Puglia Culture, Food and Wne Tour 2025

On all of my Italy Experience Tours, my main priority is for you, my guests, to experience the PEOPLE AND CULTURE of Italy. So much of that is through food. The "Orecchiette Ladies" of Bari are a cultural icon and a symbol of tradition in the city of Bari, which is the capital of the Puglia region in southern Italy. These women, often referred to as "signore delle orecchiette" or "pasta grannies," can be seen sitting outside their homes in the old town of Bari, skillfully handcrafting orecchiette pasta.

The Pasta Ladies are not only known for their pasta-making skills but also for their warm hospitality and willingness to share their culinary traditions with visitors. Tourists can often observe or even participate in pasta-making demonstrations led by these skilled artisans, gaining insight into the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Beyond their role in preserving traditional pasta-making techniques, the Pasta Ladies contribute to the cultural identity of Bari and serve as ambassadors of Puglian cuisine. Their presence adds to the charm and authenticity of the city's streets, attracting food enthusiasts and travelers eager to experience the taste of genuine homemade pasta.

Puglia, known for its rich culinary heritage, also boasts a diverse and vibrant wine culture. Several wines from Puglia have gained international recognition for their quality and distinct flavors. I have set up a fantastic tasting and tour at the legendary Cosimo Taurino winery in in Lecce. While  we are in Puglia we drink exclusively local wine. Here are a few you may know. 

Here are some of the most famous wines from the region:

Primitivo: Perhaps the most famous wine of Puglia internationally, Primitivo is a robust red wine known for its deep color, intense fruit flavors, and hints of spice. It is made primarily from the Primitivo grape, which is believed to be related to the Zinfandel grape of California. Primitivo wines often exhibit notes of dark berries, plums, and black pepper.

Negroamaro: Another prominent red wine of Puglia, Negroamaro is characterized by its dark color, rich fruit flavors, and smooth tannins. It is made from the Negroamaro grape, which thrives in the warm, sunny climate of southern Italy. Negroamaro wines typically feature notes of black cherry, plum, and licorice, with a hint of earthiness.

Salice Salentino: This red wine is produced in the Salento peninsula of Puglia, primarily from Negroamaro grapes blended with Malvasia Nera. Salice Salentino wines are known for their full-bodied character, ripe fruit flavors, and velvety texture. They often exhibit notes of dark fruit, herbs, and spices, with a lingering finish.

Primitivo di Manduria: This is a high-quality version of Primitivo produced in the Manduria area of Puglia. Primitivo di Manduria wines are renowned for their concentration of flavor, smooth texture, and aging potential. They typically display intense aromas of ripe berries, chocolate, and vanilla, with a lush palate and well-integrated tannins.

Bombino Nero: This indigenous grape variety of Puglia is used to produce both red and rosé wines. Bombino Nero wines are characterized by their vibrant acidity, bright fruit flavors, and floral aromas. They are often light and refreshing, making them perfect for enjoying in Puglia's warm climate.

Fiano: Among white wines, Fiano is one of the most renowned varieties in Puglia. It produces aromatic and flavorful wines with notes of citrus, tropical fruits, and honey. Fiano wines from Puglia are typically crisp, refreshing, and well-balanced, making them ideal for pairing with seafood and light dishes.

These are just a few examples of the many outstanding wines that Puglia has to offer. The region's diverse terroir, ancient winemaking traditions, and commitment to quality have contributed to its reputation as a premier wine-producing area in Italy.

The caves of Matera, known as the "Sassi di Matera" (stones of Matera), are a complex network of cave dwellings carved into the limestone cliffs of the Gravina di Matera ravine in the Basilicata region of southern Italy, right over the border from Gravina in Puglia. These caves, believed to be among the first human settlements in Italy, have a history dating back thousands of years and are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Sassi di Matera consist of two main areas: the Sasso Caveoso (Caveoso district) and the Sasso Barisano (Barisano district). These districts are characterized by their distinctive cave dwellings, narrow alleys, and stone structures, which were inhabited continuously from prehistoric times until the mid-20th century.

The caves of Matera served as homes, churches, and workshops for generations of inhabitants, providing shelter from the elements and a unique way of life. The dwellings were carved directly into the soft limestone rock, creating a fascinating labyrinth of interconnected spaces.

Over the centuries, the Sassi di Matera faced challenges such as overcrowding, poverty, and unsanitary conditions, leading to their abandonment in the mid-20th century. However, in recent decades, efforts have been made to preserve and revitalize the caves, transforming them into a vibrant cultural and tourist destination.

Today, visitors to Matera can explore the Sassi di Matera to gain insight into the city's rich history and heritage. Many of the caves have been restored and converted into hotels, restaurants, galleries, and museums, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who once inhabited them.

The caves of Matera are not only a testament to human resilience and ingenuity but also a symbol of the enduring relationship between humanity and the natural environment. They represent a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation, making Matera a fascinating destination for travelers interested in history, architecture, and cultural heritage.