Region: Apulia

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a region located in the southern part of Italy. It is known for its warm climate, beautiful coastlines, and delicious food and wine. The region is divided into four provinces: Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, and Taranto. Each of these provinces has its own unique culinary traditions and famous wine productions.

Bari, the capital of Puglia, is known for its production of Primitivo di Manduria, a red wine made from the Primitivo grape. This wine is full-bodied and has flavors of ripe red fruits and spices. Another popular wine from this region is the Negroamaro, also a red wine made from the Negroamaro grape. It is known for its soft tannins and flavors of cherries and raspberries.

Brindisi, located on the Adriatic Sea, is known for its production of Salice Salentino, a red wine made from the Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera grapes. It is a full-bodied wine with flavors of ripe red fruits and spices. The white wine Fiano di Avellino, made from the Fiano grape, is also popular in this region. It has a floral aroma and flavors of pear, apricot, and honey.

Foggia, located in the central part of Puglia, is known for its production of Castel del Monte, a red wine made from the Uva di Troia grape. It is a full-bodied wine with flavors of ripe red fruits and spices. The white wine Falanghina, made from the Falanghina grape, is also popular in this region. It has a floral aroma and flavors of green apples, pears, and citrus.

Taranto, located on the Ionian Sea, is known for its production of Primitivo di Manduria, a red wine made from the Primitivo grape. It is full-bodied and has flavors of ripe red fruits and spices. The white wine Verdeca, made from the Verdeca grape, is also popular in this region. It has a floral aroma and flavors of green apples, pears, and citrus.

In addition to red and white wines, Puglia is also known for its production of rosé wines. The Negramaro Rosato, made from the Negramaro grape, is a popular choice. It has a pale pink color and flavors of strawberries and raspberries.

Puglia is also known for its delicious food products, including olives, olive oil, and cured meats. The region is famous for its production of burrata, a type of cheese made from mozzarella and cream. It is often served with fresh tomatoes and basil. Another popular food from Puglia is orecchiette, a type of pasta made from durum wheat flour and water. It is often served with a sauce made from tomatoes, sausage, and cime di rapa, a kind of broccoli.

Olive oil

Apulia is home to some of the best olive oil in Italy, with a long tradition of olive production dating back to ancient times. The region is known for its high-quality extra virgin olive oil, which is produced from the region’s native olive varieties, such as the Coratina and Ogliarola.

Cheese

Apulia is home to a number of delicious cheeses, including caciocavallo, a semi-hard cheese made from cow’s milk, and burrata, a soft cheese made from mozzarella and cream.

Bread

Apulia is home to a number of delicious breads, including focaccia di Altamura, a soft, flavorful bread made from high-quality durum wheat, and puccia, a small, round sandwich bread that is traditionally filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables.

Pasta

Apulia is also home to a number of delicious pasta dishes, including orecchiette, small, ear-shaped pasta that is often served with a variety of sauces, and sagne ‘ncannulate, a type of pasta made from durum wheat and water that is traditionally served with a sauce made from tomatoes and sausage.

Here are five must-visit places in Puglia for foodies, nature lovers, and architecture enthusiasts:

1. Bari: The capital of Puglia is a city rich in history and culture, with a beautiful old town, a charming port, and a lively market. In Bari, you can sample some of the region’s signature dishes, such as orecchiette pasta, panzerotti, and focaccia barese.
2. Alberobello: This small town in the province of Bari is known for its trulli, conical-roofed houses that are unique to Puglia. Alberobello is a perfect place to explore on foot, with its narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local specialties, such as taralli, a type of savory biscuit, and puccia, a sandwich filled with local cheeses and meats.
3. Ostuni: Located in the province of Brindisi, Ostuni is a beautiful white town that sits atop a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The city’s historic center is a maze of narrow streets and charming houses, and there are several excellent restaurants where you can sample some of the region’s best food and wine.
4. Lecce: Located in the province of Lecce, this city is known for its Baroque architecture and its lively nightlife. Lecce is also home to some of Puglia’s best food and wine, including the famous “pasticciotto,” a sweet pastry filled with cream, and “Negroamaro,” a full-bodied red wine.
5. Gallipoli: Located on the coast of the Ionian Sea, Gallipoli is a beautiful town with a charming historic center and a lively waterfront. The city is known for its seafood, and there are several excellent restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish and shellfish. You can also visit some of the local wineries, which produce some of Puglia’s finest wines.