Martina Franca is a charming town in the heart of Puglia, renowned for its baroque architecture and rolling countryside. But what truly makes it special is the variety of authentic experiences available to visitors. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or someone eager to explore the countryside on two wheels, Martina Franca offers tours that showcase the region’s culinary and cultural richness. We especially love the Dinner in the vineyard and wine tasting under the stars for its romantic setting and expertly paired wines, perfect for a memorable night out.
What sets Martina Franca apart for tours is its combination of scenic landscapes, local craftsmanship, and gastronomic delights. From exploring ancient olive mills to tasting regional cheeses and participating in traditional cooking, each tour offers a chance to learn about Puglia’s authentic flavors and traditions. We’ve compiled a list highlighting the best options, covering everything from guided wine tastings to e-bike adventures. Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions to help choose your perfect experience.
1. Dinner in the vineyard and wine tasting under the stars
At number 1, this romantic dinner in a vineyard offers an unforgettable experience. Over 3 hours, you’ll enjoy four Apulian wines carefully paired with local delicacies, all beneath a starlit sky. The setting is truly enchanting, with guests remarking on the quality of the wines and the authentic regional products served. The experience is ideal for couples or anyone wanting a peaceful evening surrounded by nature.
The tour’s highlight is the combination of good wine, delicious food, and a quiet outdoor ambiance. The vineyard is family-run, and the hosts are eager to share their passion for wine-making. Given the high rating of 4.9/5 from 41 reviews, this tour offers excellent value for those seeking both a sensory and romantic journey. Note that, while the price isn’t listed, the experience’s quality and intimate setting make it a top choice for a special night.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for wine enthusiasts and couples looking for a romantic, authentic experience in a stunning outdoor setting.
2. Typical Apulian menu in the garden of an ancient Trullo
At number 2, enjoy true Puglian hospitality with a five-course menu served in the tranquil garden of a historic Trullo. During about 2 hours, you’ll sample local products and regional wines in the company of a welcoming local host. The authenticity and intimate setting earned this experience a perfect 5/5 rating from 11 reviews.
This tour is unique because it combines gastronomy with local storytelling, offering insight into regional traditions. It’s ideal for travelers eager to connect with local people and enjoy a home-cooked meal in a beautiful setting. The setting is evocative, making every bite memorable.
Bottom line: If you want a genuine taste of Puglia with personal touches and regional wines, this is a warm, authentic choice.
3. Apulia: Guided Wine Tasting with Local Appetizers
Number 3 on our list offers a 2-hour guided wine tasting among the vineyards of the Itria Valley. For around $36, you’ll sample four premium wines made from indigenous grapes, paired with homemade appetizers. This experience perfectly captures the essence of regional wine and food traditions, making it popular among both novices and connoisseurs.
The tour stands out for its educational approach—guides share stories behind each wine—and its hands-on tasting. Guests praise the genuine flavors, and the scenic vineyard setting adds to the appeal. It’s a balanced experience offering quality tastings in a relaxed atmosphere.
Bottom line: This tour is a great value for those seeking an immersive, educational wine experience in the heart of Puglia.
4. Martina Franca e-bike tour and visit to a breeding
Number 4 features an e-bike ride through Martina Franca’s countryside, ending at a farm where you can meet the Murgese horse, black Apulian pig, and local cattle. During this 3-hour tour, you’ll also taste locally produced cheeses on site. The active nature and interactive farm visits make it stand out, with all reviews rating it a perfect 5/5.
This tour merges nature exploration with culinary delights, ideal for active travelers or families. E-biking allows you to cover more ground comfortably, and seeing regional animals provides a wonderful insight into local agriculture. The cheese tasting is especially popular.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want to combine outdoor activity with farm-to-table experiences in a relaxed, scenic environment.
5. Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo: visit to the medieval oil mill
At number 5, explore a medieval underground olive oil mill with a guided tour that takes you through historic phases of oil production. The underground setting, complete with fossil-studded ceilings, creates a fascinating atmosphere, and the tour includes a tasting of oil and regional products.
This visit is highly praised for its historical authenticity and informative narration. The 2 reviews rate it excellent, emphasizing the storytelling and unique setting. It’s suitable for history buffs and anyone interested in seeing how regional olive oil has been made for centuries.
Bottom line: An immersive experience that combines history, culture, and delicious tastings in a very unique environment.
6. Tenute Girolamo: Winery tour and Classic tasting in the Itria Valley
Number 6 features a 1.5-hour visit to Tenute Girolamo, renowned for its award-winning wines. You’ll tour the winery and barrel cellar, then taste three wines paired with taralli, olives, and focaccia. The authenticity and quality of the wines, along with the scenic winery setting, make this a popular choice.
Guests admire the friendly staff and the depth of knowledge shared during the tour. While brief, it offers a rich tasting experience focused on regional excellence.
Bottom line: Ideal for those seeking a short, high-quality wine tasting with local snacks in a welcoming environment.
7. Valle D’Itria: Oil & Wine Tasting with Aperitivo Pugliese
Number 7 combines a guided tasting of local olive oils and wines with a Puglian aperitivo, all in a private olive grove or stone courtyard. During 2 hours, you’ll learn how to recognize quality oils and sample three wines with local finger foods.
