Puglia, Italy wine region

Welcome to the Puglia Wine Region, where the sun-kissed grapes and ancient winemaking traditions come together to create some of the most delicious and unique wines in the world.

The Puglia Wine Region, located in the heel of Italy’s boot, is a place where you can experience the true essence of southern Italian wine culture. Puglia region wines are made from a variety of grape varieties that are grown in fertile soils and are influenced by the Mediterranean climate.

The Puglia wine region’s wines are made up of grapes such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Susumaniello, which are all known for their rich and intense flavors. These wines are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a wine to pair with a hearty meal or simply to enjoy on its own. The wines from Puglia have a unique character that will delight your senses and leave a lasting impression.

We invite you to explore the Puglia Wine Region. Come discover the stories and traditions behind these delectable wines. Visit wineries and meet the passionate winemakers who are dedicated to preserving the heritage of the region. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience the best of southern Italy’s wine culture. Visit the Puglia Wine Region and taste the wines that have been enjoyed by locals for centuries!

Quick access

See puglia wine map

Where to taste Puglia wines

Best cities to visit in Puglia

Puglia wine region highlights:

Coastal: Beautiful beaches and seaside towns.
Rustic: Traditional architecture and rural countryside.
Vibrant: Lively culture, festivals, and music.

Puglia wine map

The Puglia Wine Region, located in the heel of Italy’s boot, is one of the oldest and most important wine-producing regions in the country. The region is known for its ancient winemaking traditions and is home to a wide variety of grape varieties that are grown in the region’s fertile soils and are influenced by the Mediterranean climate.

The region’s most famous wines are made from grape varieties such as Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Susumaniello. Primitivo, which is a variety of Zinfandel, is known for its rich and intense flavors. Negroamaro, which translates to “black bitter,” is a grape variety that is used to make deeply colored and full-bodied red wines. Susumaniello is a red grape variety that is grown almost exclusively in Puglia, it’s full-bodied, tannic, and has a deep color.

The region is also known for its white wines, which are made from grape varieties such as Verdeca and Fiano. Verdeca is a white grape variety that is known for its crisp acidity and floral aroma. Fiano is a white grape variety that is known for its rich and full-bodied taste.

Puglia is also home to many DOC and DOCG wines (Denominazione di origine controllata and Denominazione di origine controllata e garantita) such as Castel del Monte Bombino Nero, Castel del Monte Nero di Troia and Salice Salentino Riserva. These wines are recognized for their unique characteristics, which are a result of the specific terroir and winemaking methods of the region.

The Puglia Wine Region is also home to a variety of wineries that range from small family-run operations to large, modern wineries. Many of these wineries offer tours and tastings, allowing visitors to experience the region’s wine culture firsthand.

Overall, the Puglia Wine Region is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts and those looking to experience the unique culture and traditions of southern Italy. With its ancient winemaking traditions and a wide variety of grape varieties, the region offers something for every palate and budget.

Cities to visit in Puglia wine region

The Puglia Wine Region, also known as Apulia, is located in the southern part of Italy and is known for its beautiful Italian wine landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious wines.

Some popular cities to visit in the Puglia Wine Region include:

Bari: This city is known for its historic old town, beautiful beaches, and delicious seafood. Visitors can also explore the city’s many wine shops and bars, where they can sample some of the region’s best wines.

Lecce: This city is known as the “Florence of the South” and is famous for its beautiful baroque architecture. Visitors can explore the city’s many churches, palaces, and other historic buildings, as well as sample some of the region’s best wines at local bars and restaurants.

Ostuni: This charming hilltop town is known for its white-washed houses, beautiful views, and delicious local wines. Visitors can explore the town’s narrow streets, sample some of the region’s best wines, and enjoy some delicious local cuisine.

Taranto: This city is located on the Ionian Sea and is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and delicious seafood. Visitors can explore the city’s many wine shops and bars, where they can sample some of the region’s best wines.

Brindisi: This city is located on the Adriatic Sea and is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and delicious seafood. Visitors can explore the city’s many wine shops and bars, where they can sample some of the region’s best wines.

Salento: This area is located in the southern part of Puglia region, it is known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and delicious seafood. Visitors can also explore the area’s many wine shops and bars, where they can sample some of the region’s best wines.

These cities offer a variety of experiences, from exploring historical sites and beautiful beaches to sampling delicious local wines and seafood. The Puglia Wine Region is a great destination for wine lovers, history buffs, and beach-goers alike.

Unique places to visit in the Puglia wine region

The Puglia Wine Region is known for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and delicious wines.

Some unique places to visit in the Puglia Wine Region include:

Ostuni: This charming town is located in the southern part of Puglia and is known for its white-washed houses and picturesque old town. The town is built on a hilltop and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the historic center, visit the Cathedral of Ostuni, and take a stroll through the maze of narrow streets lined with shops and cafes.

