It's Harvest Time!

In September, the wine business is in a burst of activity. Tractors carrying loads of grapes can be seen on the roads, as oenologists perform the final checks to give the go-ahead for the harvest.
The harvesting of grapes begins only when the fruit has reached the perfect balance of sugars, ripeness, and acidity, all essential elements for the final flavor. Every vineyard has its own specific harvest time, and each grape variety has its unique characteristics, required to produce the ideal flavor profile of a particular wine.

A Timeless Tradition

Evidence of winemaking in Puglia dates back to ancient times, with records from the renowned Roman author Pliny the Elder, who famously mentioned the Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, and Uva di Troia grapes.

Historical accounts also tell of the Crusaders, who would eat and raise a glass in Brindisi's taverns before their journey to the East. A similar ritual took place in Taranto, where sailors would make a point of drinking local wine in rock-hewn cellars before setting sail.

Today, Puglia stands as one of Italy's regions with the greatest viticultural biodiversity. Over the last 30 years, a revolution has shifted the focus to the quality and value of its native grape varieties, which beautifully express a rich and multifaceted terroir.

Puglia's Grape Varieties

The Puglian winemaking tradition is built on a rich mosaic of indigenous and international grape varieties that have found an ideal terroir here.

The region's most famous indigenous grapes are Primitivo, Nero di Troia, Negroamaro, Aleatico, and Bombino Bianco. These are complemented by allochthonous and international varieties—originating from other regions—that gain a whole new richness from Puglia’s unique terroir and intense summer sun. These include grapes such as Sangiovese, Montepulciano, Merlot, Cabernet, and Chardonnay.

A Journey into Flavor

Through our tastings, we invite you to discover Puglia's centuries-old winemaking tradition. It’s a sensory journey that will immerse you in the region's rich enological culture, filled with unique aromas, flavors, and stories.

Our Services

• Winery Tastings: Book an exclusive experience at the prestigious wineries of the Valle d'Itria or Salento. Expert sommeliers will guide you through a tasting of three historic Puglian labels, sharing their history and unique characteristics. The tour includes a guided visit to the vineyards and production facilities.
• In-Villa Wine Delivery: We partner with the finest local producers to offer a convenient delivery service, bringing wine excellence directly to your villa.

Experience Details

Our guided tastings last about two hours and are perfect for everyone—from solo travelers to groups, and from expert sommeliers to curious newcomers.

To ensure the best experience, we ask that you book in advance, as we do not accept last-minute reservations.

For pricing and to arrange your private transfer with a driver, please contact your dedicated Villa expert.

Learn more and book here.

Apulian Vines: A Spotlight

Puglia's geographical position and Mediterranean climate make it a region particularly suited for winemaking. The area is most famous for its black grape varieties, though it also produces excellent white wines from grapes like Trebbiano, Bombino Bianco, and the native Verdeca.

Here is a look at some of the most notable Puglian grape varieties.

Primitivo

A true symbol of Puglian wines, Primitivo produces a very structured and tannic wine with an intense red color. It offers aromas of dark fruit and a distinct spicy finish. This grape is cultivated primarily in the Manduria and Gioia del Colle areas near Bari.

Negroamaro

Negroamaro is a hardy and resilient grape, especially typical of the Salento area. It produces a wine with good tannic structure, yet also with a smooth, well-rounded character. It has a ruby-violet color and offers notes of Mediterranean herbs, wild berries, and plums on the nose.

Nero di Troia

A slow-ripening grape, Nero di Troia produces an intense red wine with a spicy aroma and notes of wild berries, cherries, and plums that become balsamic with aging. The wine has an excellent structure, thanks to its high concentration of polyphenols and tannins.Primitivo

A true symbol of Puglian wines, Primitivo produces a very structured and tannic wine with an intense red color. It offers aromas of dark fruit and a distinct spicy finish. This grape is cultivated primarily in the Manduria and Gioia del Colle areas near Bari.

Bombino Nero

This indigenous variety is grown almost exclusively in Puglia. Its grapes have a unique blue color and a thin skin. The clusters ripen late, and some berries remain unpigmented, making them more acidic. This characteristic makes the grape perfect for producing excellent rosé wines.

Bombino Bianco

A typical grape of the Foggia province, Bombino Bianco is ideal for making sparkling wines using the classic method. The grape offers a good balance of acidity and savoriness, which are perfect for producing wines with a fine, persistent perlage. On the palate, it is both fruity and mineral. Sometimes, Bombino Bianco is also used in blends to add freshness and structure to other wines, including some reds.

Verdeca
Verdeca vineyards are predominantly cultivated in the stunning Valle d'Itria. As its name suggests ('verde' means green), this grape produces green berries that yield excellent dry white wines with a straw-yellow color. These wines have a delicate aroma of white flowers and citrus. Their crisp acidity also makes them perfect for producing elegant, fresh sparkling wines.

Cheers!

We hope this journey through Puglia's grape varieties has inspired you to discover the unique flavors and stories hidden in every bottle, and has made you want to raise a glass and savor the essence of our land. 

Cheers!