Gioia del Colle offers a surprising mix of outdoor activities, culinary delights, and culture. It’s a place where your senses can truly come alive, thanks to its impressive local produce, scenic landscapes, and welcoming small towns. We’re particularly fond of the Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience, which combines the joy of cycling through picturesque farm trails with the chance to make your own cheese — a hands-on, authentic experience that captures why this region is so special. If you love wine, the Gioia del Colle: Riding the Land of Primitivo, Wine Tasting offers a relaxed ride through vineyards topped with a tasting of Primitivo in a family-run winery. For those wanting a more comprehensive day, the Gioia del Colle Winery with Primitivo Tasting combines wine sampling with a scenic e-bike ride — a perfect blend of flavor and landscape.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top tours that give you a taste of what Gioia del Colle has to offer — from cheese-making to wine tasting, and scenic bike rides. Each provides a unique window into the region’s culture, food, and landscape, helping you choose the best fit for your interests and schedule.
1. Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience
This popular e-bike tour delivers a lively mix of countryside cycling and cheese-making. At just $37 per person, it’s a fantastic value for its combination of scenic riding and authentic culinary activity. The tour lasts from 1 to 2.5 hours and is perfect for anyone wanting a relaxed pace with plenty of hands-on experiences. You’ll pedal along country trails, passing by traditional masserie (farmhouses) and meeting local cheesemakers in Gioia del Colle, renowned for Mozzarella DOP. The tour offers two options: in the morning, you get to make mozzarella yourself, tying a knot with expert guidance — an activity that makes this more than just a tasting. In the afternoon, you’ll sample fresh cheeses paired with rustic bread, a simple pleasure that highlights the region’s fresh dairy products.
Rated 5/5 from five hearty reviews, this tour’s small group size (max 8) ensures an intimate atmosphere and personalized attention. The highlight is the chance to witness traditional cheese-making firsthand, an experience that’s both fun and delicious. The ride itself is smooth and easy, suitable for most fitness levels, and the scenery is classic Apulian countryside — fields, farm buildings, and a quiet, laid-back vibe. Guests often mention the warmth of the cheesemakers and the fresh, seasonal cheeses as standout moments.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a rare combination of active exploration and culinary immersion, perfect for food lovers and those wanting a relaxed outdoor activity with an authentic local touch.
2. Gioia del Colle: Riding the Land of Primitivo, Wine Tasting
For those who prefer a leisurely ride paired with wine, this e-bike tour is a standout. Priced at an undisclosed but reasonable rate, it lasts 2 to 3 hours and combines scenic landscapes with a tasting of Gioia del Colle’s signature Primitivo wine. The route takes you through the rolling hills of the Murgia, passing vineyards, dry-stone walls, and the famous Stele marking the birthplace of Primitivo. It’s a gentle ride, designed to showcase the region’s viticultural heritage without requiring serious cycling stamina.
The tour includes a guided Primitivo di Gioia del Colle wine tasting, where you’ll learn about the wine’s unique qualities and its history in the area. The guide’s insights make this more than just sipping — it’s a mini-course in Apulian wine culture. The tour is easily accessible by train from Bari and Taranto, making it a convenient half-day activity. Rated 5/5 from four reviews, the experience is praised for its relaxed pace and informative guide.
A highlight is passing the Stele, a symbol of the region’s wine roots, and soaking in the views of vineyards stretching to the horizon. It’s ideal for wine enthusiasts who want to combine outdoor activity with tasting regional specialties.
Bottom Line: Perfect for wine lovers and those seeking a relaxed way to explore the scenic wine country of Gioia del Colle without strenuous effort.
3. Cassano: E-Bike & Mozzarella DOP Lab in Alta Murgia Park
This E-bike & Mozzarella DOP Lab in Cassano offers a more adventurous take on cheese-making. The tour, priced at 2 to 2.5 hours, takes you through Alta Murgia National Park and along a scenic stretch of the Apulian Aqueduct Cycle Route. You’ll start at Bistrot Papie in Acquaviva delle Fonti, where the guide meets you for this small-group experience (limited to 10), ensuring a personal touch. The ride through the hills is both scenic and invigorating, making it suitable for those comfortable on a bicycle.
The highlight here is the hands-on cheese-making workshop in the morning, where expert cheesemakers guide you through shaping mozzarella — an interactive activity that’s both fun and educational. In the afternoon, you’ll taste an array of local cheeses paired with wine and bread, making this a full sensory experience. The combination of the park’s natural beauty and the cheese workshop makes it stand out.
Rated 5/5 from two reviews, this tour is praised for its knowledgeable cheesemakers and the opportunity to learn how mozzarella is made from scratch. The ride along the aqueduct adds a touch of history and scenery to the day. Be prepared with comfortable clothes, a hat, and insect repellent, as the outdoor parts of the tour involve some exposure.
Bottom Line: This experience is ideal for active travelers who also want a tasty, hands-on introduction to cheese-making amid stunning park scenery.
4. Gioia del Colle: Winery with Primitivo Tasting
Offering a more relaxed, comprehensive experience, the Gioia del Colle Winery with Primitivo Tasting balances wine tasting with a scenic e-bike ride. For around $64, you get to sample three different Primitivo wines from a family-run estate, plus the option to pedal through the vineyards — a wonderful way to see the land where this bold wine is born. The tour lasts from 1.5 to 3 hours, with a dedicated 2-hour wine tasting included, paired with salty snacks like taralli, which enhance the flavors.
Transportation is included, with pickup and drop-off from Gioia del Colle or Acquaviva delle Fonti. The guided tour provides insight into the winemaking process, and guests often comment on the genuine, unpretentious atmosphere. The optional e-bike ride complements the tasting, giving you a chance to see the vineyard landscape from a different perspective without feeling rushed.
Rated 4.1/5 from 19 reviews, this tour offers excellent value, especially if you’re interested in pairing wine with scenery. The winery’s family-run vibe means you’re likely to get a warm welcome and learn about the local wine traditions directly from the owners.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wine connoisseurs who want an immersive, tasting-focused experience combined with a scenic ride through the vineyards.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these options, consider your interests and how active you want to be. For a hands-on culinary adventure with cheese-making, the Gioia del Colle: E-Bike Tour & Mozzarella DOP Experience is hard to beat. If wine is more your style, the Riding the Land of Primitivo offers an easygoing ride with a focus on tasting and learning. For those who want a combination of outdoor activity and cheese-making, the Cassano E-bike & Mozzarella DOP Lab provides a more adventurous, hands-on experience. Finally, if your main goal is to savor local wines in a relaxed setting, the Gioia del Colle Winery with Primitivo Tasting combines scenic scenery with in-depth tasting.
Think about your budget, fitness level, and time available. All tours are well-suited for different types of travelers, from active foodies to wine enthusiasts. Booking early is advisable, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
Gioia del Colle’s tours offer an authentic taste of the region’s produce, landscapes, and traditions. Whether you choose a cheese-making session, a wine tasting, or a scenic bike ride, each experience promises a memorable connection to this charming part of Italy. Pick the one that matches your interests, and enjoy a truly immersive day in southern Italy’s heartland.
