A Tuscany less traveled: Puglian wine country

While Tuscany has long been a magnet for wine enthusiasts, Puglia’s rustic charm remains delightfully under the radar, offering a wine experience where you can sip in peace. Here, you’ll find everything a wine lover craves: sun-soaked vineyards, ancient varietals, and a slower pace. Known for bold reds and crisp rosés, the region’s wineries blend deep-rooted traditions with innovative techniques, set against a landscape of olive groves, coastal views, and rolling vineyards. To help you uncover the best of Puglia’s wine country, we’ve put together a list of our favorite wineries near Villa Torre Bianca.

Tormaresca - Tormaresca bridges tradition and modernity across its estates in Castel del Monte and Salento. Known for masterful Primitivo and Negroamaro wines, the winery also offers tastings in Lecce, where local cuisine perfectly complements their bottles. Plan to sample Bocca di Lupo, their signature bold red that rivals any Tuscan counterpart.

Masseria Li Veli - Set in Salento, Masseria Li Veli is a restored masseria (farmhouse) offering a glimpse of Puglia’s winemaking soul, with specialties in lesser-known native varietals like Susumaniello and Negroamaro. This winery embraces sustainable practices and is perfect for those wanting to savor wines that express the unique terroir of Puglia - their intimate tastings allow you to enjoy the wine without the tourist rush often found in Tuscany’s top estates.

Antica Enotria - Antica Enotria is a small, family-run winery, with a focus on organic farming and small-batch production, making it a great choice for eco-conscious travelers. Nestled between the hills and the Adriatic Sea, this winery offers tastings featuring light reds and crisp whites, served with local cheeses and olive oils. The rustic, unhurried atmosphere invites visitors to sip slowly and soak in the beauty of rural Puglia.

Cantine Menhir - This winery in Minervino di Lecce stands out for its thoughtfully crafted Primitivo wines. Beyond the tastings, Cantine Menhir offers an authentic farm-to-table dining experience in their restaurant. It’s the perfect place to indulge in local flavors with fewer tourists, making it a more intimate counterpart to Tuscany’s bustling wine routes.

Rosa del Golfo - Famous for its bright Rosato di Salento, Rosa del Golfo specializes in rosés that epitomize Puglia’s easygoing summer spirit. Their tasting room offers a deep dive into the rosé-making process, allowing visitors to discover why Puglia is considered one of Italy’s best regions for this wine style.

Ready to plan your wine-tasting adventure? Our Guest Services team will be happy to arrange private tours or a driver, so you can explore the region’s vineyards with ease.