Guide To Puglia

Puglia has some of the richest culture, food, history, and wine in Italy - much more rich and diverse than I can cover in this guide, as each sub-region has its own culture. If you have the time and means to extend your time in Puglia beyond our wedding weekend, we recommend spending time in another nearby town, or exploring the “Masserie” (farms) and wineries that Puglia has on offer. Read on below for an overview of what you shouldn’t miss on your trip and a curated list of top spots. Our wedding food and wine selection will also give you a taste of Apulian cuisine (especially the Welcome Dinner!).

The Local Cuisine

  • Olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Look out for all of the beautiful olives trees as you drive or train through Puglia. The region, with its dry and more arid climate, is known for locally made olive oil.

  • Mozzarella di Gioia del Colle - I will always remember the first time I tried hand-pulled Apulian mozzarella - creamy and full of flavour. Look out for Mozzarella di Gioia del Colle which is specific to the region and has a balanced creamy acidity.

  • Burrata di Andria - All my burrata fans, welcome to its home (more specifically the town of Andria).

  • Ricotta Forte - Puglia is also known for their ricotta, with some delicate fresh versions, but if you’re brave, try the punchy Ricotta Forte which will leave your mouth watering and peppery. Definitely drink it down with some Primitivo.

  • Orecchiette - A pasta shape local to Puglia, this features in key Apulian dishes.

  • Taralli - You’ve probably seen these in Italian supermarkets. What might be considered the pretzel version of a breadstick, they have a peppery fennel flavour and melt in your mouth.

  • Friselle - A popular street food, friselle look like tough mini bagels but are delightful when topped with tomatoes, olive oil, and capers or olives.

  • Panzerotti - Another typical street food, these are fried dough pockets stuffed with mozzarella and tomato.

The Local Wine

Puglia has a warmer climate so the wines will be fuller bodied, with rich fruit flavours, and red wine features heavily. Some local grape varieties to try include:

  • Primitivo - Known as Zinfandel in other countries, including the US. Results in a rich, fruit-forward, full-bodied red wine that has a blend of red and dark fruit flavours, along with often dried fruit. Primitivo di Manduria is a particular type you might see on a bottle.

  • Negroamaro - Slightly less full bodied than a Primitivo, Negroamaro makes a medium-bodied red wine that has plum, dark fruit, dried fruit, and dried herb flavours. Oftentimes you can get a hint of spice, like cinnamon or anise. It often has smooth tannins and acidity. Choose a Salice Salentino which is the name of a wine made from Negroamaro.

  • White Wines - Puglian white wines are less widely known, but make for beautiful tropical blends. In particular, Verdeco is a local grape which makes a light to medium bodied wine of citrus and pineapple flavours. Low acidity for those that want a smooth, easy to drink white wine. Fiano is from the nearby Campania region, and makes a white wine with a balanced blend of green fruit, tropical fruit, nuttiness, and fruit peel.

Apulian Wineries & “Masserie”

Aside from the beautiful Vinilia Wine Resort, there are many other wineries and masserie (farms) in the area that we recommend you make part of your trip.

There are several with overnight accommodation as follows. For winery day trips, keep reading in the next section below.

  • Vinilia Wine Resort & Trullo Di Pezza - The family who owns Vinilia Wine Resort (our wedding venue) also owns the nearby winery Trullo Di Pezza. We will serve these at our wedding dinner but if you want the full winery experience, we welcome you to book with the winery, or extend your trip at the resort!

  • Masseria Montenapoleone - This is one of the most unique wellness, culinary, nature experiences you will find in a holiday destination. It is family-owned and you can sense that love and soul envelops the property. You will encounter such coziness when exploring the property, settling in for a night in the beautiful rooms, or enjoying a meal made from ingredients grown on the masseria. They make their own olive oil and serve a tasting platter at their restaurant - this is a must. Starting around €251/night during high season, and rate includes breakfast.

  • Masseria Amastuola - The highlight of this wine resort must be its elegance and the views, especially from the infinity pool. You are transported to another world by the architecture, the food, and of course the wine. It offers the perfect mix of luxury and relaxation. They have a range of tastings and wine cellar tours you can add to your stay. Starting around €239/night, and rate includes breakfast.

Wineries are plentiful in Puglia. Quick Google search can help you find any number along your travels, but below are some that come recommended. Please always book ahead either via the site’s contact form or by phone as most are family-run and require a heads up for tastings!

A Guide to Apulian Towns & Cities

  • Manduria - A small town of 32,000 people, Manduria is quiet with a host of hidden gems. I definitely recommend the beautiful restaurant, All’Hostaria. For pizza, go to Ristorante-Pizzeria i Mercanti or Ristorante al Castello.

  • Lecce - Known for its Baroque architecture and called the ‘Florence of the South’. It is a hot spot for food and wine lovers where local wine bars and restaurants put a real focus on local wineries and ingredients. For dinner, try Ristorante Bros’, Le Zie Trattoria, Doppio Zero, or Primo Restaurant; for cocktails try Quanto Basto; and for wine bar, try Bar 300Mila.

  • Ostuni & Fasano - Ostuni is a unique town which glows white in the sun. Stay at Hotel Relais La Sommita. In the town, for restaurants, I would recommend Masseria Moroseta on the outskirts of the town. A short drive north, lies Masseria Montenapoleone, an eclectic, family-owned farm experience that was one of my most memorable meals and stays. Ristorante da Silve is in nearby Fasano as well, a town which was pleasantly surprising!

  • Bari, Monopoli, and along the Adriatic Coast - Located on the Adriatic Sea, Bari is a large bustling Italian town. I would recommend making your way further south to the farms and smaller towns, but if you must stay, stay at Dimora Acqua di Sale. A 40-minute drive south is the tik tok famous Grotta Palazzese hotel and restaurant. In Monopoli, if you’re driving south and need a lunch spot, stop at La Locanda Sul Porto. Even further south, you might reach Savelletri, and its worth a stop at Ristorante Albachiara.