15th-Century Courtyard Wine Tasting

15th-Century Courtyard Wine Tasting, 1.5 hours, rated 4.6 across 25 traveller reviews.

Overview

This tasting runs in a 15th-century courtyard that was once a monastery, set in the middle of Lecce's old town. The setting is a building from the 1400s in the heart of the historic centre, with wine poured inside it. The session lasts an hour and a half and is led by a young host from the wine trade, who explains the history and production behind each glass.

Four wines are poured in total: a Negroamaro and a Primitivo, both native Apulian reds, followed by a white and a rosé. Alongside them come taralli and friselle, the typical Apulian products named in the listing, plus water. Travellers have called the snacks tasty and traditional.

The tasting suits travellers who want an introduction to Puglia's wine culture without leaving the city. Sessions are held in Italian, English and French, which reviewers from several countries mention as a plus. One reviewer described a multinational group that still enjoyed the wine together.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet on Via Ascanio GrandiThe meeting point is Via Ascanio Grandi 58 in Lecce. One reviewer noted the entrance can be slightly confusing, with the tasting held next to and behind the stated address.
2. Courtyard wine tastingA 1.5-hour tasting in the 15th-century courtyard, formerly a monastery. Four wines are poured with taralli, friselle and water.
3. End at the meeting pointThe experience finishes back at Via Ascanio Grandi 58, in the heart of the historic old town.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travellers have said afterwards.

• Finding the entrance. The address is Via Ascanio Grandi 58, but one reviewer found the actual entrance unclear and located next to and behind the number given. Allow a few extra minutes and check the directions on the booking page before setting out.
• Pace and format. The tasting lasts an hour and a half and takes place in a single location. Several travellers described it as relaxed and personal, and one pair found they had the host almost to themselves.
• Language. Sessions are offered in Italian, English and French. Reviewers writing in French and English both confirmed the explanations were clear in their language.
• Food alongside the wine. Taralli and friselle come with the four glasses, plus water. Travellers called the snacks tasty and traditional.
• What you learn. The host talks through the history and making of each wine, as the listing describes. Reviewers mention friendly, knowledgeable hosts who answered questions.
• Group feel. Group size appears to vary, from a multinational gathering to a two-person session. Either way, reviewers described hosts who were friendly, engaging and happy to answer questions.

Common issues. Two reviewers reported problems with the meeting arrangements. One said the address was unclear and the tasting was actually held next to and behind the number given. Note also that pickup is not included, so travellers make their own way to the old town address.

Common Questions