Full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour

A Day of Wine, Food, and Stunning Views in Salento

If you’re visiting Lecce and craving a break from the busy beaches and historic streets, a full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour offers a flavorful journey into Italy’s southern wine country. For around $370 per person, you’ll spend approximately eight hours exploring two award-winning wineries, learning about regional viticulture, sampling some of the area’s best wines, and enjoying a carefully curated lunch. The tour is offered by Green Italy srl with hotel pickup, making it a seamless day out.

What we love about this experience are the visits to two very different wineries—one with a historic castle setting and the other with a more modern vibe—and the chance to savor a light, authentic lunch that complements the wines perfectly. Plus, the option to add a refreshing swim at Porto Cesareo on the way back keeps things lively and relaxing.

A key consideration is that the tour size is limited to 12 travelers, providing a more intimate experience, but it does require booking well in advance—on average, 159 days ahead—so plan ahead. This tour suits wine lovers, foodies, and those who want a balanced day of culture coupled with scenic beauty.

Key Points

• Visits to two award-winning wineries showcase both historic and modern Italian viticulture.
• Expert-guided tastings introduce you to regional varietals like Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia.
• Includes a delicious light lunch at either the winery or a nearby restaurant, enhancing the tasting experience.
• Optional swim stop at Porto Cesareo offers a chance to cool down and enjoy the stunning sea views.
• Convenient pickup from Lecce makes this an easy, hassle-free day.
• Limited group size ensures personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Exploring the Salento Wine and Food Tour in Detail

What’s Included and How It Works

Starting at 9:30 am from Lecce, this tour is designed to be both informative and relaxed. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, so you won’t have to worry about transportation logistics. The driver/guide is key to making the day flow smoothly, providing live commentary and sharing insights about the region’s viticulture and culinary traditions.

You will visit two wineries—each offering a distinct experience. The first, Stefawine, boasts a historic setting with a 16th-century castle that hosts weddings and events, making the grounds particularly picturesque. The second winery is more modern, showcasing the contemporary side of Salento winemaking. During each visit, you’ll enjoy tastings of award-winning wines, focusing on regional varietals like Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia.

After the tastings, you’ll indulge in a light lunch either at the winery or a carefully selected nearby restaurant. The meal is designed to pair well with the wines you’ve sampled, often featuring local produce and simple, authentic flavors. Many reviewers, like Susan G., highlight how spectacular the grounds of the first winery are, adding a special touch to the experience.

The Highlights of Each Winery

Stefawine‘s grounds stand out, with lush gardens and the historic castle, creating a romantic backdrop for tasting. The guide often mentions this as a spectacular setting, perfect for photos and absorbing the regional atmosphere. The second winery offers a more modern environment with a focus on contemporary wine production, providing contrast and insight into how Salento’s winemakers are evolving.

What to Expect at the Tastings

Each tasting session typically lasts around an hour, during which you’ll sample several wines. Expect to learn about the grapes that thrive here, particularly Negroamaro, known for its bold, earthy reds. The guide’s commentary enriches the experience, explaining how climate, soil, and tradition influence the wines’ character.

The Lunch Experience

The included light lunch is a highlight, with many reviewers praising the quality and authenticity of the food. You might find yourself enjoying simple yet delicious sun-dried tomatoes, local cheeses, fresh bread, and perhaps some regional antipasti. The focus on quality and local ingredients makes this a satisfying meal that complements the wines.

Optional Swim at Porto Cesareo

On the way back to Lecce, you can choose to stop at Porto Cesareo, a picturesque seaside village with clear blue waters and sandy beaches. This optional stop is perfect if you want a quick dip and some relaxing beach views before returning to the city.

Authentic Experiences and Honest Insights

Authenticity is what makes this tour stand out. You’re visiting wineries that produce regional varietals, learning about their history and cultivation directly from knowledgeable guides. The reviews echo this sentiment; William B. notes how the stops at two wineries exceeded expectations, with the tour beginning smoothly and the guide being highly informative.

Susan G. appreciated the wedding-worthy grounds of the first winery and the delicious lunch, saying it was a “great day of wine tasting and fabulous lunch.” The diversity of settings—historic versus modern—adds depth to your understanding of Salento’s winemaking.

The small group size ensures that conversations are intimate, and questions are welcomed. This setting gives travelers a chance to truly connect with the guide and gain insights beyond just tasting wine.

Analyzing the Experience’s Value

While at $370 per person, the tour may seem on the pricier side, it offers a comprehensive experience: transportation, expert-guided visits, tastings at two different wineries, and a quality lunch. Over a full day, this provides excellent value for those eager to deepen their understanding of regional wines and culinary traditions, especially given the exclusivity and personalized attention.

For wine enthusiasts, the focus on local varietals like Negroamaro and Primitivo offers a taste of authentic Salento flavors that you might not easily access on your own. The opportunity to visit both a historic castle setting and a modern winery enriches your perspective on regional winemaking.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food and wine lovers who want a structured but intimate exploration of Salento’s viticulture. It suits travelers who appreciate authentic, behind-the-scenes insights and are comfortable with a full-day outdoor activity. The optional swim stop at Porto Cesareo adds a fun, relaxing element for those who want to combine wine tasting with some beach time.

If you’re traveling with a small group or family and value well-curated experiences with knowledgeable guides, this tour ticks plenty of boxes. It’s not suited for those seeking a quick tasting or a very budget-oriented outing but is well-suited for those who want to invest in a meaningful and scenic day out.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts about 8 hours, starting at 9:30 am and ending back in Lecce.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Lecce, making it very convenient.

Can I customize the experience?
The tour itself is fixed in terms of winery visits, but the guide can suggest adding a swim stop at Porto Cesareo or an extra winery for an additional fee.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for a day of walking and tasting. Casual attire, comfortable shoes, and sun protection are recommended.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, vegetarian options are available upon request—please advise when booking.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to 12 travelers, providing a more personal experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult and are welcome, but keep in mind the focus on wine tasting.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking well ahead of time is advised, as the tour is popular and booked on average 159 days in advance.

What if I have special health requirements?
Please inform the crew beforehand to accommodate any special health needs.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing flexibility.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a thoughtfully curated way to taste the best of Salento’s wines, learn about regional grape varieties, and enjoy a delicious meal in a scenic setting, this full-day tour hits the mark. The blend of historic charm, modern winemaking, and a relaxed, small-group atmosphere makes it a memorable experience.

While the price may be a consideration, the depth of the experience, excellent guides, and the chance to sample award-winning wines justify the cost. It’s especially well-suited for connoisseurs or those eager to expand their palate with authentic regional flavors.

For anyone who appreciates authentic Italian hospitality, scenic views, and a taste of Salento’s viticultural pride, this tour offers a well-balanced, enjoyable, and enriching day out from Lecce.