If you’re headed to Italy’s Apulia region, a visit to the Masseria Seppunisi for their cheese and burrata tasting tour is worth considering. This isn’t your typical farm visit; it’s a genuine, interactive peek into traditional cheese making, set on a centuries-old farm surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Murgia plateau.
What caught our eye? First, the chance to pet cows and meet the farm’s adorable calves – a simple pleasure that adds a personal touch to any farm tour. Second, the hands-on opportunity to make your own mozzarella or burrata—it’s fun and deeply satisfying to craft cheese from scratch, rather than just taste it.
One thing to keep in mind: the tour lasts around two hours, so it’s a quick, immersive experience rather than a full-day outing. Also, the price of about $51.24 per person offers solid value considering the intimate setting, the chance to learn something new, and the delicious tasting at the end.
This experience suits anyone curious about regional food traditions, lovers of cheese, or travelers looking for a genuine, small-group activity that’s more hands-on than most typical tours. If you’re traveling with kids, the farm environment and friendly cows might make this extra special for young visitors, but it’s definitely not a dedicated kids’ activity.
Key Points
- Authentic Cheese-Making: You’ll learn how cheese, specifically mozzarella and burrata, is made on a traditional farm.
- Personal Involvement: Making cheese with your own hands adds a memorable twist that many tours don’t offer.
- Farm Atmosphere: The farm has roots dating back to the 16th century, giving it a historic, authentic vibe.
- Close Encounters: Petting calves and walking through the barn brings a tangible connection to farm life.
- Genuine Tasting: The final tasting includes multiple cheeses, salumi, taralli, focaccia, and a glass of local wine—showcasing authentic flavors.
- Limited Group Size: Small groups (max 10 participants) ensure a personal, relaxed experience.
An In-Depth Look at the Masseria Seppunisi Tour
When considering a visit to Masseria Seppunisi, you’re stepping into a family-run operation with generations of tradition behind it. Situated on the Murgia plateau, between the Itria Valley and Salento, this farm exudes history and authenticity. Its origins in the 16th century bring a sense of continuity that few modern farms can match, and the current owners’ dedication to preserving Apulian traditions is evident from the moment you arrive.
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The Farm and Its Surroundings
The farm’s setting is beautiful—rolling fields, historic stone buildings, and a peaceful rural environment. As you arrive, you’ll hear a brief history of the farm, helping you appreciate the significance of this place. The farm’s activity revolves around high-quality milk from their own cows, which forms the foundation for all their dairy products.
Walking through the farm, you get a sense of the care that goes into every step—from milking cows to aging cheese, all done with attention to traditional methods. The barn is a lively, authentic space where the cows are well cared for, and their milk is the star of the show.
Visiting the Barn and Dairy
The tour starts with a walk through the barn, where you’ll meet the cows and get a chance to pet and connect with these gentle creatures. The staff is friendly and eager to share stories about farm life, making the experience feel personal rather than commercial.
Next, you’ll step into the dairy, where expert hands turn fresh milk into cheese. This part of the tour is especially engaging because you see firsthand how traditional methods are still used today. Watching the process demystifies cheese making and adds a layer of appreciation for the craft.
Making Your Own Cheese
The highlight? Getting your hands dirty by making mozzarella or burrata. Under the guidance of skilled cheese makers, you’ll learn the proper techniques, from stretching the curd to shaping the cheese. It’s a tactile, satisfying activity—and your finished product is something you can take home or enjoy on-site.
This experience isn’t just about the end result; it’s about understanding the effort and skill involved. Many visitors appreciate this authenticity, as it offers a behind-the-scenes look at a craft often taken for granted.
More Great Tours NearbyTasting the Fruits of Your labor
After the cheese-making session, it’s time to relax and enjoy a typical Apulian aperitif. You’ll sample a selection of five different cheeses, complemented by local salumi, taralli, and focaccia. The tasting is paired with a good glass of local wine, which elevates the flavors and helps you appreciate the regional culinary heritage.
Reviewers often mention the quality and variety of the cheeses, with one noting “Beautiful farm, friendly entrepreneur, good cheeses.” The combination of fresh, locally produced cheese and thoughtful pairing makes this a real highlight.
