Wine Tour and Dinner: Puglia at the table

Exploring the Charm of Puglia with a Wine Tour and Dinner at ANTICA MASSERIA JORCHE

When it comes to experiencing Italy’s southernmost region, Puglia offers an intoxicating blend of scenic vineyards, historic sites, and mouthwatering cuisine. This particular wine tour and dinner experience promises a taste of all that, set in an ancient mill from the 1700s. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and detailed descriptions suggest it’s an authentic way to explore the region’s flavors and traditions.

What we love about this experience is its combination of hands-on tastings, engaging visits to the cellar, and a cozy meal in a historic setting. The chance to taste both wines straight from the barrique and fully aged bottles makes it especially appealing to wine lovers. The delicious local food, featuring simple yet hearty Apulian dishes, adds a genuine touch to the evening. A potential consideration is that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and steps, which might be less accessible for some travelers or those with mobility issues.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy wine and food pairing, want an authentic slice of Salento life, and appreciate history-rich settings. It’s a fantastic option for couples, groups of friends, or anyone eager to explore Puglia beyond the usual sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines wine tasting, cellar visits, and a traditional dinner in a historic setting.
• Exclusive Tastings: Includes wines straight from the barrique, offering insight into the aging process.
• Local Flavors: Features homemade antipasti, cheeses, and typical Apulian sweets.
• Historic Venue: The dinner takes place in a 1700s semi-hypogeum oil mill, adding atmosphere.
• Educational Element: Guided tours in the cellar provide a behind-the-scenes look at local wine production.
• Flexibility: Options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance and reserve without immediate payment provide some flexibility.

The Itinerary: What Makes This Tour Special

Welcome and Aperitif

Your journey begins with a warm reception in the vineyard’s welcoming space. Here, you’ll enjoy a welcome aperitif featuring the Sosó Fiano and Bianco D’Alessano IGP Salento wines, paired with homemade friselline topped with fresh cherry tomatoes and the farm’s own extra virgin olive oil. This initial tasting sets a relaxed tone and offers a glimpse into the region’s simple yet flavorful ingredients.

Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting

Next, a guided tour through the cellar reveals the secrets of Puglia’s winemaking process. You’ll visit the barricia—a traditional cellar—and taste a primitive wine directly from the barrique. This is a rare chance to compare the young wine in aging with the bottle-aged version of the same type—Manduria DOP—which many reviewers highlight as a fascinating experience. The tasting of local pecorino cheese complements these wines perfectly, enhancing the flavors and giving a true taste of the region.

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Tasting of Local Produce

The journey continues with a tasting of Primitive of Manduria DOCG Natural Dolce, paired with hard pieces—a typical sweet treat rich in almonds. Reviewers have mentioned how this part of the experience offers a balance of sweet and savory, showcasing the region’s craftsmanship in both wine and confectionery.

Dinner in an Ancient Mill

The final highlight is a dinner in a semi-hypogeum oil mill from the 1700s. The atmosphere is described as intimate and atmospheric, with the ancient stone walls adding a rustic charm. The menu, prepared by a local chef, features a typical Apulian menu—though wines are not included in the dinner, you are free to select your favorite from the available options.

This arrangement offers a unique chance to enjoy regional dishes in a setting that feels transported back centuries, making the whole experience memorable beyond just wine tasting.

What’s Included and How It Adds Value

This experience offers a well-rounded look at Puglia’s wine-making process, with guided tours of the production areas, bottling facilities, and laboratory. The inclusion of three wine labels and a wine straight from the barrel gives guests a comprehensive understanding of the aging process and the unique characteristics of each vintage.

Taste-wise, the extra virgin olive oil from the farm itself enhances the authenticity, allowing you to experience the region’s culinary richness firsthand. The final dinner in the farm’s historic mill rounds off the experience, providing a cozy, immersive setting to enjoy regional dishes.

The overall value is quite strong, especially considering the quality of tastings and the opportunity to learn directly from experts in a historic, atmospheric location. The flexible booking options—free cancellation up to 24 hours before—also make it accessible for spontaneous plans or uncertain schedules.

Practical Details and Traveler Tips

While the tour’s depth and authenticity are major draws, it’s worth noting that there are several steps involved in the tour, which could be a challenge for those with mobility issues or in a wheelchair. The area is also not easily accessible by public transport, so arranging a car or transfer is recommended to ensure smooth access.

The tour lasts around 4 hours, so it’s ideal for an afternoon or early evening activity. Since wines are not included in the dinner, you’ll likely find a good selection of local wines available for purchase, allowing you to tailor your tasting experience to your preferences.

Booking in advance is advisable, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot and take advantage of reserve-now, pay-later options.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Tour?

This wine and dinner experience in Puglia is perfect for culinary travelers eager to explore local flavors in an intimate setting. If you love learning about wine production, want to savor authentic regional dishes, and enjoy historic ambiance, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s particularly suited for couples or small groups looking for a cultural culinary experience that feels both genuine and memorable.

Travelers seeking a comprehensive, immersive exploration of Salento’s wine and food scene will find this tour offers excellent value, with plenty of opportunities to taste, learn, and relax in a beautiful, historic environment.

FAQ

Is transportation provided for this tour? No, the area isn’t easily accessible by public transport, so a car or transfer is recommended for convenience.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are wines included in the dinner? No, wines are not included in the dinner, but you can purchase your favorite from the available options.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues? Due to several steps involved, it may not be suitable for those with physical disabilities or in a wheelchair.

What language is the tour conducted in? The tour is offered in English and Italian, with guides fluent in both.

How long does the experience last? It lasts approximately 4 hours, making it a great afternoon or early evening activity.

What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothing suitable for walking and possibly some steps. It’s advisable to wear layers as cellar temperatures can vary.

Is the dinner included in the tour price? No, the dinner is an additional experience, typically based on the chef’s daily menu.

Final Words

For those craving a genuine taste of Puglia’s wines and culinary traditions, this tour offers a beautifully curated experience. From the cellar insights to the historic setting and delicious local food, it promises a well-rounded introduction to the region’s soul. The combination of tasting, learning, and soaking in centuries-old ambiance makes it a memorable choice for anyone wanting to go beyond the tourist trail and enjoy authentic Salento flavors.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a foodie, or just curious about Italian rural life, this experience provides a satisfying glimpse into Puglia’s timeless charm. Just remember to book ahead, wear comfortable shoes, and prepare to sip, savor, and enjoy every moment.

You can check availability for your dates here: