and exceptional instruction, this cooking class promises to be a highlight of your Lecce visit.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Read our full review: Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce Review
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ORECCHIETTE CLASS WITH WINE TASTING & APERITIF
This Orecchiette Class with Wine Tasting & Aperitif offers a delightful immersion into the culinary traditions of Salento.
During this 2-hour experience in the historic center of Lecce, you will learn to handcraft orecchiette, a beloved Apulian pasta. The class includes a 1-hour hands-on cooking session, followed by a relaxing wine tasting featuring 4 wines from top Salento wineries.
The experience also includes a tasting of local delicacies and seasonal variations, with vegan and vegetarian options available. Participants will gain knowledge about the organoleptic characteristics of the wines while enjoying a leisurely food and wine pairing.
Priced at $92.55 per person, this class provides a flexible and accessible option, with a reserve now and pay later policy and wheelchair accessibility. Local transport can also be arranged upon request.
With English and Italian-speaking instructors, this immersive culinary adventure is a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the flavors of Salento.
Read our full review: ORECCHIETTE CLASS WITH WINE TASTING & APERITIF Review
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Wine Experience
For those seeking an immersive glimpse into Salento’s rich winemaking traditions, the Wine Experience at a historic family-run boutique cellar near Lecce offers an unparalleled opportunity.
With a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence, this private winery tour and tasting promises an intimate and educational experience.
Guests will explore the vineyards, learn about native grapes, and sample a selection of red, white, and rosè wines, all paired with typical Apulian snacks. The knowledgeable guides provide personalized attention, ensuring a truly memorable adventure.
Accessibility features, including wheelchair and stroller access, as well as proximity to public transportation, make this tour widely available.
Priced at a reasonable $26.17 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, the Wine Experience offers exceptional value and flexibility.
Positive reviews highlight the tour’s highlights, from the personal and educational aspects to the exceptional quality of the wines.
For a deep dive into Salento’s wine traditions, this boutique cellar experience isn’t to be missed.
Read our full review: Wine Experience Review
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Lecce: Pasta Making Class in 1400S-ERA Courtyard With Wine
Nestled in the historic heart of Lecce, the Pasta Making Class in a 1400s-era courtyard offers an immersive culinary experience for those eager to uncover the rich traditions of Apulian cuisine.
The 2.5-hour course, priced from €58 per person, guides participants through the art of crafting classic Orecchiette and Sagne pasta. Led by a local cook, the hands-on class provides instruction in multiple languages, catering to an international audience.
Following the lesson, guests can savor the fruits of their labor, pairing the homemade pasta with regional wine. The wheelchair-accessible experience is set against the backdrop of the Faggiano Archaeological Museum, adding a historic flair to the occasion.
With a 4.7/5 rating from 126 reviews, the pasta-making class has earned a reputation for its engaging hosts, convivial atmosphere, and insights into the cultural significance of pasta in Southern Italy.
Availability is subject to a minimum number of participants, making advance reservations through the “reserve now & pay later” option a practical choice.
Read our full review: Lecce: Pasta Making Class in 1400S-ERA Courtyard With Wine Review
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Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce Old Town
Lecce’s wine and food tasting experience in the old town offers visitors a delightful way to sample the flavors of Puglia.
Hosted at La Strada Del Vino Wine Bistrot, the 65-reviewed, 4.6-rated tour provides guests the opportunity to taste four regional wines paired with local specialties like cheeses, salami, focaccia, and bruschetta. An expert host shares insights about each wine and its terroir, enhancing the learning experience.
The 30-euro, multi-time daily tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, allowing most travelers to participate.
With a minimum of 2 and maximum of 20 people per booking, the intimate setting allows for individual attention. Guests consistently praise the fun atmosphere, knowledgeable hosts, and quality of the food and wine pairings.
While some note distractions towards the end of the tourist season, the experience remains highly recommended for those seeking to enjoy Puglian cuisine and culture.
Read our full review: Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce Old Town Review
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Lecce Wine Tour: Rickshaw Guided Tour & Wine Tasting
A delightful Lecce wine tour takes visitors on a rickshaw guided journey through the city’s charming streets, culminating in a wine tasting experience at a local enoteca.
This 2-hour tour allows guests to explore the historic center of Lecce, admiring the stunning Baroque architecture, while a knowledgeable guide shares the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The rickshaw ride provides a unique and eco-friendly mode of transportation, offering a leisurely pace to soak in the sights.
