Make pasta, drink wine. Cooking class with transported included!

Authentic Italian Pasta and Wine Making in Lecce: A Hands-On Cultural Experience

Picture this: in a charming villa on the outskirts of Lecce, you and a small group of fellow travelers gather for an evening that promises more than just a cooking class — it’s a genuine taste of Salento life. For about $115 per person, you’ll spend roughly three and a half hours with hosts Lisa and Fabio, learning to craft fresh pasta by hand, tasting local wines, and sharing stories in a convivial, intimate setting.

What we love about this experience is how personal and practical it feels. You won’t just watch a demonstration; you’ll actively participate in making two traditional types of pasta—orecchiette and macaroni wire—using authentic tools, like the Caturu, which Fabio offers as a gift. The emphasis on local ingredients, wine pairing, and family-style conversation makes it a genuine immersion into Puglia’s culinary culture.

One possible consideration? Because it’s a small-group experience (max 8 people), booking well in advance—about 50 days ahead on average—is a good idea to secure your spot. Also, the experience is held outdoors on a lovely villa garden, so unpredictable weather could impact your plans, though rain simply leads to a rescheduling or refund.

This tour is perfect for couples, families, or small groups who enjoy hands-on activities and meaningful cultural exchanges. If you’re curious about Italian cuisine, love wine, or simply want to spend an authentic evening in Lecce’s peaceful countryside, this experience hits all the right notes.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Hands-on pasta making rooted in Salento traditions.
• Intimate Setting: Small groups mean personalized attention and lively conversation.
• Gourmet Tasting: Local wines and zero-kilometer antipasti paired with your pasta.
• Authentic Tools & Recipes: Use of traditional equipment like the Caturu.
• Cultural Connection: Friendly hosts share stories and local customs.
• Flexible & Cancellation Friendly: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

In-Depth Review of the Pasta and Wine Experience in Lecce

Location and Atmosphere

Starting at Porta Napoli in Lecce, you’ll be driven to a beautiful villa that exudes subtle rustic charm—think lush garden, traditional stonework, and a welcoming vibe. This setting immediately signals that this isn’t a sterile cooking class but a genuine home experience. The hosts, Lisa and Fabio, greet you with warmth, making you feel like an old friend invited for dinner.

Guests consistently praise the atmosphere, describing it as friendly, relaxed, and authentic, as one reviewer put it, “like stepping into someone’s home rather than a commercial kitchen.” The outdoor garden setting, especially in the evening, lends a peaceful backdrop perfect for conviviality and storytelling.

The Itinerary—Step by Step

The experience kicks off at 6:15 pm with a typical Lecce drink, which could be a local aperitif, setting a festive tone. It’s a great opportunity to meet your fellow travelers and get comfortable before diving into pasta making.

Each participant makes enough dough for two types of traditional pasta: the famous orecchiette, shaped and pinched by hand, and a macaroni wire, crafted using a special tool called the Caturu—a traditional, handmade press. Fabio explains each step patiently, and guests rave about how engaging and fun it is to mix, knead, and shape their own pasta.

While the dough rests, there’s an antipasto with local ingredients at zero kilometers—think fresh vegetables, cheeses, and cured meats—paired with typical Pugliese wines. Here, the hosts share stories about the region’s wine traditions, enhancing the tasting experience. The sauces for the pasta are prepared during this time, with detailed explanations about local flavors and techniques.

Next, the second pasta shape, macaroni wire, is made with the Caturu, which Fabio gifts to each participant, adding a memorable keepsake. The process of turning flour into delicate shapes is described as therapeutic and social, with one reviewer noting that doing the pasta work “was quite therapeutic while chatting.”

Tasting and Social Hour

After all the work, it’s time to sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. The pasta, freshly made, is dressed with the sauces prepared earlier, and the group shares the table in a casual, convivial environment. The wine pairing elevates the meal, with knowledgeable hosts explaining the different varieties from the region — some reviews mention “outstanding” wines.

The experience concludes with dessert, and everyone gets a glass of Limoncello to round off the evening. Many reviewers highlight the friendly atmosphere, stating that they felt like they were part of a family rather than just students in a class.

The Value for the Price

At $115, this experience offers excellent value considering the personalized instruction, local cuisine, wines, and souvenirs. Participants rave about the authenticity and warm hospitality—many saying it was the highlight of their trip to Puglia.

Compared to larger, more commercial classes, the small group size ensures you get personal attention and ample opportunity to ask questions, learn techniques, and connect with your hosts. The inclusion of transportation—a pickup from Porta Napoli—adds convenience, especially after a day of sightseeing.

Reviews in a Nutshell

• “An evening making pasta in Lisa and Fabio’s beautiful home.”
• “Guided step-by-step with patience and humor.”
• “Excellent wine, friendly hosts, and authentic recipes.”
• “A memorable, homey experience that feels like visiting family.”

These sentiments underscore how well the tour delivers on its promises of authenticity, warmth, and education.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for food lovers eager to learn traditional Italian pasta recipes, wine enthusiasts wanting regional pairings, or travelers seeking authentic cultural moments. It’s particularly suited for couples, families, or small groups who appreciate personal interaction and hands-on activities. If you’re looking for a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with hosts who genuinely share their love for Salento, this is a perfect fit.

The Practical Details

• Meeting point is at Porta Napoli, Lecce, with transportation included to the villa.
• The experience starts at 6:00 pm and lasts about 3.5 hours.
• Maximum of 8 travelers ensures intimacy and personalized attention.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, making it flexible if your plans change.
• The price includes all ingredients, tools, local wine, antipasti, dessert, and a gift of the Caturu tool.
• Service animals are allowed, and the experience is accessible near public transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from Porta Napoli in Lecce to the villa and back, making it convenient and stress-free.

Can children participate?
Yes, the tour allows children over 18, but alcohol will not be served to minors.

What types of pasta will I make?
You’ll make orecchiette, the iconic pasta of Salento, and macaroni wire, which involves using a traditional tool called the Caturu.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is 8 travelers, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.

What’s the dress code?
Casual and comfortable clothing suitable for working with dough and possibly outdoors.

Is there a dress code for the hosts?
No, but expect a warm, welcoming, homey atmosphere from Lisa and Fabio.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Will I get recipes and tips?
Absolutely—hosts share recipes, techniques, and stories, so you can recreate your pasta at home.

Final Thoughts

For anyone wanting to go beyond the typical tourist fare and really connect with Salento’s culinary traditions, this pasta-making tour in Lecce offers authentic, hands-on learning paired with delicious regional wines. Hosted by passionate locals Lisa and Fabio, it’s a perfect blend of education, flavor, and friendly hospitality.

The small-group format, genuine atmosphere, and focus on local ingredients make this a memorable evening. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, you’ll leave with new skills, great stories, and a few delicious recipes to impress friends back home. It’s more than just a cooking class — it’s an experience that captures the heart of Puglia.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, authentic encounter with Italian cuisine and culture in a friendly, intimate setting, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially suited for those who value personal attention, regional authenticity, and a warm social atmosphere. Book early to secure your place and enjoy a true taste of Lecce’s culinary soul.