Lecce, often called the Florence of the South, is a city that invites exploration through its stunning baroque architecture and lively culinary scene. But for wine lovers, Lecce offers a particularly rich tapestry of tasting experiences rooted in the Salento region’s renowned vineyards and traditional food pairings. Whether you’re eager to learn how to make pasta and pair it with local wines or prefer to stroll through historic streets sampling regional delicacies, Lecce’s wine tours deliver authentic, flavorful encounters. We’re especially fond of experiences like the Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Corigliano that combine culinary skills with warm hospitality, or the Wine Experience which offers a private look into family-run wineries.
If you’re looking to explore the Salento wine scene in depth, Lecce’s variety of tours suits different interests and budgets. From guided street food walks paired with local wines to full-day visits to wineries and olive oil mills, the options are plentiful. Below, we’ve rounded up the top 15 wine experiences in Lecce, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
1. Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)
At number 1, this immersive experience in Corigliano d’Otranto combines cooking, dining, and wine tasting in a warm family setting. Enza and her family welcome you into their charming villa just 15 minutes from Lecce. The highlight is making oreghette and macaroni by hand using traditional Apulian techniques with fresh ingredients. Afterward, enjoy a hearty dinner paired with local wines, all in a relaxed, authentic environment. What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch—guests praise the hosts’ friendliness and the real home-cooked feel. Many reviews mention it as a “highlight” of their trip, emphasizing the warmth and the delicious food. Priced at about $91.53, it offers a deep cultural experience that leaves you with new skills and great memories.
Bottom Line: For travelers wanting a genuine taste of local life with fantastic food and wine, this class offers unbeatable hospitality and a chance to learn a regional craft.
2. Lecce: Pasta Making Class in 1400s-Era Courtyard with Wine
Number 2 takes you into a 1400s-style courtyard right in the heart of Lecce. Here, you’ll have fun with a local cook to hand-make orecchiette, sagne, and other traditional Apulian pasta. The setting alone—an ancient courtyard—makes this experience special. The class lasts about 2.5 hours and includes tasting your freshly made pasta with a glass of local wine. Guests appreciate the friendly hosts and the thorough explanations of pasta techniques, with many describing it as a “fantastic evening” with a fun, cultural vibe. At $66.05 per person, the value lies in the hands-on nature and the opportunity to take home a new skill.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect for foodies who want an authentic hands-on pasta experience in a historic setting, combined with regional wine.
3. Wine Experience
Number 3 offers a private tour of a family-run boutique cellar, just outside Lecce. The highlight is walking through the vineyards and sampling a variety of red, white, and rosé wines paired with local snacks. Guests consistently mention the personalized attention and the passion of the host, who has been involved in Salento winemaking for generations. The tour is about 1 hour long, making it a quick but enriching way to deepen your understanding of regional wines. With a rating of 5.0/5 from 61 reviews and a price of just over $29, it’s a fantastic introduction to Salento’s winemaking traditions.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine enthusiasts seeking an intimate, educational tasting experience with a local family, perfect for a quick cultural fix.
4. Typical Apulian Orecchiette Cooking Class + Dinner included and Wines
Number 4 is an engaging cooking class set in a 1400s courtyard in Lecce’s historic center. You’ll learn how to craft orecchiette and sagne, regional pastas, then enjoy your creations with regional wines. The class lasts about 2.5 hours and includes dinner, making this a complete culinary experience. Reviewers mention the friendly staff and the fun of making pasta from scratch, with many praising the quality of the meal and the relaxed atmosphere. For $68.50, it’s a solid value considering the hands-on approach and the opportunity to share a meal with fellow travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine cooking skills with local wine in a charming historic setting.
5. Make pasta, drink wine. Cooking class with transported included!
Number 5 focuses on authentic Salento culture, offering a small-group setting to learn how to make fresh pasta and enjoy it with regional wines. The tour lasts about 3.5 hours and includes transportation, making it especially convenient. Reviewers highlight the fun, interactive nature and the chance to learn a skill they could replicate at home. The cost is $115.19, which includes transportation and a comprehensive cultural experience. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a deeper, more interactive immersion in local traditions.
Bottom Line: This experience is suited for those who want a comprehensive, hands-on culinary journey with added convenience.
6. Lecce: Guided Street Food Walking Tour with Food and Wine
Number 6 combines culinary discovery with sightseeing in Lecce’s historic center. Over 2 hours, your guide takes you through lively streets, sampling local snacks like pasticciotto, taralli, and Rustico, ending with a glass of Apulian wine. Guests love the informative narration and the chance to see the city’s monuments along the way. Many reviewers describe it as a “wonderful way” to experience Lecce, especially with a knowledgeable guide. The tour is flexible, with start times to fit your schedule.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to combine food, culture, and walking into a compact, lively experience.
7. Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Pairing in Lecce
Number 7 offers a hands-on cooking lesson in Lecce’s old town, focusing on oreghette pasta. The class lasts about 2 hours and is paired with a guided wine tasting of four regional wines, served alongside cheeses and cured meats. Many guests enjoy the scenic location and the small-group format, which fosters personal interaction. The price is around $77.23, with reviews praising the fun environment and the quality of the wines and food.
