Puglia

Puglia: A Wine Lover’s Paradise in Southern Italy

Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, offers a captivating blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and exceptional wines. This region’s warm climate and fertile soil produce robust reds and crisp whites that perfectly complement the local cuisine.

Towns and Villages

Explore charming coastal towns and hilltop villages that showcase Puglia’s diverse beauty. Alberobello, famous for its unique trulli houses, provides a fairytale-like setting for wine tasting.

Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South,” boasts baroque architecture and vibrant wine bars. Ostuni, the “White City,” offers panoramic views of olive groves and vineyards stretching to the Adriatic Sea.

Wine Producers

Puglia is home to numerous wineries, from small family-run estates to larger commercial operations. Tormaresca, owned by the Antinori family, produces excellent Primitivo and Negroamaro wines.

Cantele Winery in Salento is renowned for its innovative winemaking techniques and commitment to sustainability. Rivera in Castel del Monte offers guided tours and tastings of their award-winning wines.

Must-Visit Wineries

• Masseria Li Veli (Cellino San Marco)
• Leone de Castris (Salice Salentino)
• Tenute Rubino (Brindisi)
• Polvanera (Gioia del Colle)

Accommodations

Stay in a traditional masseria (fortified farmhouse) for an authentic Puglian experience. Many have been converted into luxurious hotels with on-site vineyards and wine cellars.

Borgo Egnazia in Savelletri di Fasano offers world-class amenities and wine-focused experiences. For a more intimate stay, consider Masseria Montenapoleone near Pezze di Greco, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards.

Dining

Pugliese cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Try orecchiette pasta with turnip tops or burrata cheese with a glass of Primitivo.

Già Sotto l’Arco in Carovigno serves innovative dishes using local ingredients, paired with an extensive wine list. For seafood lovers, Pescheria 2 Mari in Savelletri offers fresh catches and regional wines with ocean views.

Wine Shops & Bars

Enoteca Gianna in Lecce offers a vast selection of Puglian wines and expert advice. Vini & Capricci in Ostuni combines a wine shop with a cozy bar for tastings.

For a unique experience, visit La Cantina di Cianna Cianne in Bari. This underground wine cellar features local wines and traditional snacks.

Top Wine Bars

• Vineria Est! Est!! Est!!! (Lecce)
• Enoteca Titti (Ostuni)
• Ciak Si Beve (Bari)

Other Shops

Purchase local olive oil at Frantoio d’Orazio in Conversano. For artisanal ceramics, visit Grottaglie, known for its pottery district.

Bottega Vestita in Alberobello sells handmade souvenirs and local products. Don’t miss the bustling markets in Bari for fresh produce and regional specialties.

Attractions

Explore the Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Puglian winemaking. Visit the Grotte di Castellana for stunning underground caves.

Relax on the beaches of the Gargano Peninsula or take a boat tour to the Tremiti Islands. For history buffs, the Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Taranto houses ancient Greek and Roman artifacts.

Events

Attend the Puglia Wine Festival in Lecce (June) for tastings and workshops. The Feast of San Nicola in Bari (May) combines religious traditions with local wine and food.

Experience the Notte della Taranta festival (August) in Salento, celebrating local music and dance. Vinitaly, Italy’s largest wine fair, often features Puglian producers (April, Verona).

Wine-Related Events

• Calici di Stelle (August, various locations)
• Radici del Sud (June, Bari)
• Novello in Festa (November, Leverano)

Appellations

Primitivo di Manduria DOC produces rich, full-bodied reds. Salice Salentino DOC is known for its Negroamaro-based wines.

Castel del Monte DOC offers a range of wines, including the unique Nero di Troia variety. Locorotondo DOC specializes in crisp white wines perfect for summer sipping.

Key Appellations

• Primitivo di Manduria DOC
• Salice Salentino DOC
• Castel del Monte DOC
• Locorotondo DOC
• Gioia del Colle DOC

Grape Varieties

Puglia’s wine scene showcases a diverse array of grape varieties. Primitivo and Negroamaro are the region’s star red grapes.

• Primitivo: Known for its full-bodied, fruit-forward wines
• Negroamaro: Produces robust reds with a hint of bitterness
• Nero di Troia: Creates elegant, tannic reds
• Bombino Bianco: Used for crisp white wines
• Verdeca: Adds freshness to white blends

Main Wine Styles

Puglia offers a range of wine styles to suit every palate. Bold reds dominate the region’s production.

• Powerful, fruit-driven red wines from Primitivo
• Robust, slightly bitter reds from Negroamaro
• Elegant, structured reds from Nero di Troia
• Fresh, crisp white wines from indigenous varieties
• Rosé wines, particularly from Negroamaro

Food Specialties

Puglia’s cuisine is known for its simplicity and high-quality ingredients. Orecchiette pasta and burrata cheese are local favorites.

• Orecchiette con cime di rapa (pasta with turnip tops)
• Burrata and mozzarella cheeses
• Focaccia barese (local flatbread)
• Bombette (meat rolls)
• Fresh seafood dishes

Drives & Walks

Explore Puglia’s scenic landscapes and charming towns through picturesque drives and walks. The Itria Valley offers stunning rural vistas.

Scenic Drives:

• Salento coastal route: Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca
• Itria Valley: Alberobello to Ostuni
• Gargano National Park loop

Memorable Walks:

• Alberobello’s trulli district
• Lecce’s baroque old town
• Polignano a Mare’s cliff-top paths

Itineraries

Plan your Puglian wine adventure with these curated itineraries. Each route combines wine tasting, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty.

3-Day Salento Wine Tour:

1. Day 1: Lecce (city tour and wine bars)
2. Day 2: Manduria (Primitivo wineries)
3. Day 3: Salice Salentino (Negroamaro tasting)

5-Day Puglia Highlights:

1. Day 1-2: Bari and Castel del Monte (wine and castle)
2. Day 3: Alberobello and Locorotondo (trulli and white wines)
3. Day 4: Ostuni and Brindisi (coastal wineries)
4. Day 5: Lecce (baroque architecture and wine shops)

Getting There & Around

Puglia is easily accessible by air, with major airports in Bari and Brindisi. Renting a car is recommended for exploring the region’s wineries and countryside.

• Fly into Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport or Brindisi Airport
• Rent a car at the airport for flexibility
• Use regional trains for connections between major towns
• Consider hiring a driver for wine tours to avoid drinking and driving

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Puglia for wine enthusiasts is during the grape harvest season in September and October. Spring offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

• April-June: Mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities
• July-August: Peak season, hot weather, and busy beaches
• September-October: Grape harvest, wine festivals, and comfortable temperatures
• November-March: Off-season, cooler weather, ideal for cultural exploration

Sustainability Efforts

Puglia’s wine industry is increasingly focusing on sustainable practices. Many wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic methods.

• Look for wineries with organic certification
• Support producers using traditional, low-intervention techniques
• Visit wineries practicing water conservation and renewable energy use
• Participate in eco-friendly wine tours that promote sustainable tourism

Language Tips

While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases can enhance your wine tasting experience. Key wine-related terms include:

• “Vino rosso/bianco” – Red/white wine
• “Salute!” – Cheers!
• “Cantina” – Winery
• “Degustazione” – Tasting
• “Per favore” and “Grazie” – Please and Thank you

Further Resources

Enhance your Puglian wine journey with these helpful resources:

• Movimento Turismo del Vino Puglia – Official wine tourism organization
• Puglia Official Tourism Website – General travel information
• “The Wines of Puglia” by Tom Hyland – Comprehensive guide to regional wines
• Download the “Puglia Wine Route” app for mobile wine tour planning