Alberobello: This small town is famous for its trulli houses, traditional cone-roofed structures made of limestone. The town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a must-see for anyone interested in traditional architecture. Visitors can explore the trulli houses, many of which have been converted into museums and shops.

Grotte di Castellana: These limestone caves are located near the town of Castellana Grotte and offer a unique underground experience. The caves feature stunning underground lakes and formations, and guided tours are available to take visitors through the caves.

Locorotondo: This small town is located in the heart of the Valle d’Itria and is known for its well-preserved historic center and traditional white-washed houses. Visitors can explore the town’s historic center, visit the church of Santa Maria della Greca, and enjoy a glass of the local wine.

Trulli Sovrano: The Trulli Sovrano is a unique and luxurious bed and breakfast located in the trulli houses of Alberobello. The bed and breakfast offers comfortable accommodations and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Valle d’Itria: This wine country is located in the heart of Puglia and is home to many wineries that produce Primitivo and Negroamaro grapes. Visitors can take a tour of the wineries, taste the wines, and learn about the history and tradition of winemaking in Puglia.

Salento Peninsula: The Salento Peninsula is located in the southernmost part of Puglia and is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and production of premium wines. Visitors can enjoy the beaches, explore the countryside, and visit the many wineries in the area.

Egnazia: The ancient city of Egnazia is located near the town of Fasano and is a well-preserved archaeological site with Roman and ancient Greek ruins. Visitors can explore the ruins, including the Roman theater, the ancient city walls, and the archaeological museum.

Best wineries to visit in Puglia

Best travel guides for Puglia wine region

Your Guide to Puglia: Best things to do

Popular wines of Puglia

Puglia, located in the southernmost part of Italy, is a region that is famous for its food, culture, and of course, its wine. Here are some of the best wines to try in Puglia and why:

Primitivo – Puglia’s most famous wine, Primitivo is a full-bodied red wine with a high alcohol content and strong tannins. It is known for its dark color and rich, fruity flavor, with notes of black cherry, plum, and chocolate.
Negroamaro – Another popular red wine grape in Puglia, Negroamaro is known for its deep color and bold flavor. It has notes of blackberry, plum, and spice, with a smooth finish.
Salice Salentino – Made from the Negroamaro grape, Salice Salentino is a robust and complex red wine with a rich, fruity aroma and a spicy finish. It is perfect for pairing with hearty meat dishes and aged cheeses.
Primitivo di Manduria – Made from the Primitivo grape, this wine is known for its full body and high alcohol content. It has a deep red color and a complex flavor profile, with notes of blackberry, plum, and vanilla.
Fiano – A white wine grape grown in Puglia, Fiano is known for its delicate floral aroma and crisp, refreshing taste. It has notes of apple, pear, and citrus and pairs well with seafood and pasta dishes.

Overall, Puglia is a region that offers a wide range of excellent wines, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. Whether you prefer bold and full-bodied red wines like Primitivo and Negroamaro or enjoy a crisp and refreshing white wine like Fiano, Puglia has a wine for every taste and occasion.

About Puglia Wines: Types & Characteristics

Puglia’s warm and sunny climate, fertile soil, and proximity to the sea make it an ideal location for growing grapes. The region is home to a variety of grape varieties, both indigenous and international, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics.

The most famous grape varieties grown in Puglia are the red wine grapes Primitivo and Negroamaro. Primitivo is known for its rich, fruity flavor and high alcohol content, while Negroamaro has a bold, complex flavor with notes of blackberry and spice. These grapes are used to produce some of Puglia’s best-known wines, including Primitivo di Manduria and Salice Salentino.

In addition to red wines, Puglia also produces a variety of white wines, such as Fiano, Greco, and Verdeca. These wines are known for their crisp, refreshing taste and delicate floral aromas. Puglia also produces a range of rosé wines, which are light, fruity, and perfect for sipping on a hot summer day.

Overall, Puglia is a region that offers a wide range of excellent wines, each with its unique flavor profile and characteristics. Whether you’re a fan of bold and full-bodied red wines or prefer a light and refreshing white wine, Puglia has a wine for every palate.

Appellations of the Puglia wine region

Puglia, located in southern Italy, is one of the largest wine regions in the country. The region produces a wide variety of wines, including both red and white wines. Here are some of the appellations of the Puglia wine region:

Primitivo di Manduria: This is a popular red wine made from the Primitivo grape grown around the town of Manduria. It is known for its rich, full-bodied flavor with notes of blackberry and spice.
Salice Salentino: This is another popular red wine from Puglia made from a blend of Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera grapes. It has a deep ruby color and flavors of dark fruit and herbs.
Castel del Monte: This appellation produces both red and white wines made from a variety of grapes, including Nero di Troia, Bombino Bianco, and Pampanuto.
Aleatico di Puglia: This sweet dessert wine is made from the Aleatico grape and has aromas of rose petals, strawberries, and raspberries.
Locorotondo: This appellation produces crisp white wines made from Verdeca and Bianco d’Alessano grapes.