This experience is praised for its informative guidance and the relaxing setting, especially at sunset. Guests appreciate the personal attention and the authentic flavors.
Bottom line: For a comprehensive taste of Puglia’s culinary traditions in a peaceful environment, this tour offers great value.
8. Martina Franca: Wine & Local Products Tasting
Number 8 offers a wine tasting in Martina Franca, pairing local wines with regional products like cheeses and charcuterie. Lasting about 1.5 hours, this experience is valued for its scenic vineyard views and the opportunity to learn about local wine-making.
While the rating is 4.1/5 from 31 reviews, it remains a solid choice for travelers interested in sampling regional flavors with a relaxed pace.
Bottom line: Good for a casual, scenic tasting that supports local producers.
9. Tenute Girolamo: Winery tour and VIP tasting in the Itria Valley
Number 9 is a 3-hour VIP experience at Tenute Girolamo. It includes a guided tour and a seven-wine tasting with light lunch, offering a luxurious look into the winery’s best products. This is perfect for serious wine lovers wanting to deepen their understanding of the region’s top-tier wines.
The positive reviews highlight the expert guidance and the quality of wines. The addition of a light meal makes it a more comprehensive tasting.
Bottom line: Best suited for connoisseurs or travelers wanting an exclusive experience.
10. Aperitif at the Frantoio Rosso Ipogeo: history and authentic flavors of Puglia
Number 10 offers a 1-hour aperitif inside a cave—the only spot in the Itria Valley with this feature. The Fossil-filled ceilings add to the authenticity of this guided tour, which ends with regional wines and flavors.
While reviews aren’t listed, the unique underground setting makes this a memorable experience. It’s perfect for lovers of history, geology, and regional cuisine.
Bottom line: A distinctive, immersive way to enjoy local flavors in a truly special environment.
11. Martina Franca: Olive Oil Mill Tour & Tasting Experience
Number 11 features a 45-minute stroll through olive groves, culminating in a tasting of premium extra virgin olive oils. Visitors learn about olive oil production methods and get to sample different varieties paired with local products.
This experience appeals to those interested in olive oil craftsmanship and nature lovers wanting a brief but authentic insight into regional agriculture.
Bottom line: A perfect quick, educational activity for foodies and nature enthusiasts.
12. Puglia’s best cheeses: Visit a cheese factory and taste local cheeses
Number 12 offers a 1.5-hour visit to a cheese factory where you’ll see how burrata and other cheeses are made. The live demo and local tastings make for a delightful experience, especially for cheese lovers.
Reviews are not listed, but the interactive nature of the activity makes it suitable for families and anyone curious about cheese production.
Bottom line: Ideal for foodies, families, and those wanting to see authentic cheese-making firsthand.
13. Tenute Girolamo: Winery Tour and Deluxe Tasting in the Itria Valley
Number 13 features a 2-hour tour with a light lunch including five wines paired with regional produce. The deluxe tasting offers a comprehensive look at the winery’s best.
Guests praise the quality of the wines and the friendly, knowledgeable staff. This experience is suited for those wanting a full, indulgent wine tasting with food.
Bottom line: Excellent for wine aficionados seeking a fuller, more luxurious experience.
14. The art of cooking “al fornello” in the trullo vineyard in Martina Franca
Number 14 lets you learn traditional Trulli-style cooking with a local bracerista, focusing on Martinese bombette and other regional dishes. The experience is short—only 3 minutes—and highly focused on live cooking and tasting.
Guests rave about the authenticity and spectacular flavors. It’s perfect for foodies keen to learn regional techniques and enjoy top-quality wines alongside.
Bottom line: A condensed, interactive cooking session ideal for culinary enthusiasts.
15. Valle D’Itria: picnic in the vineyard of an ancient trullo
Rounding out the list at number 15, this 3-hour picnic experience offers a relaxing meal in a beautiful vineyard. You’ll taste regional products and local wines in an exclusive setting with breathtaking views.
Guests love the peaceful atmosphere and authentic flavors, making it a top pick for romantic outings or leisurely afternoons.
Bottom line: Ideal for those wanting a laid-back, scenic picnic with regional tastes.
How to Choose the Right Tour in Martina Franca
When selecting among these tours, consider your interests and pace. For example, if you want a romantic night out, the Dinner in the vineyard is hard to beat. For a hands-on culinary experience, the art of cooking in a Trullo offers a chance to learn regional dishes firsthand. If you’re keen on active exploration, the e-bike tour and farm visit combines scenery with wildlife encounters.
Budget-conscious travelers might prefer shorter tastings like the olive oil mill tour or the cheese factory visit. For serious wine lovers, the VIP winery tour with its extensive wine list and light lunch is unbeatable.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular experiences like the dinner under the stars or the VIP tastings. Check availability in advance to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re seeking romantic dinners, educational tastings, or hands-on cooking classes, Martina Franca offers a variety of tours that showcase its culinary gems and scenic beauty. The wine and olive oil tastings stand out for their authenticity, while activities like the e-bike countryside ride and animal visits add a lively, engaging touch.
For a truly immersive visit, consider combining a guided winery tour with a local food experience, or opt for a nightsky picnic under the stars. Whatever your interests, these tours promise a taste of regional life that will linger long after your trip ends—just remember to book early to enjoy the most coveted experiences.
