Orecchiette Cooking Class and Wine Tasting in Lecce

Lecce, a captivating city in Italy’s Puglia region, invites visitors to enjoy its rich culinary heritage. Here, travelers can embark on a journey to master the art of traditional orecchiette pasta making under the guidance of local experts. This hands-on experience not only allows participants to knead, roll, and shape the iconic ear-shaped pasta but also offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s renowned baroque architecture as the backdrop. As the pasta takes shape, guests can indulge in a curated selection of regional wines and delicacies, savoring the authentic flavors that have defined Lecce’s gastronomy for generations. This experience promises to be a true…

Key Points

• Hands-on instruction on traditional orecchiette pasta making from a local expert in the heart of Lecce’s historic baroque architecture.
• Guided tasting of regional wines paired with authentic Lecce delicacies, including cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked focaccia.
• Accessible experience catering to diverse needs, including wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
• Flexible cancellation policy allowing for full refunds up to 24 hours in advance.
• Immersive cultural experience combining the culinary heritage of Lecce with the city’s renowned baroque architectural backdrop.

Experience Authentic Lecce Cuisine

Enjoy the captivating culinary heritage of Lecce through this hands-on cooking class and wine tasting experience.

You’ll learn to prepare the region’s iconic orecchiette pasta, a delightful ear-shaped variety made with just flour and water. Under the guidance of a local expert, you’ll knead, roll, and shape this traditional specialty, then enjoy it paired with a curated selection of regional wines and delicacies.

From rich cheeses and cured meats to freshly baked focaccia, you’ll savor the authentic flavors that have defined Lecce’s gastronomy for generations. This intimate small-group experience offers the perfect opportunity to learn about the city’s vibrant food culture.

Hands-on Pasta Making Instruction

You’ll knead, roll, and shape the traditional orecchiette pasta under the expert guidance of a local instructor. This hands-on tutorial will teach you the secrets to crafting the iconic ear-shaped variety native to the Puglia region.

You’ll learn proper techniques for working the dough, shaping the pasta, and achieving the perfect texture and bite. The instructor will provide personalized tips and feedback to ensure you master this traditional skill.

Renowned Baroque Architecture Backdrop

The class takes place in the heart of Lecce’s historic center, surrounded by the city’s renowned baroque architecture. This scenic setting provides a captivating backdrop as participants learn the art of traditional pasta making.

Lecce’s historic center is famous for its ornate cathedrals, palaces, and piazzas, all adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. This baroque style, unique to the Puglia region, creates a visually stunning environment for the cooking class.

As students roll, shape, and cook the local orecchiette pasta, they’ll be immersed in the timeless beauty of Lecce’s architectural treasures. The class offers an authentic experience that combines the region’s culinary traditions with its rich cultural heritage.

Guided Wine and Food Tasting

After crafting the fresh orecchiette pasta, participants can relax and enjoy a guided wine and food tasting.

They’ll sample four local wines paired with a selection of regional specialties, including artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked focaccia.

The expert sommelier will provide insights into the unique flavors and terroir of the Puglia region, helping participants develop a deeper appreciation for the area’s culinary traditions.

This portion of the experience allows guests to savor the flavors of Lecce and the Salento peninsula, complementing the hands-on pasta-making lesson.

The small-group setting encourages an informal, convivial atmosphere, perfect for connecting with fellow travelers over the shared love of fine Italian food and wine.

Relaxed Small-Group Atmosphere

With the pasta-making completed, participants can look forward to a relaxed small-group atmosphere for the wine and food tasting. The intimate setting encourages friendly exchanges as the sommelier guides the group through the flavors and terroir of Puglia’s renowned wines.

Wine	Pairing
Salice Salentino	Pecorino cheese, prosciutto
Primitivo di Manduria	Focaccia, sundried tomatoes
Negroamaro	Burrata, roasted peppers
Moscato di Noto	Almond biscuits, fresh fruit

The cozy ambiance and personalized attention create an opportunity to learn, savor, and connect with the local food and wine culture in a stress-free setting. This intimate experience provides a perfect complement to the hands-on pasta making, leaving participants with a well-rounded appreciation for the flavors of Lecce.

Wheelchair and Stroller Accessible

For the convenience of all guests, this cooking and wine tasting experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Ample space is provided throughout the central Lecce location to accommodate mobility needs, ensuring a seamless and inclusive experience.

The private transportation included in the package makes getting to and from the venue hassle-free, while the nearby public transportation options offer additional accessibility. Service animals are also welcome, so no one has to miss out on this delightful exploration of Lecce’s culinary heritage.

With thoughtful planning and attention to detail, the organizers have crafted an experience that caters to the diverse needs of travelers, making it an inclusive and welcoming opportunity to savor the flavors of this beautiful Italian city.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

The cooking class and wine tasting experience caters to vegetarian and vegan guests, offering alternative tasting options that showcase the rich flavors of Puglia’s regional cuisine. Participants can enjoy the hands-on pasta-making instruction and guided wine pairings without compromising their dietary preferences, allowing them to fully enjoy the authentic culinary traditions of Lecce.

Vegetarian Dishes	Vegan Dishes	Beverage Pairings
Focaccia with Seasonal Vegetables	Roasted Vegetable Antipasti	Organic Red Wine
Regional Cheeses and Olives	Orecchiette Pasta with Tomato Sauce	Bianco di Puglia White Wine
Traditional Salumi Plate (Minus Meat)	Almond-Based Dolce	Sparkling Rosé

The vegetarian and vegan tasting options ensure that all participants can savor the flavors of Lecce’s renowned culinary heritage, catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences.

Flexible Cancellation Policy

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, ensuring flexibility in planning their Lecce experience.

Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time won’t be eligible for a refund. Plus, any changes requested within 24 hours of the class aren’t accepted. This policy is based on the local time in Lecce.

If the minimum number of travelers required for the class isn’t met, the organizers will offer an alternative date or experience.

The cancellation policy is designed to accommodate unforeseen circumstances while maintaining the viability of the cooking class and wine tasting event.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many People Are Required for a Single Booking?

The minimum required number of people for a single booking is 2. This is stated in the details section, which notes that a "Minimum of 2 people per booking required" for this experience.

Is the Cooking Class Suitable for Children?

The cooking class appears suitable for children, as it doesn’t mention any age restrictions. However, the minimum booking requirement of 2 people suggests the experience may be more geared towards adults. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, which could accommodate children’s dietary needs.

Can the Class Accommodate Dietary Restrictions Other Than Vegetarian/Vegan?

The cooking class can accommodate dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian and vegan options. Guests should notify the organizers of any specific dietary needs when booking, so they can make appropriate arrangements for a personalized tasting experience.

Are Participants Required to Bring Their Own Equipment?

No, participants don’t need to bring their own equipment. The cooking class provides all the necessary tools and ingredients for making the orecchiette pasta. Participants will receive hands-on instruction and guidance throughout the pasta-making process.

Is Transportation From/To the Venue Included in the Package?

Yes, private transportation from and to the venue is included in the package. The experience includes pickup and drop-off at the designated meeting point, the La Strada Del Vino Wine Bistrot.

Recap

Enjoy the captivating culinary heritage of Lecce with this hands-on orecchiette pasta-making class.

Knead, roll, and shape the iconic ear-shaped pasta while surrounded by the city’s renowned baroque architecture.

Complement your handcrafted orecchiette with a curated selection of regional wines and delicacies, savoring the authentic flavors that have defined Lecce’s gastronomy for generations.

This experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the culinary traditions and rich cultural heritage of this enchanting Italian destination.