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

Authentic Pasta-Making and Wine Experience in Lecce

Spending an afternoon in Lecce, Italy, takes a delicious turn with this pasta-making tour that combines hands-on culinary skills with local wine tasting. For $115.19 per person, participants are transported to a beautiful villa outside Lecce where they learn to craft oreghette and macaroni wire from scratch. With a duration of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, this intimate class is suitable for small groups, fostering personalized attention and lively interaction. The tour’s five-star rating and outstanding reviews reflect its popularity and genuine quality, making it a top choice for anyone eager to experience authentic Salento cuisine.

This experience is especially ideal for couples, families, or small groups seeking an engaging, cultural activity that goes beyond typical sightseeing. The transportation included eases logistics, while the focus on local ingredients, wine, and storytelling ensures an immersive taste of Lecce’s culinary traditions. While it’s not suited for those with limited mobility or looking for a large tour, it offers a warm, authentic, and educational evening in the company of passionate hosts.

Key Points

• Hands-on pasta-making of oreghette and macaroni wire using traditional tools
• Includes transportation to a charming villa outside Lecce
• Local wine and Km.0 appetizers enhance the tasting experience
• Personalized attention in small groups, fostering interaction and storytelling
• Duration of about 3 hours and 30 minutes starting at 6:15 PM
• Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the experience

Starting at a Pretty Villa on the Outskirts of Lecce

The tour begins at 6:15 PM at a lovely villa with a garden just outside of Lecce. The setting offers a peaceful, picturesque environment perfect for focusing on culinary craft and conversation. Participants are greeted with a typical Lecce drink, helping everyone settle in comfortably and ready for the evening ahead. The transportation included ensures a smooth start from the designated meeting point at Porta Napoli, Piazzetta Arco di Trionfo.

This villa provides a cozy, welcoming atmosphere that feels like an invitation into a local home. The setting’s charm and tranquility set the perfect mood for a relaxed night of learning, tasting, and socializing.

Making Fresh Pasta by Hand: Orecchiette and Macaroni Wire

The core activity involves producing two types of fresh pasta: traditional orecchiette and macaroni wire. Each participant crafts their own dough, encouraged to get hands-on with guidance from Lisa and Fabio, the passionate hosts. The orecchiette are shaped with a simple yet traditional technique, while the macaroni wire is shaped using a specific tool called “Caturu,” which is given as a gift to participants.

The personalized approach allows each person to learn at their own pace, ask questions, and experiment with different shapes. The dough preparation and shaping process are highlighted as both fun and therapeutic, providing a tactile connection to Salento’s culinary heritage.

Wine and Local Appetizers Paired with Pasta

Once the pasta is shaped, attention shifts to cooking the sauces, which are then prepared in front of the group. During this phase, guests enjoy an aperitif featuring local products at Km.0 and typical wines from the region. The wine pairing complements the dishes beautifully, elevating the overall experience.

After shaping and cooking the pasta, participants return to the table to taste their creations alongside the appetizers and wines. The small bites and regional wines showcase the connection between cuisine and local terroir, adding layers of flavor and cultural insight to the evening.

Creating Silhouettes with the “Caturu” Tool

The second type of pasta, macaroni wire, is made using a traditional tool called “Caturu.” This technique results in delicate, uniquely shaped pasta, which is then cooked and tasted later. The Caturu is given as a gift, allowing participants to recreate the experience at home and share the tradition with friends and family.

This part of the class emphasizes craftsmanship and the importance of traditional tools in regional pasta shapes. It’s a highlight for those interested in authentic Salento pasta techniques and adds a memorable touch to the experience.

Friendly Conversations and Homemade Desserts

The evening encourages friendly conversation and sharing stories, creating a warm, family-like atmosphere. After the pasta tasting, the hosts serve dessert, often including Limoncello, which is poured into glasses to conclude the culinary journey.

