Puglia in a Glass
The Ultimate Guide to Historic Wineries and Flavors of Italy’s Heel
Puglia is an open-air wine cellar where the sun—the region's most vital ingredient—yields generous, structured wines that tell a story in every sip. With over 8 million hectoliters produced annually (2024 data), Puglia is Italy's second-largest wine producer, accounting for more than one-fifth of the national total. Today, this land is witnessing a quality revolution, driven by unique terroirs and ancient native vines. If you are planning a journey through this sun-drenched land, here is our guide to the must-visit wineries, their secrets, and the perfect pairings for an unforgettable experience.
The Soul of the Land: A Historical Background
Puglian viticulture has ancient roots; the Greeks originally called this land "Enotria" (the land of wine), and vines were being cultivated here as early as the 8th century BC. During the Roman Empire, Puglian wine was a prized export shipped across the seas. While the historic masserie (fortified farmhouses) acted as early wine estates, organized wineries as we know them today are a relatively recent development. Until the 19th century, most Puglian wine was produced on small family plots or sent to Northern Italy and France as "blending wine" to add structure to thinner harvests. The modern industry truly began in the 1800s with the arrival of noble visionaries like the Winspeares and the establishment of the first major cooperatives in the 1930s.
We begin our journey at the southernmost tip of the heel, moving steadily northward.
📍 LECCE PROVINCE: The Deep South & The Salento Heartbeat
Castel di Salve (Depressa, Tricase, LE) – Founded 1885 One of the most historic entities of the lower Salento, founded in 1885 by Antonio Winspeare, Duke of Salve. The founder, of Anglo-Irish origins, chose these lands to produce "fine table wines" of the highest quality. After a period of abandonment, the winery was relaunched in the 1990s by Francesco Winspeare, a direct descendant of the founder, who renewed the business while keeping the noble connection intact. The ancient cellar is a fascinating example of 19th-century industrial wine architecture, where wines expressing the varietal character of the Supersano area are still aged today.
Palamà (Cutrofiano, LE) – Founded 1936 Founded by "Ninì" Palamà, this is a pillar of central Salento. Although younger than the 17th-century estates, it is a historic winery that has maintained an artisanal approach and a deep link to the tradition of high-quality bulk wine, later transformed into bottled excellence.
Santi Dimitri (Galatina, LE) – Founded 1690 Located right in Galatina, this agricultural estate boasts over three centuries of history. The Vallone family moved here from the Bari area at the end of the 17th century, starting a tradition that today combines viticulture, olive oil production, and cereal farming, maintaining an unbreakable bond with the local territory.
Apollonio 1870 (Monteroni di Lecce, LE) – Founded 1870 Started by Noè Apollonio, this winery has spanned four generations. Originally focused on selling bulk wine to Northern Italy to "cut" less structured wines, since the 1990s it has focused on high-quality bottling, becoming a benchmark for aged red wines.
Conti Zecca (Leverano, LE) – Founded 1580 (Winery since 1935) The Zecca family has winemaking roots in Leverano dating back to 1580, when Francesco Antonio Zecca, a Neapolitan agricultural entrepreneur, moved to the fertile lands of Salento. In 1884, they received a noble title from the Pope, and for generations, they have been leaders in producing excellence like Primitivo and Negroamaro. However, the structured winery as we know it today was founded in 1935. Currently managed by brothers Alcibiade and Francesco Zecca, the company manages 320 hectares of vineyards and represents an icon of Puglian wine with over four centuries of family history.
Leone de Castris (Salice Salentino, LE) – Founded 1665 Universally recognized as the oldest active winery in Puglia and one of the oldest in Italy. Founded by the Duke of Lemos, it began bottling its own wines in 1925, and in 1943, it produced the first bottled rosé in Italy: the legendary "Five Roses." Today, as a member of the Union of Italian Centenary Enterprises, the company manages 300 hectares and produces over 2.5 million bottles a year. The original cellar, carved into the tuff rock, is still open to visitors and guards centuries of Salento’s oenological history.
📍 BRINDISI & TARANTO PROVINCES: The Empire of Primitivo
Cantina San Donaci (San Donaci, BR) – Founded 1933 The oldest cooperative in the province of Brindisi. Born from the union of 12 farmers during the interwar period, it saved and preserved hectares of old Negroamaro "alberello" (bush-vines) that would otherwise have been lost.
Masseria Altemura (Torre Santa Susanna, BR) Situated in the heart of the Primitivo di Manduria DOC area, this estate combines a 17th-century masseria, restored with full respect for the environment and original architecture, with a modern winery designed according to the most advanced bio-architecture principles.
Varvaglione 1921 (Leporano, TA) – Founded 1921 With over a century of history, this winery represents the perfect blend of solid tradition and cosmopolitan taste. Located at the gates of Taranto, Varvaglione has become a global icon thanks to its Primitivo di Manduria, particularly the famous "Papale" label. Their wines are a celebration of fruit: intense, enveloping, and decidedly fruity, with clear notes of Morello cherry and plum, while maintaining a dry and elegant finish.
📍 BARI PROVINCE: The Magic of Murgia & Itria Valley
Cantina Albea (Alberobello, BA) – Early 1900s Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, this museum-winery is one of the oldest and most respected producers of Primitivo. The structure, built entirely of stone with cisterns buried in the rock, still preserves the atmosphere of ancient Puglian cellars and represents a precious example of industrial wine archaeology.
Tenute Chiaromonte (Acquaviva delle Fonti, BA) – Since 1826 The history of Tenute Chiaromonte took shape following the official recognition of the Primitivo grape and found its key moment in 1998 when Nicola Chiaromonte took the lead. From a small organic family business, it now extends over 60 hectares of vineyards and ancient olive groves, standing out for its ability to promote Primitivo DOC Gioia del Colle globally, winning major international awards.
📍 NORTHERN PUGLIA: The Noble Frontiers of BAT & Foggia
Tenuta San Domenico – Conte Spagnoletti Zeuli (Andria, BAT) – Founded circa 1600 Founded in 1600, this is one of the oldest estates in Northern Puglia. Still owned by the Spagnoletti Zeuli family, it preserves 18th-century underground cellars, an ancient oil mill, and centuries-old vineyards. Specializing in Nero di Troia and Bombino Nero, it is a true historical gem to visit in the Shadow of Castel del Monte.
D’Alfonso del Sordo (San Severo, FG) – Founded circa 1800 Represents the history of Northern Puglia. The family boasts centuries-old agricultural traditions and has played a key role in bringing prestige to the wines of Capitanata, particularly with the Bombino Bianco grape.
L'Antica Cantina di San Severo (San Severo, FG) – Founded 1933 One of the oldest cooperative entities in the region. The San Severo territory boasts the first recognized DOC in Puglia (1968), but the history of local viticulture is evidenced by decrees dating back as far as 1932.
🗓️ Planning Your Visit: When to Go
The ideal period for a food and wine tour is from April to October. Spring offers lush green landscapes and mild temperatures, while September is the magical month of the harvest (vendemmia), where the scent of must fills the air. The most important date for wine lovers is the last weekend of May, when Puglia celebrates Cantine Aperte (Open Cellars). This unique event sees historic estates open their doors to thousands of enthusiasts for exclusive tours, live music, and special tastings.
Images and stories do not do justice to the scent of a historic winery or the color of a sunset among Primitivo vines. Puglia must be experienced with all your senses. Are you ready to design your food and wine itinerary? If you are unsure how to get there, let us organize the transportation for you. Contact us today and let us guide you through the most beautiful vineyards in the world.
