Discover Salice Salentino: Puglia’s Wine Gem
Salice Salentino, nestled in the heart of Puglia, Italy, is a wine lover’s paradise. This charming region offers a unique blend of rich viticultural heritage and rustic Italian charm.
Towns and Villages
The main town of Salice Salentino is the epicenter of wine production in the area. Nearby, visit the historic centers of:
- Guagnano: Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture
- Veglie: Home to picturesque olive groves and vineyards
- San Pancrazio Salentino: Offers a glimpse into traditional Puglian life
Wine Producers
Salice Salentino boasts numerous esteemed wineries. Don’t miss:
- Cantele Winery: Pioneers in modern winemaking techniques
- Leone de Castris: Producers of the famous Five Roses rosé
- Cosimo Taurino: Known for their robust Negroamaro wines
- Cantine Due Palme: Offers excellent wine tours and tastings
Accommodations
Stay in authentic masserie (fortified farmhouses) for a true Puglian experience. Top choices include:
- Masseria Mongiò dell’Elefante: Luxury amidst olive groves
- Masseria Le Fabriche: Features an on-site winery
- Tenuta Santicuti: Offers cooking classes and wine tastings
Dining
Savor local cuisine paired with Salice Salentino wines at these exceptional eateries:
- Osteria degli Spiriti: Traditional Salentine dishes with a modern twist
- Trattoria Le Zie: Homestyle cooking in a cozy atmosphere
- Pescheria 2 Mari: Fresh seafood and an extensive wine list
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore Salice Salentino’s vibrant wine scene at these local establishments:
- Enoteca Fedele: Vast selection of regional wines and knowledgeable staff
- Vineria Santa Cruz: Cozy wine bar offering tastings of local vintages
- La Cantina di Dioniso: Wine shop with regular tasting events
Other Shops
Discover local specialties and artisanal products:
- Salumeria Bianco: Traditional cured meats and cheeses
- Ceramiche d’Arte Salentina: Handcrafted pottery and ceramics
- Oleificio Cooperativo di Veglie: High-quality olive oils and related products
Attractions
Beyond wine, Salice Salentino offers cultural experiences:
- Castello Monaci: 16th-century castle surrounded by vineyards
- Chiesa Madre di San Giuseppe: Baroque church in the town center
- Museo del Negroamaro: Museum dedicated to the region’s signature grape
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-centric events:
- Salice Salentino Wine Festival: Annual celebration of local wines (September)
- Novello in Festa: New wine festival featuring street food and music (November)
- Cantine Aperte: Open cellar days across the region (May)
Appellations
Understand the wine classifications of the area:
- Salice Salentino DOC: Covers red, rosé, and white wines
- Salento IGT: Broader geographical indication for wines from the Salento peninsula
- Puglia IGT: Encompasses wines from the entire Puglia region
Grape Varieties
The primary grape varieties in Salice Salentino are Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. These grapes thrive in the warm Mediterranean climate of Puglia.
Other varieties include Primitivo and Aleatico, which contribute to the region’s diverse wine portfolio.
Main Wine Styles
Salice Salentino is known for its robust red wines. The DOC designation requires a minimum of 75% Negroamaro grapes.
Rosé wines are also popular, offering a refreshing alternative in the hot Puglian summers.
Food Specialties
Local cuisine pairs perfectly with Salice Salentino wines. Try orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe or bombette (meat rolls).
Burrata cheese and taralli (savory crackers) are must-try local specialties.
Drives & Walks
Take a scenic drive through the olive groves surrounding Salice Salentino. Stop at small wineries for tastings along the way.
Walk through the historic center of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its Baroque architecture.
Itineraries
One-Day Wine Tour
- Morning: Visit Cantele Winery
- Lunch: Traditional meal in Guagnano
- Afternoon: Tour and tasting at Leone de Castris
- Evening: Dinner in Lecce with Salice Salentino wines
Three-Day Salice Salentino Experience
- Day 1: Explore Lecce and evening wine tasting
- Day 2: Winery tours and coastal drive to Gallipoli
- Day 3: Cooking class using local ingredients, paired with wines
Getting There & Around
The nearest airport is Brindisi Airport, about 40 km from Salice Salentino. Rent a car for easy exploration of the wine region.
Public buses connect major towns, but a car is ideal for visiting wineries. Many offer shuttle services from nearby cities.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather for wine tours and outdoor activities.
Avoid August, when temperatures soar and many businesses close for holidays.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Salice Salentino wineries practice organic viticulture. Look for producers like Cantele and Apollonio committed to sustainable practices.
Support local eco-friendly initiatives by choosing accommodations with green certifications.
Language Tips
Learn basic Italian phrases for wine tasting:
- Salute! – Cheers!
- Cantina – Winery
- Degustazione – Tasting
Most wineries offer tours in English, but knowing some Italian enhances the experience.
Further Resources
Visit the Movimento Turismo del Vino Puglia website for up-to-date winery information and events.
Download the Puglia Wine App for a comprehensive guide to local wineries and wine routes.