At the enoteca, guests embark on a wine tasting of local Puglian varietals, guided by an expert sommelier.
The tasting includes a selection of red, white, and rosé wines, accompanied by traditional local appetizers.
Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the region’s winemaking traditions and the distinct characteristics of the featured wines.
This Lecce wine tour provides a well-rounded experience, blending the city’s history, architecture, and gastronomy for an authentic taste of Salento.
Read our full review: Lecce Wine Tour: Rickshaw Guided Tour & Wine Tasting Review
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Cooking Class, Dinner and Wine Tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
Travelers seeking an immersive culinary experience during their visit to Lecce can embark on a cooking class, dinner, and wine tasting in the nearby town of Corigliano.
This highly-rated activity (100% recommended by travelers) takes place in a private setting with a maximum of just your group, ensuring personalized attention from the hosts, Enza and Antonio, known for their warm hospitality.
The menu highlights include a mixed platter for starters, followed by homemade pasta dishes such as orecchiette with tomato and basil, and macaroni with seafood.
Desserts feature local specialties like jam tart and chocolate salami. Guests can also enjoy a selection of Prosecco, wine, and limoncello.
Beyond the exceptional cuisine, the experience offers opportunities to make fresh pasta, socialize with fellow travelers, and even use the private swimming pool and musical instruments.
With a convenient meeting point, flexibility in planning, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this cooking class is an ideal way to learn about Lecce’s culinary traditions.
Read our full review: Cooking Class, Dinner and Wine Tasting in Lecce (Corigliano) Review
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WINE TOUR WITH TASTING AND TRANSFER
Why not discover Salento’s rich wine heritage with a carefully curated wine tour that includes tastings and round-trip transportation?
This 3-hour wine tour offers an immersive experience, limited to just 8 participants. You’ll enjoy a guided tasting of 5 local wines, including the renowned Negroamaro and Primitivo varietals, accompanied by regional delicacies like cured meats and cheeses.
The tour departs from Lecce at either 10:00 am or 2:30 pm, with a 9-seater van shuttle service to whisk you to the vineyard, weather permitting.
With no upfront payment required, you can reserve your spot and pay later, plus enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Feedback from past guests has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the interesting history, generous tastings, and exceptional food pairings. One reviewer even raved about ordering 12 bottles of the delectable red wines to take home to New Zealand.
Don’t miss this opportunity to savor the flavors of Salento’s wine culture.
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Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner Included and Wines
What better way to take in Apulian culinary traditions than a hands-on orecchiette cooking class, complete with a delightful dinner and wine pairings?
Located in the heart of Lecce, this 4.8-star experience offers travelers a chance to learn the art of making the region’s iconic pasta dish. The class starts at 6:30 PM and provides all the necessary tools, from flour and water to rolling pins and forks.
Participants will enjoy a private, wheelchair-accessible session, with the opportunity to create tomato orecchiette and sagne.
After the hands-on cooking, guests will savor a meal of pasta in a simple tomato sauce, accompanied by a selection of wines and a cake for dessert.
Reviews praise the friendly atmosphere and the hosts’ warm engagement, though some suggest improved organization and more historical context.
With its 14th-century courtyard setting, this cooking class promises a truly immersive cultural experience for travelers in Lecce.
Read our full review: Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner Included and Wines Review
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Lecce: Guided Wine Tour by Bike With Wine Tasting
For those seeking a more active way to explore Lecce’s rich cultural heritage and world-class wines, the Lecce Guided Tour & Wine Tasting by Bike offers an immersive experience. Priced at $71.98 per person, this 3-hour tour allows visitors to discover the city’s architectural marvels and soak in the southern Italian ambiance while cycling through the historical center.
Highlights include the iconic Porta Napoli, the stunning Church of the Holy Cross, and the captivating Roman Amphitheatre. The tour also includes a wine tasting where a knowledgeable cellarman shares the secrets of Apulia’s winemaking.
With multilingual guides available, the experience caters to an international audience. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, as well as the value for money.
Minimum group size is 2 adults, and the tour may be modified in case of inclement weather. Customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and reserve their spot without upfront payment.
Read our full review: Lecce: Guided Wine Tour by Bike With Wine Tasting Review
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Rich-Tasting Salento Wines
The Salento peninsula, located in the southernmost part of Puglia, is renowned for producing some of Italy’s most rich and flavorful wines.