These are just a few examples of the many appellations within the Puglia wine region. If you’re interested in exploring more Italian wines, Puglia is definitely worth checking out!

Puglia Wine Taste Notes & Flavors

When tasting wine from the Puglia Wine Region, you can expect a wide variety of flavors and aromas, depending on the grape variety and winemaking style.

Some general characteristics of wines from Puglia include:

Rich and intense flavors: Many of the red wines from Puglia, such as Primitivo and Negroamaro, are known for their rich and intense flavors. These wines can have notes of dark fruits, such as blackberry and plum, as well as spices like black pepper and tobacco.

High alcohol content: Many of the wines from Puglia, particularly the reds, have high alcohol content. This can add to the wine’s full-bodied and rich character.

High acidity: Many of the wines from Puglia, both red and white, have high acidity. This can give the wines a bright and refreshing quality, and can also help to balance out the high alcohol content.

Tannic structure: Many of the red wines from Puglia have a tannic structure, which can give the wines a dry and astringent quality.

Aromatic: Many of the white wines from Puglia, such as Verdeca and Fiano, are known for their floral aroma, crisp acidity, and refreshing taste.

Complex: Some of the wines from Puglia, particularly the aged wines, can be quite complex. These wines can have a range of flavors and aromas and can change as they are swirled, sipped, and breathed.

Grape Varieties of Puglia wines

The Puglia Wine Region is known for its diverse range of grape varieties, each of which contributes to the unique styles of wines produced in the region. Some of the most notable grape varieties include:

Primitivo: This grape variety is known for producing full-bodied red wines with high alcohol content, high tannins and rich, dark fruit flavors. Primitivo wines are characterized by their intense ruby red color, with hints of dark red, purple and violet. The aroma is intense and persistent, with hints of red fruit, plum, cherry, black pepper and spices.

Negroamaro: This grape variety produces red wines that are known for their deep ruby color, high alcohol content, high tannins and complex flavors. Negroamaro wines are characterized by their intense aroma, with hints of red fruit, cherry, plum, black pepper, tobacco and spices.

Susumaniello: This grape variety is native to Puglia region and produces red wines that are characterized by their intense ruby color, high alcohol content, high tannins and rich, dark fruit flavors. Susumaniello wines are known for their intense aroma, with hints of black fruit, plum, cherry, black pepper and spices.

Verdeca: This grape variety produces white wines that are known for their dry, crisp acidity and floral aroma. Verdeca wines are characterized by their pale yellow color, with greenish hues, a delicate aroma, with hints of apple, pear, exotic fruit and floral notes.

Fiano: This grape variety produces white wines that are known for their dry, crisp acidity and floral aroma. Fiano wines are characterized by their straw yellow color, with a delicate aroma, with hints of apple, pear, apricot, with floral and mineral notes.

Moscato: This grape variety produces sweet and sparkling wines that are known for their high acidity and floral aroma. Moscato wines are characterized by their straw yellow color, with a delicate aroma, with hints of acacia, honey, apricot and peach.

Malvasia: This grape variety produces sweet and sparkling wines that are known for their high acidity and floral aroma. Malvasia wines are characterized by their straw yellow color, with a delicate aroma, with hints of acacia, honey, apricot and peach.

Overall, the grape varieties grown in the Puglia Wine Region contribute to the unique styles of wines produced in the region, each with its own unique character and flavor profile. These wines can be enjoyed on their own or paired with different types of food, depending on their style and flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Puglia wine region

Where is Puglia located?

Puglia is located at the heel of the boot of Italy, in the southern part of the country. It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south.
What are the most famous wine regions in Puglia?

The most famous wine regions in Puglia include the Salento peninsula, the Valle d'Itria, and the area around the city of Bari.
What is the climate like in Puglia?

Puglia has a Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The region receives plenty of sunshine and has low rainfall, making it ideal for growing grapes.
Are there any wine festivals or events in Puglia?

Yes, there are several wine festivals and events in Puglia, including the Festival del Primitivo in Gioia del Colle, the Fiera del Vino in Andria, and the Fiera del Vino in Bari.
How can I visit wineries in Puglia?

Many wineries in Puglia offer tours and tastings, and it is possible to visit them independently or as part of a wine tour. Some wineries also have tasting rooms where you can sample their wines.
What other activities can I do in Puglia?

In addition to visiting wineries, Puglia has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history, and nature. Visitors can visit ancient towns, explore the beautiful beaches, take a boat tour, and sample the delicious local cuisine.