Bottom Line: Great for those who want a scenic, intimate experience that combines pasta-making with excellent wine tasting.
8. Rich tasting of Salento wines
Number 8 delivers a focused wine tasting session in a cozy setting. Led by a passionate host, you’ll sample six top local wines, including Negroamaro and other native varieties. The experience includes local dishes and insights into the region’s winemaking. Guests often comment on the expert knowledge and the friendly atmosphere. At just under $69 for two hours, it’s a value-packed way to deepen your appreciation for Salento’s wine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for serious wine lovers wanting to learn about native grapes and taste the best local labels.
9. Lecce Hands-on Home Cooking Class: Craft Orecchiette & Savor Wine
Number 9 immerses you in a family-style cooking class in Lecce. Over about 3 hours, learn to make oreghette and maccheroni with local ingredients, then enjoy your meal with regional wines. The small group—no more than seven—ensures personalized attention. Reviewers highlight the warm hosts and the delicious, authentic food. Priced at $115.12, this tour offers a comprehensive and personal experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a home-cooked meal paired with local wines, in an intimate setting.
10. Lecce: E-Bike tour to Galatina with old olive mill & wine taste
Number 10 combines cycling, history, and wine in a full-day adventure. You’ll bike through olive groves, visit an underground olive oil mill, and explore Grecian villages like Sternatia and Galatina. The tour includes tasting Pasticciotto and traditional Caffe Leccese. Guests praise the knowledgeable guide and the scenic countryside. Costing $172.31 for about 6 hours, it’s best suited for active travelers who want a mix of outdoor activity and cultural discovery.
Bottom Line: Perfect for adventure-minded travelers eager to combine cycling with local food and wine.
11. Wine and Food Tasting Experience in Lecce old town
Number 11 offers a relaxed tasting session in the heart of Lecce. Over about 90 minutes, sample four regional wines paired with local specialties, all with an expert host explaining the wines’ terroir. Many reviews mention the convenient location and the informative yet casual atmosphere. It’s a great way to get acquainted with Puglia’s wine scene without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: A quick, flavorful introduction perfect for travelers who want a laid-back taste of local wine culture.
12. Primitivo and Negroamaro wine tour: a visit to two wineries and typical lunch. From Lecce
Number 12 is a full-day tour that introduces you to two wineries in Salento, with tastings of Primitivo and Negroamaro. The trip includes a typical regional lunch and a visit to an underground museum at one of the wineries. The guides are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, making it suitable for wine aficionados who want a comprehensive experience. With a price of about $230, it’s the most extensive tour on the list.
Bottom Line: Ideal for serious wine lovers wanting an in-depth look at Salento’s winemaking and regional cuisine.
13. Street Food Lecce: Guided walking tour with typical food and wines
Number 13 combines culinary walking with local history. Over 2 hours, taste classic street foods like pasticciotto, taralli, and Rustico, ending with a glass of regional wine. Visitors appreciate the knowledgeable guide and the opportunity to see Lecce’s monuments along the way. It’s a perfect option for those who want to experience both the flavors and the sights.
Bottom Line: Offers an engaging blend of food, culture, and sightseeing in a manageable timeframe.
14. Lecce and Gallipoli Full-Day Heritage and Wine Tour
Number 14 provides a full-day exploration of two iconic Puglian towns—Lecce and Gallipoli—with wine tastings at local wineries. The tour includes visits to Gallipoli’s Old Town and Lecce’s monuments, along with opportunities to buy wines directly from the producers. Priced at $341.49, it’s a longer, more comprehensive day suited for those wanting to see more of Puglia with a focus on heritage and wine.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers with a full day to spare, interested in combining sightseeing with wine tasting in two historic towns.
15. Organic Wine and Olive Oil Tasting Experience near Lecce
Number 15 offers a sustainable approach to tasting organic wines and olive oils at a historic masseria. The experience includes tours of underground oil mills and cellars, along with sampling three organic wines and traditional taralli. Visitors commend the authenticity and quality of the products, making it ideal for eco-conscious travelers. At $50 per person for about 1.5 hours, it provides a focused, educational experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those interested in sustainable agriculture and traditional methods combined with tasting high-quality organic products.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lecce Wine Tour
When selecting a wine experience in Lecce, consider your interests and schedule. Want to learn pasta-making and taste regional wines? The Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting offers a warm, hands-on approach. Looking for a quick, private wine tasting? The Wine Experience delivers intimacy and detailed insights. For active travelers, the E-bike tour to Galatina combines outdoor activity with cultural and culinary exploration. Budget-conscious visitors might enjoy the Wine and food tasting, which offers a flavorful introduction without a hefty price tag.
Think about your preferred pace, whether a short tasting session or a full-day winery visit. Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Lecce offers a range of wine tours suited to nearly every interest—whether you prefer hands-on cooking classes, intimate tastings, or cycling adventures. For a cultural and culinary dive, the Cooking class in Corigliano stands out, while the full-day winery tour is ideal for dedicated wine enthusiasts who want an in-depth experience. The guided street food and wine tours are excellent for exploring Lecce’s vibrant streets and flavors.
No matter your preference or budget, Lecce’s wine scene promises flavorful memories and authentic encounters. Booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences—so start planning your trip and raise a glass to your Puglia adventure!