HERBS LAB – from plant to glass

The HERBS LAB – from plant to glass tour offers a unique chance to explore the natural bounty of Puglia’s Salento countryside. For $106.72 per person, participants spend roughly 3 hours delving into the world of wild foraging and herbal mixology, guided by the passionate duo, Elia and Betty. The tour begins at Largo Castello in Lequile, a small town near Lecce, where the hosts’ love for local herbs and sustainable practices shines through every activity. This experience is especially suited for those interested in nature, traditional crafts, and craft cocktails, with an emphasis on learning through tasting and making.

While the tour is immersive and hands-on, it’s important to note that it is designed for most travelers, with service animals allowed and private groups only. The experience’s strength lies in the personal attention from Elia and Betty, who have earned a solid 5-star rating based on 18 reviews. Expect to spend time outdoors exploring herbal finds, then in a cozy setting tasting and creating your own wild-infused spirits and cocktails.

Key Points

• Authentic countryside experience in Lequile, Puglia, focusing on wild foraging and herbal mixology
• Guided by passionate hosts, Elia and Betty, known for their warmth and expertise
• Includes tasting of wild liqueurs and hands-on cocktail preparation
• The tour lasts about 3 hours, starting at 10:00am with a private, small-group format
• Cost is $106.72 per person, with a focus on sustainable, local ingredients
• Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance

Discovering Puglia’s Spontaneous Plants in Lequile

The tour starts at Largo Castello, where Elia and Betty welcome guests into their countryside home. Their passion for Salento’s native herbs informs every part of the experience. The guides lead a walk through the countryside, pointing out spontaneous plants used for creating infusions, syrups, liqueurs, and bitters. Visitors learn about traditional uses of these herbs, gaining insight into how nature’s offerings have sustained local communities for generations. The walk provides ample opportunity for wild foraging, with participants encouraged to pick their own herbs, experiencing the flora of Puglia firsthand.

The guides’ storytelling weaves stories, anecdotes, and ancient herbal practices, making the walk both educational and engaging. This part of the experience demonstrates how plants can be harvested responsibly and dried for later use, emphasizing sustainability. The combination of nature exploration and practical knowledge makes this walk a highlight for lovers of botany and local traditions.

Making Magic with Wild Infusions and Syrups

After exploring the countryside, guests gather in a specially chosen location—a cozy space filled with the aroma of herbs and spirits. Here, Elia and Betty guide participants through the process of transforming wild plants into infusions, flavored syrups, and liqueurs. They explain the alchemy behind creating these liquid ingredients, emphasizing local herbs and sustainable harvesting.

Visitors get to taste different wild liqueurs, which showcase the flavors of Puglia’s natural landscape. The hosts’ expertise shines as they describe the traditional and modern applications of these ingredients. This segment highlights the versatility of herbs in mixology, illustrating how they can be enjoyed alone or in cocktails. The tasting experience offers a sensory journey, connecting aromas, flavors, and textures with local natural resources.

DIY Wild Cocktails Under the Guidance of Elia

A major feature of the tour is the opportunity for participants to prepare their own “wild cocktail”. Under Elia’s guidance, guests learn the art of mixology using herbs and infusions they have helped create. This hands-on activity encourages creativity and confidence in using nature’s ingredients in beverage crafting.

The cocktail workshop is designed to be fun yet educational, ensuring everyone leaves with a sense of achievement and a new appreciation for wild herbs. Guests taste their creations, often accompanied by stories from Elia and Betty about the history and traditional uses of the ingredients. This part of the experience emphasizes personal skill-building within a supportive environment, making it ideal for culinary enthusiasts or nature lovers.

The Unique Setting in the Puglia Countryside

The tour’s home base in Lequile offers a genuinely authentic experience. The countryside location provides stunning views and a peaceful ambiance that enhances the sense of connection with nature. The outdoor walk, combined with indoor tasting and mixing, ensures a balanced pace that feels relaxed yet richly informative.

Participants get to see and smell the herbs in their natural environment, which complements the sensory-based learning. The setting also underscores sustainability and local traditions, reinforcing the importance of environmental respect and seasonal harvesting.

Elia and Betty: Passionate and Knowledgeable Hosts

The guides, Elia and Betty, are consistently praised for their warmth, friendliness, and expertise. Their passion for herbs and local culture translates into engaging storytelling and interactive demonstrations. Many reviews highlight how Elia’s humor and Betty’s hospitality create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Their deep knowledge of herbal uses and mixology techniques makes the experience both educational and inspiring. The hosts foster a personal connection that keeps participants attentive and eager to learn more, often ending the tour with friendly exchanges and recommendations for local products.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Timing, and Group Size

The tour begins at 10:00am at Largo Castello in Lequile, ensuring a morning activity that fits well into a day exploring Puglia. The activity is private, meaning only your group participates, allowing for personalized attention from Elia and Betty. The 3-hour duration keeps the experience compact but comprehensive, covering foraging, tasting, and cocktail making.

Mobile tickets simplify the booking process, and free cancellation up to 24 hours provides flexibility in case of weather changes or schedule conflicts. The activity is suitable for most travelers, with service animals allowed.

Why This Experience Stands Out in Puglia

This Herbs Lab tour distinguishes itself through its hands-on approach to herbal foraging and mixology, set in the picturesque countryside of Salento. The personalized guidance from Elia and Betty transforms a simple herbal walk into a culinary adventure that emphasizes local, sustainable ingredients.

The combination of nature exploration, tasting, and cocktail creation offers a multi-sensory experience that appeals to foodies, nature lovers, and curious travelers alike. The positive reviews consistently praise the authenticity, warmth, and expertise of the hosts, making this tour a highly recommended activity for those wanting to connect with Puglia’s natural flavors.

HERBS LAB – from plant to glass: An Authentic Puglia Herbal Journey

In just 3 hours, Elia and Betty guide you through a personalized journey that links wild foraging, local herbal traditions, and craft cocktail making. The small-group format ensures a warm, engaging atmosphere where everyone can participate actively.

The experience’s focus on sustainability, local ingredients, and cultural storytelling make it more than just a tasting—it’s a gateway to understanding Puglia’s natural heritage. The expertise and friendliness of the guides contribute significantly to the tour’s positive reputation, supported by perfect 5-star reviews.

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an interactive, authentic experience in Salento, with plenty of opportunities to learn, taste, and create.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the HERBS LAB tour last?
The experience takes approximately 3 hours, starting at 10:00am.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. It’s an outdoor activity with some walking, so suitable for those comfortable with light outdoor activity.

What is included in the price?
The cost of $106.72 per person covers the countryside walk, herbal tastings, infusion and liqueur samples, and cocktail-making activity.

Where does the tour meet?
At Largo Castello in Lequile, near Lecce, where Elia and Betty welcome guests.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Is this experience environmentally sustainable?
Yes, the tour emphasizes responsible harvesting and the use of local, wild herbs, promoting sustainable practices.

This Herbs Lab experience offers a hands-on connection to Puglia’s natural herbs, with warm guidance from hosts known for their passion and knowledge. It suits those eager to learn, taste, and create in a beautiful countryside setting—an authentic, memorable way to enjoy a different side of Salento.