Authentic Southern Italy Food, Wine,  & Culture

Puglia is Italy’s “heel” and lies between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.  It is one of the most exciting and less explored regions for wine lovers looking for experiences off the beaten path. 

Its archaeologic wonders date to the Mycenaean Greeks followed by the Ancient Romans. French, Normans, Crusaders, Saracens, and Spanish Aragonese also influenced Puglia’s rich cultural heritage, wealthy gastronomic traditions and wines. This can be seen in the busy port towns, colorful fishing villages, and splendid Baroque cities like Lecce, also known as “Florence of the south”. Despite diverse cultural influences, Puglia has its own authentic identity. 

This 9-day experiential itinerary is designed for food and wine-lovers who want to explore the best of Puglia. 

From Central Puglia with the Murge limestone plateau and karst landscapes, explore the wines made from Nero di Troia,  Primitivo, Bombino Bianco and Bombino Nero. 

In Itria Valley, surrounded by the distinctive white stone conical dwellings called “Trulli”, the landscape is dotted by rolling hills and vineyards of Verdeca and Fiano. Visit the wine town of Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Visit the quaint village of Alberobello and taste an authentic delicacy in Cisternino. Explore the bustling and lively Mediterranean port town of Bari Vecchia, with its labyrinth of cobblestoned alleyways lined with food shops and see the locals as they sell their goods street side.

In the Salento Peninsula of Southern Puglia, discover mysterious and charming Galatina, birthplace of popular dances called Pizzica and Tarantola.   Delight in private winery tours and tastings in Puglia’s most important appellation of Primitivo di Manduria. Discover Salice Salentino wine appellation as one of the most popular and best known for wines produced from NegroAmaro grapes.

Enjoy life in an authentic Masseria and learn Apulian technique of making Orecchiette and how to make Burrata from a local artisan producer. Taste incredibly flavorful olive oils at an historic underground mill. 

Visit with out expert guide fascinating Sassi di Matera , UNESCO World Heritage Site in Basilicata . Matera is one of the oldest living cities in the world inhabited since the Neolithic era and with a rich history to share. 

Join me to experience Food, Wine, & the Culture of Puglia & Basilicata!