At Bottega del Nonno, visitors can enjoy the history and winemaking traditions of this breathtaking region through a private wine tasting experience.
Set in a beautiful private garden under lemon trees, the tasting focuses on the unique qualities of Salento wines. Guests will sample a selection of these rich-tasting offerings, accompanied by traditional local delicacies like the Leccese savory pie and fresh mozzarella and burrata.
The knowledgeable guide, Stefano, shares his expertise on the region’s winemaking heritage, ensuring a truly memorable and educational experience.
With an overall rating of 4.9 based on 36 reviews, this wine tasting at Bottega del Nonno is a must-try for anyone visiting Lecce.
The convenient location, just 150 meters from Porta Napoli, makes it easily accessible, and the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility for travelers.
Read our full review: Rich-Tasting Salento Wines Review
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Primitivo and Negroamaro Wine Tour: a Visit to Two Wineries and Typical Lunch. From Lecce
Exploring the rich winemaking heritage of Salento, this Primitivo and Negroamaro wine tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the region’s renowned vineyards.
Departing from Lecce, the tour offers an opportunity to visit two local wineries and savor a typical lunch, all while learning from an expert sommelier.
Highlights include an in-depth wine tasting and a visit to a museum dedicated to the Primitivo wine civilization.
Travelers can also enjoy a savory lunch buffet featuring fresh regional ingredients, with a vegetarian option available. The family-friendly tour ensures that minors receive complimentary soft drinks.
With a 100% recommendation rate and a Badge of Excellence, this wine tour promises a personalized experience.
Accommodating a maximum of 8 travelers, the tour includes hotel pick-up/drop-off service and transport by minivan.
Priced from $203.05 per person, the tour offers flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Primitivo and Negroamaro Wine Tour: a Visit to Two Wineries and Typical Lunch. From Lecce Review
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Visit to a Winery in Salento With Wine Tasting and Light Lunch. From Lecce
Although departing from Lecce, this intimate Salento winery tour invites travelers to discover the region’s renowned viticulture.
The tour starts at 9:30 AM and is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience. Guests will be picked up from their Lecce accommodations before being transported by minivan to the winery.
Upon arrival, they’ll embark on a guided exploration of the winery, learning about the production process and tasting the local Salento wines. A light lunch will be provided, allowing visitors to savor the flavors that pair perfectly with the wines.
The tour concludes with a return to the meeting point at Porta Napoli in Lecce.
This experience is stroller-accessible and near public transportation, making it convenient for most travelers. However, it isn’t recommended for pregnant individuals.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours prior, providing flexibility. With an overall rating of 4.6 from 8 reviews, this Salento winery tour promises an enjoyable and informative glimpse into the local wine culture.
Read our full review: Visit to a Winery in Salento With Wine Tasting and Light Lunch. From Lecce Review
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Street Food Lecce: Guided Walking Tour With Typical Food and Wines.
Why not discover Lecce’s vibrant street food scene on a guided walking tour showcasing the city’s typical foods and wines?
This 3-hour experience earns a 94% traveler recommendation, with a Badge of Excellence to boot. For just $47.10 per person, you’ll hit 3 stops to sample rustico, pizzi, frisa, pasticciotto, and more, all paired with local wine.
The tour starts at Viale dell’Università – Porta Rudiae, where you’ll meet your guide 10 minutes before departure.
You’ll wind through historic Lecce, ending at Porta San Biagio, Piazza D’Italia. Along the way, you’ll discover the city’s cultural highlights alongside its vibrant food scene.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with a max of 50 travelers. With an overall 4.6-star rating, you can expect an informative, high-quality experience that lets you savor Lecce’s authentic flavors.
Read our full review: Street Food Lecce: Guided Walking Tour With Typical Food and Wines. Review
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Full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour
For those seeking an immersive experience in the renowned wine and culinary region of Salento, the Full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour in Lecce, Italy, offers an exceptional opportunity.
This full-day tour includes visits to two award-winning wineries producing the renowned primitivo and malvasia varietals. Guests can also opt for a third winery visit or a swim stop at Porto Cesareo.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a light lunch at a winery or nearby restaurant, two wine tastings, and live commentary from the driver/guide. Gratuities are also included, making it a hassle-free experience.
