Martina Franca is a charming town in the heart of Puglia that offers more than just beautiful streets and Baroque architecture. It’s a place where your curiosity about local food, wine, and culture can really come alive. What makes it especially appealing for tours is how authentic and accessible they are—whether you want to sip award-winning wines, learn to cook traditional dishes, or explore the countryside by bike, there’s an experience suited for you. Among the many options, we particularly recommend the Winery Tours at Tenute Girolamo, praised for their knowledgeable guides and exceptional wines.
For travelers craving a well-rounded day, some tours combine tasting with culture, like visiting local markets or cooking in a home setting. Others focus on active adventures, such as biking through vineyards or joining walking and culinary classes. No matter your style, Martina Franca’s tours promise memorable tastes and sights that truly capture Puglia’s essence.
Quick Overview
In this guide, you’ll find a variety of tours that highlight the best of the region: premium wine tastings, classic wine experiences, luxury VIP tours, cooking classes, and cycling adventures. Each offers a different way to explore and enjoy the local flavors and scenery. To help you choose, we’ve included detailed descriptions and insights on what makes each tour special, with internal links to make planning easier.
1. Tenute Girolamo: Winery Tour and Premium Tasting in Itria Valley
At number one, this premium winery experience stands out for its comprehensive approach to wine tasting, guided tours, and food pairing. The tour runs around 2 hours, and you’ll explore the winery, barrel cellar, and taste 4 award-winning wines paired with a light lunch of cured meats, cheeses, and focaccia. This tour is perfect if you want a detailed look into how quality wines are made in the Itria Valley and get a taste of Apulian culinary excellence.
What sets this experience apart is the depth of the visit, with a guided tour that emphasizes the unique flavors and methods behind the wines. The light lunch complements the tasting beautifully, giving you a well-rounded experience. Reviewers praise it as an “incredible experience” with a guide who is “very knowledgeable,” making it ideal for wine lovers or anyone wanting a relaxed but educational outing.
Bottom line: If you’re interested in getting an in-depth look at local wines and enjoying a gourmet pairing, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable introduction to Puglia’s viniculture.
2. Tenute Girolamo: Winery tour and Classic tasting in the Itria Valley
Next on our list, this classic tasting experience is a shorter, more focused tour that lasts around 1.5 hours. You’ll visit the winery and sample 3 wines alongside traditional Apulian snacks like taralli, olives, and focaccia. This is a fantastic introduction for travelers short on time but eager to enjoy authentic flavors.
The appeal here is the straightforward, friendly format, with the opportunity to taste some of the award-winning wines produced in the Itria Valley. The guided tour between the winery and barrel cellar adds an educational touch, and the staff’s friendly nature makes it feel welcoming. One reviewer highlighted the “friendly staff” and “quality of wine” as key positives.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a quick, authentic wine experience without sacrificing quality or atmosphere. It’s a great way to enjoy a taste of Puglia’s wine culture in a relaxed setting.
3. Tenute Girolamo: Winery Tour and VIP Tasting in Itria Valley
For those looking for a more exclusive experience, the VIP tasting tour offers a 3-hour deep dive into the wines of the Itria Valley. This includes a vineyard walk, a comprehensive winery tour, and tasting of 7 wines paired with a light lunch. This is the tour for the serious enthusiast who wants to explore the largest vineyard in the region.
The highlight here is the intimate, in-depth nature of the tour, with a focus on understanding wine production and tasting a wide variety of wines. The walk through the vineyard offers a chance to appreciate the landscape, and the tasting of 7 wines provides plenty to savor. Travelers note the high quality of the wines and the personalized attention made possible by the VIP format.
Bottom line: Perfect for wine connoisseurs or couples celebrating a special occasion—this experience offers a comprehensive, luxurious look at Puglia’s wine mastery.
4. Martina Franca: Walking Tour and Cooking Class with Wine
For a hands-on cultural experience, this Walking Tour and Cooking Class combines exploring Martina Franca’s charming streets with learning how to prepare authentic Puglian dishes. Over about 3 hours, you’ll visit local markets, sample fresh ingredients, and then cook a traditional meal from scratch in a cozy home setting, finishing with your creation paired with a glass of local wine.
What makes this tour special is the chance to learn about Puglia’s culinary traditions, guided by someone passionate about local food. The visit to markets and small shops reveals high-quality ingredients that are the backbone of regional cuisine. Guests love learning to cook in a relaxed environment, with one reviewer describing it as a “fantastic, authentic experience.”
Bottom line: This tour is ideal for foodies and those who want to combine sightseeing with hands-on culinary skills. It’s a more intimate way to connect with Puglia’s gastronomic culture.
5. Tenute Girolamo: Wine & Bike Tour in the Itria Valley
If you’re seeking adventure, the Wine & Bike Tour offers a 4-hour journey through the scenic vineyards of the Itria Valley. Starting at Tenute Girolamo, you’ll cycle through beautiful landscapes for about an hour, then visit the winery, led by an expert guide.
This experience blends outdoor activity with wine tasting, featuring 7 wines paired with local delicacies. It’s great for active travelers who want to see the countryside up close and enjoy a comprehensive tasting session in one outing. The guided vineyard and cellar visits ensure you learn about the area’s winemaking traditions while getting some exercise.
Reviewers appreciate the combination of scenery and wine, calling it a “unique adventure in the magical Itria Valley.” The light lunch afterward makes it a satisfying half-day activity.
Bottom line: Perfect for cyclists or active wine lovers who want a memorable mix of outdoors and tasting.
6. Tenute Girolamo: Winery Tour and Deluxe Tasting in the Itria Valley
Finally, for those seeking a luxurious tasting experience, this 2-hour tour offers a tasting of 5 wines paired with a light lunch of cold cuts, cheeses, and focaccia. The guided visit includes a look at the winery, barrel cellar, and the various flavors that make Puglia’s wines special.
This experience provides a balanced combination of education and indulgence, with a focus on award-winning wines. While shorter than some others, it offers a concentrated taste of quality and local delicacies. Reviewers highlight the high-quality wines and the guided exploration as memorable features.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a refined, shorter wine experience with excellent pairings and a personal touch.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour in Martina Franca, consider your priorities: If you’re a wine enthusiast wanting a deep dive, the VIP Tasting or Premium Tasting are excellent options. For a culinary adventure, the Cooking Class offers hands-on experience, while active travelers might prefer the Wine & Bike Tour.
Budget-wise, the shorter tastings are more accessible, but don’t overlook the value of the immersive, longer experiences—they often include more wines and exclusive access. Timing is flexible for most tours, but booking early is advisable during peak season (spring and summer). Check availability and consider your fitness level, especially for the biking or walking tours.
Final Thoughts
Martina Franca offers a rich variety of tours that highlight wine, food, and culture. For a luxurious, in-depth wine experience, the VIP Tasting is a top choice. If you want to learn authentic cooking techniques, the Cooking Class delivers a memorable hands-on activity. And for those looking for a bit of adventure, the Wine & Bike Tour combines scenery with tasting in a unique way.
No matter which tour you pick, booking in advance will ensure you secure your spot in these popular experiences. Martina Franca’s tours are a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation of Puglia’s culinary and vinicultural riches—don’t miss out on enjoying them during your visit.