Ostuni: Orecchiette in a farmhouse – pasta making and tasting

A Taste of Apulia: Making Orecchiette in a Historic Farmhouse

This tour takes you to a charming farmhouse near Ostuni, where you’ll learn the art of making orecchiette, the iconic pasta of Puglia. Lasting about 2.5 hours, it combines culture with delicious food and wine, guided by a local expert, often a charming nonna. The experience costs around €70–€80 per person, which offers a chance to connect with authentic traditions without breaking the bank.

What we really love about this experience is the setting—a stone courtyard that feels like stepping back in time—and the personal touch of learning from a knowledgeable local. The hands-on approach means you get to knead the dough, shape the pasta, and truly understand the craftsmanship behind this regional specialty. Plus, the inclusion of tastings and local wines makes it more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a full cultural taste test.

A potential consideration is the duration—some guests have found they stay longer than the advertised 2.5 hours, which can be a bonus if you’re eager to indulge in every detail. However, if you’re on a tight schedule, it’s worth checking the start times and planning accordingly.

This tour suits food lovers, culture seekers, and anyone wanting a genuine slice of Apulian life. It’s especially perfect for couples, families, or friends who enjoy interactive, authentic experiences that go beyond just eating out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Setting: The historic farmhouse provides an immersive environment rich in local character.
• Hands-On Learning: You’ll knead, shape, and create your own orecchiette, gaining skills to recreate the dish at home.
• Local Guidance: Led by a knowledgeable local, often a nonna, who shares traditional secrets and stories.
• Tasting & Wines: Enjoy your pasta topped with a regional sauce, complemented by local products and wines.
• All Skill Levels Welcome: Suitable for everyone, from beginners to seasoned foodies.
• Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

An Authentic Apulian Culinary Experience in Ostuni

When visiting Ostuni or exploring the Puglia region, finding genuine, hands-on activities like this can truly enrich your trip. This particular experience offers a delightful blend of culture, cuisine, and history in a setting that feels both rustic and welcoming.

The location — the Masseria Casina Vitale — is described as a symbol of rural Apulian culture, with ancient stone walls and a charming courtyard that transports you to a simpler time. It’s a perfect backdrop for a pasta-making class because it embodies the land’s indigenous charm and agricultural roots.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins at Masseria Casina Vitale, where you’ll meet your guide and possibly enjoy a brief introduction to the farm’s history. The focus then shifts to the kitchen or courtyard space, where the hands-on part begins. Guided by your expert host (often a local nonna), you’ll learn the traditional process of making orecchiette—from selecting the right flour, kneading the dough, to shaping the distinctive ear-shaped pasta.

Guests consistently praise the skillful guidance of the hosts. One reviewer mentions that Maria made everything look simple and easy, despite potential language barriers, which speaks to the clear, welcoming teaching style. The shape of the pasta itself is shaped by hand—your fingers will work the dough into that iconic curve, a process that’s both relaxing and rewarding.

After shaping your pasta, it’s time for the tasting. You’ll enjoy your freshly made orecchiette topped with a traditional sauce, paired with a selection of regional products and a glass of Apulian wine. Many reviews highlight how the rustic, traditional flavors and the warm, friendly atmosphere make this meal memorable.

What makes this experience special?

The authenticity of the setting and the personal stories shared by guides like Maria create a genuine connection to the land and its food. As one guest said, the experience was “a lovely afternoon in this beautiful garden,” emphasizing how the environment complements the culinary experience.

Plus, the informative recipe book you receive allows you to recreate your favorite pasta at home, making this more than a fleeting memory—it’s a skill you can keep for a lifetime. The tastings of local products also add depth, offering a taste of regional cheeses and other specialties you might not find elsewhere.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Experience You Can Expect

• Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours, with some guests noting they stay longer, which can be a good thing if you’re eager to soak up every moment.
• Group Size: Typically small groups, making it intimate and allowing personalized attention.
• Languages: Tours are offered in English and Italian, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Accessibility: The experience is wheelchair accessible, so it accommodates a range of mobility needs.
• What to Bring: Comfortable shoes and clothes—this is a hands-on experience, and you’ll be kneading and shaping pasta.
• What’s Not Allowed: Pets, though assistance dogs are permitted.

