Apulian Cooking Class with Aperitif and Wine in Polignano a Mare

Imagine spending a couple of hours in the kitchen of a charming local home, learning how to craft the iconic orecchiette and cavatelli pasta from a seasoned Puglian expert. That’s exactly what this Apulian Cooking Class offers. Held in Polignano a Mare, this experience combines hands-on pasta-making with a delicious tasting of regional products and wines — all guided by passionate locals who love sharing their culinary traditions.

What makes this class stand out is the genuine authenticity. You’re not just following a recipe in a sterile kitchen; you’re learning from someone who holds the secrets of these ancient pasta shapes and traditional flavors. Plus, the small group size (max of 8 people) ensures a personal, relaxed environment where questions are encouraged, and everyone gets involved.

One thing to keep in mind is that finding the location may require some effort, as reviewers mention the address is in a shop rather than a typical home, and parking can be tricky in Polignano a Mare. That said, the effort is well worth it for an experience that many describe as warm, fun, and deeply educational. If you’re a food lover eager for an authentic taste of Puglia, this class is an ideal choice.

Key Points

• Authentic experience with a local guide sharing traditional pasta recipes
• Hands-on learning making orecchiette and cavatelli from scratch
• Tasting of regional products including taralli, preserved vegetables, seasonal specialties, and local wines
• Small group setting for personalized attention and interaction
• Rich stories and cultural insights shared alongside cooking instruction
• Ideal for foodies and those curious about Italian culinary traditions

The appeal of this experience is clear: you get to learn a regional craft from someone who knows it best. The guide, Anna Maria — who, based on reviews, is warm, welcoming, and skilled — makes the entire process feel like cooking with family. She’s fluent in English, which makes it easy for international visitors to follow along and ask questions.

The class is approximately 2 hours long, a perfect duration that allows enough time to get your hands dirty, learn some cultural stories, and taste the fruits of your labor. The price of around $77 per person is quite reasonable when you consider the value of the experience — the chance to go home with new skills, recipes, and a memorable story, plus a tasting of regional specialties and wine.

Participants rave about the friendly atmosphere. Reviewers mention that the setting feels cozy and homey, which adds to the sense of authenticity. One guest compared it to cooking with Nonna, emphasizing the personal touch and genuine warmth Anna Maria brings to the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This experience covers everything needed to cook your pasta: professional chef guidance, kitchen utensils, and local tastings. You’ll be treated to a brunch or dinner featuring your freshly made orecchiette paired with Apulian products like taralli, seasonal vegetables, and regional wines — a true feast for the senses.

The activity does not include private transportation, so plan accordingly if you’re relying on public transport or taxis. Reviewers recommend arriving early due to parking challenges, especially in a busy seaside town.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Actually Do

Your journey begins at Via Porto, 3, in Polignano a Mare, where you’ll meet your host. From there, the experience centers around making pasta by hand. Expect to learn about the history and tradition behind orecchiette and cavatelli, shaping the dough with your own hands — a satisfying and often humorous process, especially if you’re new to pasta-making.

Anna Maria’s approach is very informal and engaging, making the class suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers. One reviewer even mentions that the class was adjusted to involve a 5-year-old, highlighting the accessible, inclusive nature of the experience.

After the pasta is shaped, it’s cooked and served alongside regional sauces and accompaniments, with plenty of time to chat, ask questions, and enjoy the local wine selection. Many guests describe the tasting as delicious and the atmosphere as warm and friendly.

Authenticity and Cultural Insights

Beyond the cooking, this class offers a glimpse into Puglia’s culinary culture. Guests have appreciated hearing stories about local ingredients, regional history, and family traditions. For example, one reviewer shared that the instructor provided stories and humor that made the experience both educational and entertaining.

The regional specialties on offer — including taralli, seasonal vegetables, and Leccino olives — serve as edible souvenirs, giving you a taste of Puglia’s vibrant food scene.

The Value for Money

At $77, the experience is quite competitive, especially considering the small group size, personalized attention, and inclusion of local wines and tastings. Many reviewers mention leaving with new skills and recipes, which can be easily recreated at home, making it an excellent value for those wanting to deepen their culinary knowledge.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Arrive early to navigate parking and find the meeting point easily. Reviewers mention the location is inside a shop, which might be less obvious than a traditional restaurant or studio.
• Inform the host of any allergies or intolerances at booking — some reviewers appreciated this attention to detail.
• Wear comfortable clothing — pasta making involves getting your hands floury, and the space might be cozy.
• Bring a notebook or your phone to capture notes and pictures — many guests enjoyed documenting their process.
• Book in advance — this class has become popular, with over 20 bookings just last week and glowing reviews.

This cooking class is perfect for food lovers eager to learn authentic regional techniques, families with children, or anyone interested in cultural storytelling through cuisine. It offers a relaxed, intimate environment with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and socialize.

Travelers seeking a fun, hands-on activity that combines learning, tasting, and cultural connection will find this experience very rewarding. If you’re after a professional, yet warm and personable guide who can make you feel like part of the family, this class ticks all those boxes.

This Apulian Pasta-Making Experience in Polignano a Mare offers more than just a cooking lesson; it’s a chance to connect with local traditions, share a meal, and gather authentic recipes to take home. The small group size, delicious tastings, and knowledgeable guide make it a fantastic value for anyone who loves food and culture in equal measure.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a complete beginner, you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Puglia’s culinary heritage. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere ensures you’ll feel like part of the family, making this not just a cooking class but a genuine cultural encounter.

Is this cooking class suitable for families with children?
Yes, reviewers mention that the class can be adjusted to involve children, and the informal, friendly atmosphere makes it accessible for all ages.

How long does the experience last?
The class is approximately 2 hours, enough time to make pasta, learn about regional ingredients, and enjoy a tasting.

What is included in the price?
You get guidance from a professional chef, kitchen utensils, a tasting of local products, and a brunch or dinner with pasta and regional specialties. Soda or soft drinks are also provided.

Are transportation details provided?
No, private transportation is not included. Guests are advised to arrive early due to parking challenges, as the location is inside a shop rather than a traditional venue.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for getting a bit floury — the environment is cozy, and guests often get involved directly in the cooking.

Can I accommodate food allergies?
Yes, it’s best to inform the organizers at booking so they can make arrangements if needed.

Is the location easy to find?
Some reviews mention it can be tricky to locate, as it’s inside a shop and not a typical cooking school or restaurant, so using GPS and arriving early is recommended.

Do I receive recipes after the class?
While not explicitly stated, many guests leave with new skills and recipes they can try at home, making it a worthwhile investment.

This cooking experience in Polignano a Mare is a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of Puglia’s cuisine while enjoying a warm, convivial atmosphere. Perfect for foodies, families, and curious travelers alike — it’s an unforgettable taste of Italy you won’t want to miss.