Fragrant and potent, Puglia’s wines are worth celebrating! The region’s full-bodied reds come primarily from primitivo grapes, which contribute to the robust Gioia del Colle and acclaimed Primitivo di Manduria Dolce Naturale. Puglia’s outstanding San Severo Bianco has a straw-yellow color with a fresh, light taste—perfect to pair with an Italian summer meal. Other remarkable wines to try in Puglia include Castel del Monte and Moscato di Trani—a rare, velvety, golden dessert wine.

The vibrant maritime city of Bari (capital of Puglia) will put you under its spell. Its dreamy waterfront promenade, bustling harbor, and alluring maze of narrow ancient streets provide endless enchantment.

Puglia’s largest National Park, Gargano, is a treasure to behold. A World Heritage Site featuring the ancient Forest Umbra and amazing caves and rocks carved out of the sea, Gargano is unlike anything else you’ll see in Italy. Another unique site in Puglia is in Alberebello where the beautifully peculiar “trulli” cone-shaped cottages create a white-washed village-scape straight out of a fairytale.

When you’re ready to relax by the sea, Salento will bring out the beachcomber in you. From the gorgeous sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and natural spas to the quaint blue fishing boats, glorious yachts, and heavenly harbor, Salento is a breath of fresh air.

The intense flavors of the region’s traditional cuisine are made even more memorable by the extraordinary olive oil from Puglia’s millennial olive trees (some dating back 3,000–4,000 years!). Try it with one of Puglia’s favorite dishes: Orecchiette con cime di rapa. As you explore the region, you’ll come across local women making the popular orecchiette pasta by hand.

With close proximity to the sea, an attractive climate, and generations of devoted caretakers of the land, Puglia boasts a bounty of vegetables, herbs, almonds, and figs while also being an excellent source of fresh fish and crustaceans. A distinctive culinary option is seppie ripiene (stuffed cuttlefish), which can be stuffed with veggies, capers, cheese, and more. It’s also not unusual to find similar dishes made with octopus or squid. (We told you this was an adventure!)

A simple and highly satisfying street treat is Puglia’s fried panzerotti—a modest, half-moon-shaped turnover filled with Mozzarella and tomato. It’s a perfect recipe for the authentic Italian taste of Galbani^® Fresh Mozzarella!