Martina Franca, in Italy’s Apulia region, isn’t just about Baroque architecture and charming streets; it’s also a fantastic spot for wine enthusiasts. Surrounded by the lush vineyards of the Itria Valley, the area offers a range of wine tours that combine superb regional wines with authentic local experiences. What sets these tours apart is the focus on award-winning wines, personalized tours, and unique tastings—whether you’re into premium wines, pairing olive oils with vino, or cycling through scenic vineyards. We especially enjoy the VIP tasting at Tenute Girolamo for its exclusivity, or the oil and wine tasting with aperitivo for a laid-back, flavor-packed afternoon. If you’re looking to explore wine in style, Martina Franca’s offerings won’t disappoint.
Quick Overview
This list covers seven top-rated wine experiences in Martina Franca, each with its own flavor:
- Several tours focus on premium wine tastings paired with light lunches and guided visits to the winery and barrel cellar (Tour #1, Tour #4, Tour #7).
- For a more culinary experience, there’s a walking tour with a hands-on cooking class (Tour #5).
- If you prefer a scenic, active adventure, try the bike tour through vineyards (Tour #6).
- For lovers of olive oils and local delicacies, the oil & wine tasting in a private olive grove offers a relaxed, flavorful escape (Tour #3).
Now, let’s explore each tour in detail so you can pick the one that fits your style.
1. Tenute Girolamo: Winery Tour and Premium Tasting in Itria Valley
At number 1, we have the Premium Wine Tasting at Tenute Girolamo, the standout for those who want a full, personalized experience. This 2-hour tour includes a guided visit to the winery, barrel cellar, and tastings of 4 award-winning wines. The highlight: a light lunch featuring local cured meats, cheeses, and focaccia—perfect for pairing with your wines. What makes this tour special is the focus on Apulian excellence, with wines produced right in the heart of the Itria Valley.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guide and the quality of the wines—“an incredible experience tasting great wine along with some good food,” one reviewer notes, giving it a perfect 5/5. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a deluxe taste of the region’s best wines without rushing. It’s a good choice if you’re after a comprehensive, intimate experience in a beautiful setting.
Bottom Line: A top-tier option for wine aficionados who want detailed insight, excellent pairings, and a memorable, upscale tasting.
2. Tenute Girolamo: Winery tour and Classic tasting in the Itria Valley
For those seeking a shorter, more casual experience, the Classic Tasting at Tenute Girolamo offers a 1.5-hour visit with 3 wines paired with taralli, olives, and focaccia. This tour acts as a perfect introduction to Apulian wines and the local flavors of the Itria Valley. The guided walk takes you through the winery and barrel cellar, providing insight into the winemaking process.
Reviewers highlight the friendly staff and high-quality wines—”friendly nature of staff, quality of wine, setting, knowledge of guide”—and note the experience as authentic and engaging. It’s suitable if you want a taste of regional wines without a lengthy commitment, or if your schedule is tight.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for newcomers to Puglia wine or those wanting a light, informative experience with great value.
3. Valle D’Itria: Oil & Wine Tasting with Aperitivo Pugliese
At number 3, this 2-hour experience combines a guided tasting of local olive oils and wines with a relaxed Puglian aperitivo. Hosted in a private olive grove or stone courtyard, the setting is as authentic as the flavors. Mariano, the host, shares his extensive knowledge about olive oil production and how to recognize quality oils, which adds a practical and flavorful twist.
Reviewers love the atmosphere—“the wine and olive oil tasting was amazing,” with the host pulling out cushions to watch the sunset and enjoy music. This experience is ideal if you want to combine wine and food education with a peaceful, scenic setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers who want a multi-sensory experience, with a laid-back vibe and regional specialties.
4. Tenute Girolamo: Winery Tour and VIP Tasting in Itria Valley
For dedicated wine enthusiasts, the VIP Tasting at Tenute Girolamo offers a 3-hour exploration of the largest vineyard in the Itria Valley. The tour includes a vineyard walk, a detailed visit to the winery, and tasting of 7 wines paired with a light lunch—this is the most comprehensive experience on our list.
Guests rave about the exclusivity and depth of the tasting, with some calling it a “complete experience for true enthusiasts.” The focus on award-winning wines and the extensive vineyard visit make it ideal for travelers wanting to enjoy the region’s wine culture.
Bottom Line: Best for serious wine lovers seeking a detailed, exclusive tour with a wide array of wines.
5. Martina Franca: Walking Tour and Cooking Class with Wine
Number 5 offers a different kind of culinary immersion—a walking tour through Martina Franca’s streets combined with a hands-on cooking class near Alberobello. After exploring the local markets and discovering regional ingredients, you’ll learn to prepare authentic Puglian dishes, which you’ll then enjoy with local wine.
Rated 4.8/5, this tour is perfect if you want to blend sightseeing, cooking, and tasting into one experience. It’s especially suited for foodies who enjoy active, participatory tours and want to bring home a new skill.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a culinary adventure and local wine.
6. Tenute Girolamo: Wine & Bike Tour in the Itria Valley
If you love combining outdoor activity with wine, the Wine & Bike Tour is a fantastic choice. Over 4 hours, you’ll cycle through the vineyards, visit the winery, and enjoy 7 wines paired with a light lunch. The tour balances scenic cycling with guided tastings and the chance to explore the vineyards at your own pace.
Rated 5/5, this tour is perfect for active travelers who want to see the countryside from two wheels while indulging in regional flavors. The guided vineyard visit and tasting are highlights, making it a memorable, dynamic experience.
Bottom Line: Great for active travelers who want an immersive, scenic wine experience with a touch of adventure.
7. Tenute Girolamo: Winery Tour and Deluxe Tasting in the Itria Valley
Last but not least, the Deluxe Tasting offers a 2-hour guided tour with a pairing of 5 wines with cold cuts, cheeses, and focaccia. This experience emphasizes Apulian culinary traditions alongside premium wines, with a focus on quality and presentation.
While slightly simpler than the VIP tour, it still offers tastings paired with regional delicacies and a comprehensive visit to the winery and barrel cellar. It’s suited for travelers who want a solid wine experience without the extra time commitment.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced, value-packed option for wine lovers seeking quality tastings in a shorter format.
How to Choose the Perfect Wine Tour in Martina Franca
Choosing between these tours depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re after the most comprehensive, upscale experience, the VIP Tasting or Premium Tour are excellent options. For a more relaxed, food-focused day, the oil & wine tasting or the cooking class fit well. Active travelers should consider the bike tour, which combines scenery with exercise.
Pricing and tour length vary, so check availability and plan ahead—many tours fill up, especially in peak season. Think about your interests: do you want to deeply explore regional wines, or combine sightseeing and culinary skills? For the best experience, book early and confirm start times, especially for the more popular tours.
Final Thoughts
Martina Franca offers a fantastic variety of wine experiences, from intimate tastings at renowned wineries to active cycling adventures through scenic vineyards. For serious wine lovers, the VIP and premium tastings stand out, while those seeking a more relaxed, foodie-focused day may enjoy the oil and wine pairing or the cooking class. Active travelers will appreciate the bike tour, and those wanting a quick taste can opt for the classic tasting.
No matter your choice, these tours promise a genuine taste of Apulia’s exceptional wines and regional flavors. Book early to secure your spot—these popular experiences tend to fill quickly. Get ready to savor some of Italy’s best wines amid stunning countryside; your palate will thank you.