Lecce: Orecchiette Cooking Class & Puglia Wine Tasting

Summary

Shape orecchiette in Lecce’s heart with local wine & laughter

You’ll shape orecchiette pasta by hand in Lecce’s old town, guided by locals who make you feel right at home. Taste classic Puglia wines with expert tips on pairings, snack on cheese and taralli, and share laughs over your own homemade meal. Expect warmth, real flavors, and that feeling you get when travel turns into connection.

What’s the experience like?

By the time we’d rolled our second batch of orecchiette, my hands were dusted with flour and the kitchen was full of that warm, soft buzz you only get when strangers start to feel like friends. Our guide — I think her name was Marta? — showed us how to press and twist the dough just so, making these little ear-shaped pasta pieces. She made it look easy; mine looked more like tiny hats. The window was open to the Baroque rooftops of Lecce’s old town, and every now and then you’d hear a Vespa rattle by below or someone calling out in dialect. It felt like we were part of the city for a minute.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much during a cooking class. At one point, Marta poured us each a glass of Primitivo (that’s one of those bold Puglia reds) and passed around plates of cheese and taralli. There was this salty-sweet smell from the kitchen — maybe the sauce simmering? — that made me even hungrier. We tried pairing different wines with bites of our pasta (mine still lopsided but tasty), and she explained why certain grapes grow better here because of the sun and sea air. I’ll admit I forgot half the details but I remember her hands moving as she talked, always expressive.

Honestly, I keep thinking about that moment when everyone went quiet for a second after tasting their first homemade orecchiette. Just chewing, smiling at each other across the table — maybe proud or just happy to be there. There was dessert too (I think almond something?), but by then I’d stopped keeping track. If you’re looking for a cooking class in Lecce that feels more like hanging out than a lesson, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Orecchiette pasta and wine tasting

• Meet locals in Lecce old town
• Learn to make orecchiette pasta
• Enjoy guided wine tasting
• Taste local cheese, taralli, and dessert

Top questions

Is this orecchiette cooking class in Lecce wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the class is wheelchair accessible.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available during the cooking class?

Yes, vegetarian and vegan tasting options are available.

Does this experience include wine tasting?

Yes, it includes guided wine tastings featuring famous Puglia wines.

Where does the cooking class take place in Lecce?

The class is held in a pasta and wine bistrot in Lecce’s old town.

Are infants or small children allowed at this cooking class?

Infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are welcome.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to the class?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the location.

What foods are included besides orecchiette?

You’ll also taste local cheese, taralli snacks, and dessert.

Is bottled water provided during the experience?

Bottled water is included with your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes an orecchiette pasta cooking class in central Lecce with all ingredients provided, guided wine tastings led by local experts featuring top Puglia varieties, plus bottled water and generous tastings of local cheese, taralli snacks, your own handmade pasta dish, and dessert before heading out into the city again.