Is it Worth the Price?
At just over fifty dollars, this tour offers a good deal for the value-packed experience. You get to see, learn, and do—not just observe—and come away with a handful of freshly made cheese and new knowledge about Apulian food traditions. The small group setting ensures you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd, allowing for meaningful interactions.
Practical Details and Tips
Duration & Timing: The tour lasts around two hours. Be sure to check availability for the start times so you can plan accordingly.
Pricing: At $51.24 per person, it’s a reasonable price considering the hands-on activity, tasting, and intimate group size.
What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking around a farm. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as farm floors can be uneven or dusty.
Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is good to know if you have mobility concerns.
Meeting Point: Search for Masseria Seppunisi on Google Maps—it’s located on the outskirts of the village, not the shops, so be sure to head to the farm itself.
Hotel Pickup: This experience does not include transportation; you’ll need to arrange your own transport to the farm.
What We Loved
The authentic atmosphere of the farm really makes this stand out. You’re not just tasting cheese; you’re experiencing the environment where it’s made, with friendly staff who are eager to share their knowledge.
The opportunity to make cheese yourself turns this from a passive tasting into a fun, memorable activity. It’s perfect for those who enjoy hands-on experiences and want to go home with a tangible souvenir.
Reviewers consistently rave about the delicious cheeses and friendly vibe. As one put it, “Everything was on the spot. Kids was loving it!” which suggests the experience is approachable even for families, provided children are comfortable around farm environments.
Cons to Consider
While largely positive, this is a short, active tour, so expect a fair amount of walking and participation. If you’re looking for a leisurely, sit-down foodie experience, this might feel a bit brisk.
Also, since the tour is based on a working farm, it’s not a luxury experience—so don’t expect plush surroundings. The charm is in its authenticity and educational value.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This cheese-making experience is great for food lovers and curious travelers who want to understand more about regional specialties. It’s also ideal if you like hands-on activities and small-group settings that allow for personal interaction.
Travelers with kids who enjoy animals and farm visits might find this charming, but it’s not specifically designed as a family activity. It’s more suited to adults and older children comfortable with farm environments.
If you’re after a meaningful cultural experience that combines education, local flavor, and a bit of fun, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for those wanting to connect more deeply with Puglia’s culinary roots without the fluff of large commercial tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, especially if kids enjoy animals and farm visits. Petting calves and making cheese can be fun for families, but be aware it’s a two-hour active experience, so very young children may need some supervision.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, since it’s a small-group experience with limited spots, booking ahead ensures you get a place on the tour.
Are there dietary restrictions to consider?
The tour mainly involves cheese and local products. If you have specific dietary needs, it’s best to contact the provider directly, but most products are traditional and straightforward.
Can I buy the cheese I make?
While the tour includes making your own cheese, take-home options aren’t specified. The focus is on the experience and tasting, but you might inquire if possible.
What’s included in the price?
You get to make your own cheese, a guided tour of the farm, and a tasting platter with cheeses, salumi, taralli, focaccia, and wine.
Is transportation provided?
No, you need to arrange your own transport to the farm, which is located on the outskirts of the village.
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it accessible to a wider range of visitors.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes suitable for walking around a farm—avoid sandals or flip-flops.
Puglia: Masseria Seppunisi Tour, Cheese, Burrata Tasting
“Beautiful farm, friendly entrepreneur, good cheeses”
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Apulian dairy traditions and love the idea of making cheese yourself, the Masseria Seppunisi Tour offers a memorable, hands-on experience. The setting, the opportunity to pet cows, and the delicious local flavors combine to create a thoroughly enjoyable outing.
While it’s not a sprawling, luxury experience, what it offers—genuine hospitality, traditional methods, and regional flavors—is exactly what many travelers value. It’s well-suited for curious foodies, small groups, or anyone wanting a change from sightseeing to doing something tangible and tasty.
For those who love discovering local craftsmanship and want a real slice of Italy’s farm life, this tour could become one of your favorite moments in Puglia.
Note: Always check the latest availability and times before booking, and remember that this experience is about enjoying the process and the flavors—so arrive ready to get hands-on!
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