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Exclusive Apulia & Basilicata Wine Tour

With Your Hosts, Chef Marcus & Jamie Guiliano

April 18 – 26, 2026

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Journey to the Soul of Southern Italy: An Exclusive Apulia & Basilicata Wine & Culinary Adventure

Unleash the Epicurean Adventure of a Lifetime – Embark on a Wine & Culinary Journey Like No Other! Join Jamie and Marcus Guiliano, renowned restaurateurs, as they take you on a VIP tour of the hidden gems of Apulia and Basilicata, Italy. Explore the region like an industry insider, discovering small, family-owned wineries and taste the best of Italian wine and cuisine. Get ready to experience the true essence of Italy’s wine and culinary heritage and indulge in an adventure that will leave you with unforgettable memories. So, get your passport ready and join us on this extraordinary journey to the heart of Italy’s wine country!

Your Southern Italian Dream Unfolds...

  • Arrive in the beautiful city of Bari and get ready for an unforgettable culinary adventure!
  • Meet and greet at the airport at 12 noon and hop on the tour bus.
  • First stop: Castello Marchione, taste wine is this historic 18th century castle, where you’ll experience a tour and tasting with our good friend Lucia.
  • Then, head to the charming city of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South”, and check into the historic Risorgimento Resort. Explore the city’s stunning cathedrals and historic points before enjoying a delicious dinner.
  • Start the day with a leisurely breakfast and explore the charming side
    streets of Lecce.
  • Visit Tenute Rubino for a tour, tasting, and light lunch.
  • Then, head to Cantele Winery for a tour and tasting with our friend Paolo.
  • Return to Lecce for some relaxation before another fantastic dinner and
    more wine.
  • Today, visit two wineries and a vinegar producer for an unforgettable
    experience.
  • First stop: Agricole Vallone Winery, followed by Gianni Calogiuri Vincotto to
    learn about their unique take on balsamic vinegar.
  • Next, visit Schola Sarmenti, a 200-year-old vineyard with breathtaking
    architecture, for a tour and tasting.
  • Enjoy an amazing dinner in the area before returning to Lecce.
  • Explore the land of Primitivo in the area of Manduria.
  • Visit the award-winning winery Gianfranco Fino, followed by Anna
    Produttori di Manduria, a cooperative that has brought the community
    together for over 100 years.
  • Enjoy a local cuisine lunch with Anna, accompanied by their delicious wine.
  • We will be checking into Amastoula Wine Resort, rate top 25 wineries to
    spend the night at in Europe.
  • Today we have an optional venture to the fish market. Or you can stay
    and relax on the property at Amastoula Wine Resort.
  • It’s time to cook, we are off to make fresh mozzarella in the local town.
  • Back to Masseria Amastoula for our wine tasting and tour followed by
    dinner.
  • Set off on an exciting journey to Matera, Italy’s oldest city dating
    back 9000 years
  • Savor the flavors of Masseria Trullo di Pezza with a wine tasting
    experience on the rooftop overlooking the vineyard and
    fermentation tanks.
  • Take a tour of Lucano Distillery, known for its classic distillation
    methods and range of products from Amaro to triple sec.
  • Check into the luxurious St Angelo hotel, known for its renovated
    cave rooms.
  • Head out for a delicious pizza dinner in Matera.
  • Rise and shine in the heart of Italy’s rock city, with a chance to spot
    wild boars roaming in the state park.
  • Embark on a wine tasting tour of Villa Schinosa & Bisceglia wineries,
    both offering a unique blend of family history, winemaking traditions,
    and state-of-the-art facilities.
  • Savor the flavors of the Aristocratic Capece Minutulo family of Naples
    at Villa Schinosa, located outside the coastal town of Trani.
  • Visit Bisceglia Estate, situated on the slopes of Mount Vulture,
    recognized as “Wine Town” in Basilicata.
  • Enjoy a fun-filled day of wine, food, and adventure!
  • Meet with friend Beniamino at Botromagno for a tour and tasting.
  • Explore the historic town of Alberobello, known for its trulli huts with
    conical roofs and visit the Museo del Territorio Casa Pezzolla.
  • End the trip with a delicious dinner and relaxation.

Ready to Journey Beyond the Bottle?

Let Marcus & Jamie Guiliano, your personal guides and acclaimed chefs, unlock a world of authentic, soul-shifting travel experiences. Forget the tourist traps; immerse yourself in curated adventures rich with personal connections, insider moments, and the true flavors of wine, spirits, and gastronomy.

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VIP Winery Vacations offers wine country tours in Italy, Spain, New York, and Mexico, with services like vineyard visits, airport transfers, villa stays, meals, guides, and tastings.

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VIP Winery Vacations / Aroma Thyme Bistro LLC – 165 Canal St, Ellenville, NY – Contact No. (845) 800-0449 – Email: info@vipwineryvacations.com

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