Detailed Breakdown: From Flour to Fork

Starting at Masseria Casina Vitale

Your journey begins in the historic farmstead, which is deeply rooted in local culture. As you arrive, you’ll notice the stone walls and rustic charm, setting the tone for a genuine regional experience. The farm’s history as a hub of rural life means you’ll be surrounded by the scents of the countryside and the feel of traditional Apulian architecture.

Learning from a Local Expert

Guided by a local who often has years of experience, perhaps even a nonna with a lifetime of pasta-making wisdom, you’ll step into the kitchen or courtyard. Guests praise guides like Maria, who manage to make complex techniques seem simple, even with language barriers. Her methodical yet friendly approach is often highlighted as a key part of the experience.

Making the Orecchiette

The process begins with selecting organic flour, then kneading the dough—an activity that many find therapeutic. You’ll learn how to shape the pasta into the characteristic “little ears” with your fingers, a skill that involves a gentle pinch and a twist. Many reviews note that the shape of the pasta isn’t just aesthetically pleasing but also functional—helping the sauce cling better.

The Tasting and Wine

Once your pasta is ready, it’s time to sit down and enjoy your creation. The pasta is served fresh and topped with a traditional sauce, which often is described as rustic and authentic. Accompanying the meal are local cheeses, organic products, and a glass of Apulian wine. Guests consistently mention how delicious and well-matched these pairings are, with one reviewer stating, “the pasta was rustic and traditional.”

The After-Workshop Experience

You leave with a recipe book to try at home, ensuring the memories last beyond your trip. Many guests talk about how they plan to reproduce the dishes for friends and family, which adds real value to the experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for foodies who want to understand the craftsmanship behind regional pasta, or anyone curious about local traditions. It’s especially suitable for couples, families, or groups who enjoy interactive experiences and authentic settings. If you’re seeking a break from typical sightseeing and want to connect directly with local culture through cuisine, this tour will satisfy.

Travelers who appreciate good wines and regional products will also find this experience rewarding, as the tastings are thoughtfully curated to showcase local flavors.

The Sum Up: Why This Tour Offers Real Value

This pasta-making experience in Ostuni balances hands-on activity, cultural storytelling, and delicious regional food—all set in an authentic, picturesque farmhouse. It’s a chance to connect with Apulia’s rural roots while gaining practical skills to impress friends back home. The guides’ expertise and warmth, combined with the stunning surroundings, create a memorable outing that appeals to food lovers and culture seekers alike.

It’s a particularly good choice for travelers who value authenticity and want to bring a taste of Italy home, literally, through their own homemade pasta. The inclusion of tastings and a recipe book ensures you walk away with skills—and souvenirs—that keep the experience alive long after your trip.

If you’re visiting Ostuni and want an interactive, insightful, and flavorful adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, families with children often enjoy making pasta together, especially since it’s a relaxed, hands-on activity. Just ensure kids are comfortable kneading and shaping.

Do I need to have cooking experience?
Not at all. This experience is designed for all skill levels, from complete beginners to seasoned cooks. Guides make it straightforward and enjoyable.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes and shoes are recommended since you’ll be kneading dough and possibly working outdoors in the courtyard.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel schedule.

Are the tours in English and Italian?
Yes, the experience is offered in both languages, making it accessible for most travelers.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the experience is designed to be wheelchair accessible, so most guests with mobility needs can participate comfortably.

What if I have food allergies?
It’s best to communicate any food intolerances or allergies in advance, as the experience involves tastings of regional products and sauces.

How long does the whole experience last?
Approximately 2.5 hours, though some guests find they stay longer to enjoy the atmosphere and conversation.

Is transportation provided?
The tour begins and ends at Masseria Casina Vitale; transportation details are not specified, so plan to arrive independently or arrange local transport.

This pasta-making tour in Ostuni offers a genuine glimpse into Apulian life, combining culinary craft with cultural storytelling in an unforgettable setting. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just eager to try something authentically Italian, this experience will leave both your taste buds and your heart happily satisfied.

You can check availability for your dates here: