Best Wineries in Puglia for Touring and Tasting

Puglia, Italy, is known to be home to the best and finest wines in the world today. This is owing to the beautiful climate that Puglia is so much blessed to have. Some of the best wineries in Puglia include the following:

1. The Azienda Agricola Masciulli

2. Cantine di Marco

3. Sarolo

4. Tenuta Girolamo.

These wineries are not only famous for growing their delicious and tasty wines, but also for being award winners globally.

1. The Azienda Agricola Masciulli

The Azienda Agricola Masciulli was started by the Masciulli family in 1975. The family stuck to its long-standing tradition of growing grapes and processing wine for decades. The Azienda winery is located in the heart of Trulli in Puglia. The location of the vineyards allows the grapes to get to the required level of maturity owing to the great climatic conditions.

The company ensures that the wine produced is quality and owes much value in keeping and maintaining the traditions of the family in producing the finest wines. The company uses the best technology in processing the wine, right from the grape picking to the bottling of the delicious wine.

The Azienda Agricola winery was recognized for its quality wines and was awarded the IGP Puglia mark, the Prisciu award in 2012 at the National Sca Prammaggiore, where the company won a gold medal.

Some of the fines wines that Azienda Agricola is known for include the White, the Rose, the Red, the Primitivo and the Prisciu wines. The winery is open daily from 10 am – 4 pm on Monday to Friday for tasting on advance booking.

2. Cantine Di Marco.

The Cantine Di Marco in Puglia boasts of the production of legendary wines through history. Some of the famous wines include-

Terre di Puglia-Primitivo di Manduria.

This particular wine is the pride of Puglia owing to its unique historical taste. It is made of pure primitivo grapes grown on the vast vineyards that have been in existence for more than 30 years. The wine is famous in most parts of Europe due to its sweet, dry but soft taste. Originally, the wine when bottled is red in color, but when it stays for some time, it changes to dark orange. The wine gets an even better taste with age.

Terre di Puglia- Rosato Salento

This is yet another brand produced by the Cantine Di Marco wineries. The Rose wine gives a sensational yet unique taste, flowering, dry and with very low alcoholic content that makes it just perfect. Situated in the Valle d’Itria in Cantine Di Marco, the vineyards have produced the finest rose wine for close to 30 years.

Other fine wine brands produced in Cantine Di Marco include; Martina Franca, Locortondo, Primitivo del Salento, Primitivo di Manduria, Salice Salento, Salice Salento Riservia, Negroamaro, Aglianico del Vulture, Brio, Brio Rose,Malvanegra, Malvenagra Rosato, Chardonnay, Tarie, Arcadia and Cortigiano wines.

3. Sarolo Wines.

The Sarolo wines, also popularly known as the Sarolo Don Carlo, is situated in the Valle d’Itria. The Sarolo began as a family enterprise and is currently owned by Marco Emilio Santory. He represents the 5th generation of the Santory family. The valley d’Itria has very good soil and climate as well.

The winery is located in the heart of the Murgia Hills of Southern Puglia. This is between the Adriatic and the Ionian coasts. The warm temperatures that range from 25-30 degrees by day and around 8 degrees by night is optimum weather that enhances notably the quality of the Sarolo wines.

The family tradition in the production of quality wine is upheld to date. The qualified staff handpick only ripe grapes that are then processed into fine, natural wine brands that are loved throughout Europe and the world as well.

4. Tenuta Girolamo.

Tenuta Girolamo is located in the middle of Itria Valley in Puglia. The legendary winery is owned by the Girolamo family. The vineyard stretches across 50 hectares of land and on it grows the finest grapes in Puglia. The Tenuta Girolamo is known for brands of wine that includes –

· Conte Giangirolamo, which is made up of an equal combination of Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes. It has intense ruby red color and also violet hues. The wine has a touch of fruity flavors like cherry, blackberry, very inviting scents of vanilla and chocolate as well.

· Red Lace, also called the Pizzo Rosso is made with pure primitivo grapes and is ruby red wine. It has a sensational dry taste that is uniquely velvety, smooth and persistence almost all at once. It is simply amazing.

· Monte Tre Carlini, made of pure Negroamaro grapes. It comes in intense ruby red with traces of violet hues. Monte Carlini has a dry taste that is soft and will linger on your taste buds for a while.

· Codalunga, made of pure aglianco grapes and is also the red wine that comes in fruity flavors of blackberry, plum, almond, etc. This wine has a dry taste that is tannic and persistent on the tongue as well, gives a sensational feeling.

· Monte dei Cocci, comes in various brands that are unique in taste, ranging from the Aglianico, Cabernet Sauvignon, the Syrah, Verdeca and Chardonnay as well.

· La Voliera is a tasty brand that was developed from a long tradition of coming together.

The Tenuta Girolamo gained more popularity after winning the Berlin Wine Trophy. The Company also won the Decanter Asia Wine awards and the Mundus Vini. This made the winery gain more popularity not only among the locals, but also from around the globe owing to their tasty wines that will leave your taste buds in awe.

The Tenuta Girolamo is usually open for tasting every day from Monday to Friday, starting from 10 am to 4 pm. In order to visit the winery, reservations need to be made in advance due to the busy schedule of activities going on at the winery. During the weekends, visits are only allowed when booked in advance and should be a minimum of 6 guests. The most amazing bit is that one can make a request to also visit the vineyards at no additional fee

Best Restaurants in Ostuni Salento, Italy

Impasto Napoletano

The Impasto Napoletano Restaurant was founded in 2009 after the Salemme brothers decided to turn their shared love for Neapolitan cooking into a business idea. The Impasto Napoletano pizzeria is just a short five minute walk from The Old Town of Ostuni Salento. The restaurant is split into two sections, a beautifully positioned terrace with incredible views over Ostuni Salento and a smaller indoor room, which was designed by a local craftsman, that can hold up to 35 people. With the menu full of delicious handcrafted pizzas, you will be sure to experience the true taste of Naples. Impasto Napoletano prides itself on only using fresh, quality ingredients and every order is lovingly prepared and created in house. Choose from delicious options, with choices spanning from the classic Margherita pizza to a build your own’ style pizza so you can sample lots of the local ingredients that Impasto Napolentano has to offer. The restaurant also offers an array of pasta, seafood and meat dishes with the focus always on providing the best to their customers. The waiting staff are always on hand to ensure you have the best dining experience, with helpful suggestions and knowledge regarding the food and the surrounding area. With their love for classic Italian cooking, the family environment and the beautiful setting for Impasto Napoletano – you will be sure to have a traditional Italian experience and create exciting memories for everyone to remember.

Ristorante Porta Nova

If it’s a fine dining experience that you’re looking for, the Ristorante Porta Nova is a great option to tantalise your taste buds. With just a stone throw away from the Ostuni Marina, the Ristorante Porta Nuova stands high on top of a Aragonese tower, providing the perfect setting for panoramic views of the surrounding olive groves. Large glass windows ensure that wherever you may be seated, the diner will always receive a beautiful view. The setting provides a quiet and cosy feel which easily translates into a romantic atmosphere; this restaurant is perfect for special occasions or parties. The restaurant celebrates the beautiful tastes of all seafood, with fresh fish caught daily to ensure the use of best quality ingredients. The menu offers delicious culinary experiences, from freshly caught sautéed shrimp to creamy lobster risotto, you will be sure to find something that is right for you. You also have the chance to visit Ristorante Porta Novas cellar to discover over a hundred different wines to accompany your meal, which is an added bonus for any fine wine connoisseurs. Every delicious option that Ristorante Porta Novas has to offer is sure to amaze you by the sheer beauty of what is presented before you. The food is displayed in such a simple and elegant way, you will almost feel like you are eating a piece of art. The Risorante Porta Nuovas has received praise from Michelin who stated that a few points to notice were the excellent wine list and fresh ingredients used. The Ristorante Porta Nuova is a dining experience that will make you feel as if you were almost Italian royalty.

White Ostuni Tito Schipa

A restaurant named after the city of Ostuni itself, White Ostuni provides guests with a true taste of Italy. Many famous faces have visited and enjoyed this restaurant with the most notable being Italian tenor Tito Schipa, in the mid 1930s. The restaurant underwent a redesign in 2010 and carried on the legacy of the previous ownership, keeping Tito Schipa’s name as a focal point. This restaurant is split in three large rooms; the relax room, the bistro-restaurant room and the White Ostuni Tito Schipa. The Relax Room is perfect for guests to enjoy a deliciously crafted cocktail while reclining on comfortable sofas. Head over to the Bistro-Restaurant room to enjoy panoramic views of the winding streets of the historical town and the Sea near Ostuni. The White Ostuni Tito Schipa is the perfect mix of elegance and modernity and a great area for gatherings and events. The White Ostuni Tito Schipa always crafts fresh bread daily, with options including salty cornets and sweet pan cakes – a perfect accompaniment to any meal! The restaurant also prides itself on hand picking the best raw ingredients to include in all their dishes, focusing on the quality of every individual course. If you want to enjoy a coffee, the White Ostuni Tito Schipa carefully picks each blend to offer visitors an experience in the ways of traditional Apulian territory. Visit the White Ostuni Tito Schipa and be blown away by the rich history of the restaurant while enjoying a luxurious meal in spectacular scenery.

Osteria del tempo Perso

Nestled in the centre of Ostuni, in the wondrous Apulian resort known worldwide as The White City’ lies Osteria del tempo Perso, one of Ostuni’s most beloved, historic and renowned Italian restaurants, founded in 1983. Made up of two truly wonderful and unique environments, you can enjoy the authentic, delicious Puglia and Ostuni tastes of Italy. The restaurant is differentiated into two halls, both of which are found in the millennial rock of Ostuni. The first hall is a real cave, dating all the way back to the 15th century, adding character and charm to this amazing restaurant. The second hall is for a more quiet and private dining experience, that was once the barn supplying the old oven. The originality, tranquillity and contrast of these halls helped to develop a unique once in a lifetime experience. Hosting authentic and traditional pasta dishes such as Orecchiette and Laganari, tantalising appetizers like Parmigiana Aubergines and Tuscan and Martina Franca Salame, mouth watering desserts and over two hundred different wine labels hailing from Italy’s prestigious vineyards, Osteria del tempo Perso is truely one of the best restaurants in Italy.

Ristorante La Reggia

Located directly in the heart of Ostuni, you will find one of the best restaurants in all of Italy. In the middle of the historic centre of the region you will find Ristorante La Reggia, a stunning restaurant renowned for its pizza, pasta and seafood dishes. Not only this, the restaurant is converted from a medieval cave – sights which must be seen to be believed. With cave walls surrounding you, you can travel back through time whilst enjoying delicious, modern Italian cuisine. Accompanying its wonderful indoor scenery, it offers spacious and comfortable terrace seating areas outside where you can relax in the beautiful sunshine and enjoy fantastic food whilst watching the world go by. With dishes such as tagliatelle, an array of pizzas and fish dishes, antipasti, mixed salads and house wine to accompany them, it’s no wonder tourists and the locals flock to Ristorante La Reggia regularly. In a prime location offering authentic Italian character, exquisite and fresh ingredients and decor unlike any other restaurant, you will no longer be wondering where to eat on your visit to Ostuni. Instead, unquestionably you will be visiting Ristorante La Reggia, where you will be greeted by excellent service, fantastic prices and a dining experience like no other.

Puglia’s Best Secrets

Puglia is Italy’s gem when it comes to history, archaeology and culture. The southeastern region has for many years thrived as a tourism hub with so much to offer vacationers interested in taking a step back in time and experiencing old Italy in its most authentic form. Despite its popularity among tourists, Puglia’s unmatched wealth in history and culture is not what makes it one of Italy’s best kept secrets. Below is what most people don’t realize that Puglia has up its sleeves.

1. Porto Selvaggio

Porto Selvaggio is found in Puglia’s province of Lecce. The beach itself is found along the Salento Peninsula with breathtaking crystal clear waters. In addition to the geographical beauty, Porto Selvaggio has a lot to offer in terms of history. It is actually the only place on earth where an ancient Greek dialect known as Griko is still spoken.

What to see and do

· Sunbathing and swimming

It is nothing short of a crime to visit Porto Selvaggio and not pay the beach one or two hundred visits. It is the reason why it is on this list as one of Puglia’s best kept secrets. You could also decide to experience the water by taking a boat ride or going SCUBA diving.

· Sightseeing

Some points of interest in Porto include the walled seaport of Gallipoli, Villa Tafuro and Uluzzo Bay. If you have extra time and an untamed adventurous spirit, you should also plan a visit to the various archeological sites there including the cave of the horse and sierra Cicora.

· Watch the sunset at the beach

You will never find anything to match its breathtaking beauty.

2. Monopoli

Monopoli is in the heart of Puglia given its location in the region’s capital province of Bari. The town is right next to the Adriatic Sea. Like all other Puglia gems on this list, Monopoli is a triple threat with the sandy beaches, archaeological and historical as sights as well as culture to enjoy. Below are a few things that you should not leave Monopoli without having seen.

· The beaches

The beautiful waters of the Adriatic Sea meet the mainland forming beaches that you simply must see to appreciate. The aquamarine blue waters will leave you refreshed and ready to explore more of this amazing town.

· The ancient castles

The Castle of Charles V in particular is a must visit for people with a soft spot for history and fine architecture. The building was used as a prison until the mid-sixties when it was converted into a museum and art gallery which is where you will get the best cultural experience of Monopoli. The castle of S. Stephen is also worth a visit.

· The Jerusalem Hospital

This is probably the oldest hospital not only in Italy but in the whole world dating back to 1350. The architectural marvel is full of history and is one of those places you simply can’t leave Puglia without visiting.

3. City of Ostuni

The city of Ostuni is pretty much a white fortress and one of the fewest old towns in the world that has managed to preserve its medieval layout. From a distance, all you can see is white buildings. This is not a coincidence but has a historical etiology where people lime-washed the walls of their houses in an attempt to deflect the heat from their homes. Below is more that this charming little town has to offer:

· The Archbishop’s palace is Ostuni’s highest points and is an architectural marvel.

· Beautiful beaches along the Adriatic sea

· The Saint Oronzo festival every August to celebrate the town’s patron saint.

4. Grotte di Castellana

Grotte di Castellana is a series of amazing cave formations in Itria Valley, Puglia. They date back more than ninety million years and are among the most important of all of Puglia and Italy’s natural attractions. Taking a guided tour though the cave gives visitors the opportunity to experience not only nature at its best but also history and archaeology through the fossils and cave art you will get to see.

5. Da Mimi Trabucco

The Da Mimi Trabucco is a must-see if you want to add an educational aspect to you Puglia trip. The Trabucco itself is actually a unique fishing contraption that is nothing short of genius. You will get to see how it works and as many questions as you would wish to. It is a dining experience that you will not get anywhere else. In addition to the fishing scene, Da Mimi Trabucco is full of history with the Ottaviano family name popping up more than once in the fishing, culinary and construction aspects.