Guests are invited to relax, ask questions about the region’s food and wine, and enjoy the convivial environment. The entire experience feels genuine and personal, thanks to Lisa and Fabio’s warm hospitality and passion for their culture.

The Unique “Chef for a Day” Feeling

Participants have the chance to feel like a chef for the evening, gaining practical skills they can replicate at home. The step-by-step guidance demystifies traditional pasta-making, making it accessible even for beginners. The ability to take home the “Caturu” tool and the pasta recipes encourages continued engagement with the local culinary traditions.

This tour offers more than just a cooking class; it provides a cultural connection and a lasting memory of authentic Salento flavors and techniques.

Convenient Location with Easy Access

Starting at Piazzetta Arco di Trionfo, the tour is easily accessible and near public transportation options. The meeting point is conveniently located in Lecce itself, making it simple for visitors to join. The end point remains at the same location, simplifying logistics for participants.

The small group size, capped at 8 travelers, ensures an intimate setting, fostering interaction and personalized instruction without feeling crowded.

Flexible Cancellation and Weather Considerations

The experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind for spontaneous plans. It is weather-dependent, so if poor weather cancels the event, you will be offered a different date or a full refund, ensuring flexibility and reliability.

It’s advisable to book well in advance—about 50 days ahead on average—due to high demand and limited slots, especially during peak seasons.

The Warm Hospitality of Lisa and Fabio

Throughout the experience, Lisa and Fabio shine as warm, welcoming hosts with a genuine passion for sharing their culture. Multiple reviews praise their patience, storytelling, and friendliness, which enrich the learning process and create a friendly, relaxed environment.

Their expertise and enthusiasm turn a simple cooking class into a memorable cultural exchange, making participants feel like guests in a local home rather than just attendees of a tour.

Why This Tour Is a Must-Do in Lecce

This pasta and wine experience stands out for its balance of hands-on learning, regional flavors, and genuine hospitality. The authentic techniques taught by Lisa and Fabio, combined with the picturesque setting, deliver a well-rounded introduction to Salento’s culinary traditions.

Even for those who aren’t seasoned cooks, the class’s friendly approach ensures a fun, rewarding experience. It’s an excellent way to connect with local culture, learn new skills, and enjoy regional wines and homemade pasta in one warm, memorable evening.

Final Thoughts on the Lecce Pasta and Wine Class

For anyone interested in regional Italian cuisine, this tour offers an authentic, interactive, and delightful experience. The transportation included and small group format heighten comfort and intimacy. The guided storytelling and personalized attention make it more than just a cooking class — it’s a genuine culture.

However, the experience is best suited for those who appreciate hands-on activities and are eager to learn traditional techniques. Its approximate duration of 3.5 hours makes it a manageable yet enriching addition to a trip to Lecce.

If you seek an authentic taste of Salento, combined with delicious wine, warm company, and a skill you can replicate at home, this is a tour you won’t want to miss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes transportation to and from a villa outside Lecce.

What types of pasta will I learn to make?
You will make oreghette and macaroni wire using traditional techniques and tools.

Can I take the pasta and tools home?
Yes, the “Caturu” tool used for shaping macaroni wire is given as a gift, allowing you to recreate the experience at home.

What is the starting time and duration?
The experience begins at 6:15 PM and lasts approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While children are welcome, please note that alcoholic beverages are not served to guests under 18, and younger participants should be comfortable with hands-on activities.

How do I cancel if needed?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund.

What is the setting like?
The class takes place at a beautiful villa with a garden, offering a peaceful and cozy environment.

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Yes, the hosts guide participants step-by-step, making it accessible for all skill levels.

Are there any dietary accommodations?
The data does not specify dietary restrictions; it’s best to inquire directly with the provider if necessary.

How far in advance should I book?
The experience is typically booked about 50 days in advance, especially during peak seasons.

What do reviews say about the experience?
Reviews consistently praise the warm hospitality, authenticity, and fun nature of the class, with many calling it a highlight of their trip.