Full-day Salento Wine and Food Tour

Set out on a captivating journey through the heart of Italy’s Salento region. This full-day wine and food tour offers an immersive exploration of the area’s rich culinary and vinicultural heritage. Discover acclaimed wineries, sample exquisite local vintages, and indulge in a delightful light lunch featuring fresh regional ingredients. With a small group size, this intimate experience promises an insider’s look into the unique terroirs and traditions that make Salento a true gastronomic gem.

Key Points

• Enjoy the culinary and wine heritage of Salento with a full-day tour featuring visits to two award-winning wineries.
• Savor the region’s signature primitivo, malvasia, and negroamaro wines, while learning about the unique terroir and winemaking traditions.
• Indulge in a light lunch that showcases the renowned local ingredients and complements the wine tasting experience.
• Enjoy a personalized tour with a maximum of 12 travelers for an intimate and customizable experience.
• Customize your itinerary with optional additions, such as a third winery visit or a refreshing swim stop.

Overview of the Tour

The Salento Wine and Food Tour offers a full-day immersion into the rich culinary and wine heritage of the Salento region in southern Italy.

A full-day immersion into the rich culinary and wine heritage of the Salento region in southern Italy.

Departing from Lecce, the tour takes guests to two award-winning wineries where they’ll sample primitivo, malvasia, and negroamaro wines. A light lunch is included, either at the winery or a nearby restaurant.

Guests can also opt to add a third winery visit or a swim stop at Porto Cesareo. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, live commentary, and gratuities.

With a maximum of 12 travelers, the experience promises an intimate and personalized exploration of Salento’s flavors.

Exploring the Salento Wine Estates

What can guests expect as they explore the award-winning Salento wine estates on this tour?

They’ll visit two local wineries known for their exceptional primitivo, malvasia, and negroamaro wines. At each estate, guests will enjoy tastings of the vintners’ finest offerings, learning about the region’s unique terroir and winemaking traditions.

The tasting experience is complemented by a delicious light lunch, either served at the winery or a nearby restaurant.

This immersive tour provides an authentic taste of Salento’s renowned wine culture and culinary heritage.

Tasting the Signature Wines

As guests explore the award-winning Salento wine estates, they’ll have the opportunity to taste the region’s signature grape varietals.

Primitivo, malvasia, and negroamaro are the standout varieties that thrive in the area’s Mediterranean climate. Visitors can expect robust, full-bodied reds with notes of ripe dark fruit, as well as crisp, aromatic whites.

The guided tastings offer a chance to learn about the distinctive terroir and winemaking techniques that shape these exceptional wines. Guests will leave with a deeper appreciation for the unique flavors and character of Salento’s celebrated viniculture.

Indulging in the Light Lunch

After savoring the robust and nuanced Salento wines, guests can look forward to indulging in a delightful light lunch.

The tour includes a tantalizing meal, either at the winery or a nearby restaurant, showcasing the region’s renowned culinary offerings.

Featuring fresh, local ingredients, the light lunch complements the wine tasting, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Salento dining experience.

Whether it’s a seaside feast in Gallipoli or a traditional meal on the winery grounds, the light lunch is a highlight of the tour, rounding out the day’s epicurean exploration.

Optional Additions to the Itinerary

For those seeking a more comprehensive Salento experience, the tour offers optional additions to the itinerary.

Guests can choose to visit a third winery, further expanding their wine tasting adventure. Alternatively, they can opt for a refreshing swim stop at Porto Cesareo, a picturesque coastal town.

These optional activities allow travelers to personalize their day and immerse themselves deeper in the vibrant Salento region.

Whether it’s exploring an additional winery or enjoying a refreshing dip, the tour provides the flexibility to customize the experience to individual preferences.

Accessibility and Special Accommodations

The Salento Wine and Food Tour caters to a wide range of travelers, offering accommodations for those with special requirements.

Infant seats are available, and the tour is stroller accessible. Service animals are allowed to join. Vegetarian options can be provided upon request.

However, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and guests are advised to inform the crew of any health needs prior to the tour.

Positive Feedback and Notable Experiences

Guests have consistently provided positive feedback highlighting the spectacular winery grounds and outstanding meals during the Salento Wine and Food Tour.

They praised the informative guide and accommodating service throughout the experience. Notable highlights include a fantastic lunch at a seaside restaurant in Gallipoli and a historic winery featuring a 16th-century castle.

Visitors enjoyed tasting an array of award-winning wines made from primitivo, malvasia, and negroamaro grapes.

Booking and Pricing Information

Although the Salento Wine and Food Tour is priced from $341.40 per person, the exact cost varies depending on the group size.

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers, allowing for a more intimate experience. Pickup and drop-off from Lecce, Ostuni, Bari, and surrounding areas are included, as are two wine tastings, a light lunch, and live commentary from the driver/guide. Gratuities are also covered.

Travelers can cancel their booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour caters to various needs, with infant seats, stroller accessibility, and vegetarian options available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Wine on the Tour?

The tour does not allow participants to bring their own wine. The package includes wine tastings at the wineries visited, as well as a light lunch. Outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted on the tour.

Is There a Designated Driver for the Group?

Yes, the tour includes a designated driver who provides hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing guests to fully enjoy the wine tastings without having to worry about driving. The driver also provides live commentary throughout the day.

Are Photographs Allowed at the Wineries?

Photographs are typically allowed at the wineries during the tour. The wine estates generally welcome visitors to capture the scenic grounds and wine-making process, though guests should be mindful not to disrupt the tastings or tours.

Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Travelers can add a third winery visit or a swim stop at Porto Cesareo upon request, allowing them to personalize their Salento wine and food experience.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for the tour is casual and comfortable. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes, as the tour may involve some light walking on uneven terrain at the wineries.