Lecce Old Town: Wine & Food Tasting in Baroque Alley

Summary

Quiet wine tasting in Lecce old town with local bites and stories

You’ll slip into a quiet corner of Lecce old town for an intimate wine & food tasting led by a local expert. Sip four regional wines paired with cheeses, focaccia, and more — vegetarian or vegan options if you want them. Expect laughter around the table and stories behind every glass, all just steps from Santa Croce’s Baroque beauty.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the hush — just this gentle echo off the Baroque stone as we ducked into La Strada del Vino. The street outside was all golden light and slow footsteps, but inside it smelled like old wood and something floral I couldn’t quite place. Our guide, Paolo, waved us over with a grin that made it feel less like a tour and more like someone’s living room. He started pouring before we even sat down properly — apparently that’s just how things go here.

I’d never tried Puglia wines before (except maybe once at a wedding?), so when Paolo set out four glasses, he looked at me like he already knew I’d be surprised. “This one is from Salento,” he said, swirling the first pour — I tried to mimic him but mostly just splashed it on my hand. We tasted everything slowly, with little plates of cheese and focaccia showing up between sips. The bread was still warm, which made me wonder if someone’s nonna was hiding in the back kitchen. I asked about the basilico on the bruschetta; Paolo shrugged and said his friend grows it nearby. That felt right for Lecce.

There were only six of us at the table — two couples from Milan, an older guy who kept taking notes, and me tagging along with my partner. It got quiet after the second glass, not awkward but thoughtful, like everyone was trying to figure out what made these wines taste different from what we’d had up north or back home. At one point someone asked if there were vegan options (there are), and Paolo just nodded and brought out a plate without fuss.

I still think about that alley view through the window — all pale stone and tangled vines overhead, while inside we were laughing about how none of us could pronounce “Negroamaro” correctly (Paolo didn’t mind). We left feeling full but not heavy, walking back past Santa Croce with that sort of slow contentment you only get after good wine and easy company. If you’re looking for loud crowds or big tours…this isn’t it. But honestly? That’s why I’d do this day trip in Lecce again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine tasting and local food pairing

• Arrive at La Strada del Vino Bistrot
• Enjoy view over Baroque alley
• Learn about Puglia wine culture
• Taste 4 different wines
• Sample local cheeses, salami, focaccia, bruschetta

Top questions

Where does the wine tasting take place in Lecce?

The tasting is held at La Strada del Vino Wine Bistrot in Lecce old town.

How many wines do you taste during this experience?

You’ll taste four different Puglia wines during the session.

Is food included with the wine tasting?

Yes, local specialties like cheeses, salami, focaccia, and bruschetta are included.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan tasting options are available on request.

Is this wine & food tour suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome; infants can use prams or strollers.

Is the location wheelchair accessible?

Yes, La Strada del Vino Wine Bistrot is wheelchair accessible.

Does this experience include a guide?

A local wine expert guides you through each tasting.

How close is it to Santa Croce Basilica?

The wine bar is very close to Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce old town.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided wine tasting of four Puglia wines paired with local specialties like cheese, salami, focaccia or bruschetta (with vegetarian or vegan options), bottled water throughout the session, plus plenty of stories from your local wine guide—all set in an atmospheric bar near Santa Croce in Lecce old town.