Lecce: Traditional Pasta Cooking Class with Wine

Key Points

• Affordable and authentic: This 3-hour hands-on cooking class in Martano offers a genuine taste of Salento’s culinary traditions.
• Learn from Nonna Concettina: The class features step-by-step guidance from a knowledgeable host, sharing treasured family recipes.
• Make three classic pasta types: Orecchiette, maccheroni, and sagne are prepared using traditional techniques.
• Enjoy homemade meal and local wine: The class concludes with a communal lunch in a beautiful garden, complemented by a glass of regional wine.
• Accessible for most: Note that mobility, gluten, and allergy considerations limit participation.
• Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; reserve now & pay later for added flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Lecce: Traditional Pasta Cooking Class with Wine in the Heart of Apulia

This 3-hour hands-on experience takes place at a historic Masserie near Lecce, in the peaceful countryside of Martano. For a modest price, with guidance in both English and Italian, visitors learn to craft three types of traditional pasta—orecchiette, maccheroni, and sagne—using family recipes passed down through generations. The class culminates in a shared meal, enjoyed in a charming garden setting, where a glass of local wine enhances the flavors.

A standout feature is the warm atmosphere fostered by the hosts, including Nonna Concettina, whose expert instruction makes the process accessible and enjoyable. The experience offers genuine insights into Salento’s culinary culture, making it ideal for those interested in authentic southern Italian food and local traditions.

From the Countryside of Martano to Your Plate

This countryside Masseria in Martano serves as the perfect backdrop for learning traditional pasta-making. Participants arrive at the designated meeting point, where a friendly staff member welcomes them. The setting combines rustic charm with the opportunity for an immersive, hands-on cooking session that unveils recipes treasured by local families.

The location’s peaceful environment offers a relaxing escape from busy city life, allowing guests to focus on the art of pasta and meatball preparation, sharing stories, and enjoying the tranquil beauty of rural Apulia.

Making Meatballs with a Family Touch

The class begins with preparing meatballs in rich tomato sauce, using freshly made passata and a special family recipe from Nonna Concettina. Participants knead, shape, and cook meatballs that are flavorful and tender, experiencing the authentic taste that defines Salento comfort food.

This part of the class highlights the importance of simple ingredients and love in southern Italian cooking. The process is described as approachable, with patience and care guiding every step, making it a satisfying experience for novice and experienced cooks alike.

Crafting Orecchiette, Maccheroni, and Sagne ‘Ncannulate

The core of the class involves kneading and shaping three classic pasta types. Nonna Concettina teaches techniques specific to each pasta, such as hand-pressing orecchiette, creating maccheroni with traditional tools, and shaping sagne ‘ncannulate with care.

Participants discover that making pasta from scratch is both an art and a tradition, with each step revealing stories of generations of families. The guided instruction emphasizes technique and cultural significance, making the process both educational and meaningful.

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Sipping Local Wine and Sharing Stories

During the cooking, a glass of regional wine is offered, allowing everyone to relax and connect over their culinary creations. The guides encourage sharing stories about life in Salento, the ingredients, and local seasons, creating a warm, conversational atmosphere.

This social aspect transforms the cooking class into a genuine cultural exchange, where food, drink, and storytelling intertwine seamlessly. It’s a perfect way to deepen appreciation for Apulia’s regional flavors and hospitality.

Enjoying the Homemade Meal in a Garden Setting

Once all dishes are prepared, the group gathers at a long table in the garden to enjoy the fruits of their labor. The homemade pasta and meatballs are served in rich tomato sauce, showcasing the simplicity and heart of Salento cuisine.

Laughter, conversation, and the shared appreciation for regional flavors mark this meal as a memorable part of the experience. The garden setting adds to the charm, providing a serene space to savor the authentic, flavorful dishes.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Duration, and Accessibility

Participants meet at the designated Massaria in Martano, with coordinates 40.189998626708984, 18.30681800842285. The class lasts approximately 3 hours, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience features guides who speak both English and Italian, making communication straightforward.

Please note that the location’s rural setting means transportation is required to reach the Masseria. The activity is hands-on, involving making pasta and meatballs from scratch—meaning participants should wear comfortable clothes and bring a camera to capture the process.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This class is best suited for food lovers interested in authentic Salento cuisine and eager to learn traditional pasta-making techniques. It offers an intimate, family-led atmosphere that emphasizes local recipes and storytelling. Limited mobility, gluten allergies, or food allergies make participation more challenging, so those with specific dietary restrictions should consider this.

The experience is ideal for couples, small groups, or solo travelers looking for a genuine, cultural culinary activity in a peaceful countryside setting.

Authentic Salento Cuisine in an Intimate Setting

This pasta and meatball-making class offers a chance to connect with Salento’s culinary roots in an authentic, welcoming environment. The guides’ expertise, family recipes, and picturesque garden combine for a memorable experience that goes beyond just cooking.

While the location and physical activity may limit some travelers, those who appreciate home-cooked flavors and local stories will find this tour particularly rewarding. The inclusion of local wine and the opportunity to share a meal in a garden adds to its charm, making it a standout cultural activity near Lecce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided to the Masseria?
Transportation is not included; participants need to arrange their own travel to the Masseria in Martano.

Can I cancel this experience?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I wear?
Participants should wear comfortable clothes suitable for hands-on cooking.

Are there any dietary restrictions?
The experience is not suitable for those with food allergies or gluten intolerance.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak both English and Italian.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the cooking instruction, ingredients, a glass of local wine, and the homemade meal at the end.

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