The tour accommodates a maximum of 12 travelers and offers a vegetarian option upon request. While not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
With a 5.0 overall rating from 2 reviews, the Full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour promises an outstanding exploration of the region’s culinary and viticultural delights, complemented by personable and accommodating guides.
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Pasta Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce
Travelers visiting Lecce, Italy, can enjoy the region’s rich culinary heritage by participating in the Pasta Class and Wine Tasting experience. This 2-hour activity allows guests to learn the art of making traditional Orecchiette pasta from scratch and enjoy a guided tasting of locally produced wines.
The class, limited to a maximum of 10 travelers, is led by a talented chef who provides hands-on instruction and shares recipes for authentic regional dishes. Participants will craft their own Orecchiette, which they’ll then savor in a 3-course Italian lunch featuring the freshly made pasta.
The experience also includes tastings of local cheeses, bruschetta, friselline, and taralli. The wine tasting component allows guests to explore the flavors of Puglia’s most renowned wines, led by an expert guide.
The activity starts at 11 am and is priced at $93.15 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Pasta Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce Review
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Lecce: E-Bike Tour to Galatina With Old Olive Mill & Wine Tasting
Lecce’s surrounding countryside beckons visitors to explore its charming villages and rich agricultural heritage. One exceptional way to do so is the E-Bike Tour from Lecce to Galatina. This full-day experience allows travelers to discover the region’s highlights, including an old olive mill and a wine tasting.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide, riders will embark on a scenic e-bike journey, traversing the picturesque landscapes between the two towns. Along the way, they’ll visit an olive oil mill, learning about the area’s olive oil production. The tour also includes a train ticket back to Lecce, ensuring a seamless experience.
With a maximum group size of 6, this tour offers an intimate and personalized adventure. Suitable for most travelers, it provides the necessary equipment, including high-quality e-bikes, helmets, and rear pannier bags.
For those seeking an immersive, eco-friendly exploration of Lecce’s countryside, the E-Bike Tour to Galatina is an excellent choice.
Read our full review: Lecce: E-Bike Tour to Galatina With Old Olive Mill & Wine Tasting Review
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Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour
Exploring the captivating cities of Lecce and Gallipoli, this full-day heritage and wine tour offers an immersive experience in Puglia’s rich cultural tapestry.
Travelers will explore Lecce’s ancient architecture and wander through Gallipoli’s charming Old Town. The highlight of the tour is the wine tasting, where visitors can sample a diverse selection of local varietals, including Primitivo, Negroamaro, Sussumaniello, Aglianico, and Bombino Bianco.
Roundtrip transportation, a coffee break, and a hearty lunch are all included, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. The tour is led by an expert bilingual escort, catering to English, Italian, Spanish, French, German, Japanese, and Russian speakers.
With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour provides a personalized and intimate atmosphere. Infant seats, vegetarian options, and accessibility for service animals make it suitable for a range of travelers.
Boasting a 5.0 rating from previous guests, this tour is an excellent way to discover the heritage and flavors of Puglia.
Read our full review: Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour Review
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Torino Private Cesarine Home-Cooking Class With Wine – Lecce
A private cooking experience awaits in Porto Cesareo, Lecce, where you’ll learn about the authentic flavors of Turinese cuisine.
Over 3 hours, you’ll have a hands-on lesson in preparing a 3-course meal, including Amaretti cookies, gnocchi, and truffle risotto. Guided by traditional Italian cooking methods, you’ll learn techniques that capture the essence of this regional fare.
After your culinary adventure, you’ll enjoy a private 4-course lunch or dinner, perfectly paired with local red and white wines.
The meal features a seasonal starter, a pasta main, a second course with a side dish, and a typical regional dessert.
The experience concludes at the meeting point in Porto Cesareo, which isn’t wheelchair accessible but near public transportation.
Priced from $88.97 per person, this private tour allows only your group to participate.
With a 5.0 rating based on 1 review, it’s a culinary journey worth exploring in Lecce.
Read our full review: Torino Private Cesarine Home-Cooking Class With Wine – Lecce Review
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The Sum Up
Lecce offers a range of exciting wine tours and culinary experiences. From hands-on pasta-making classes with wine tastings to e-bike tours with olive mill and wine tastings, there’s something for every wine enthusiast. These tours provide a unique opportunity to take in the local culture, savor delicious wines, and learn traditional cooking techniques. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced oenophile, Lecce’s wine tours cater to all tastes.