Private Vulture Wine Tour from MATERA with sommelier

A genuine look at the Private Vulture Wine Tour from Matera with a sommelier

If you’re planning to explore Italy’s less-traveled wine regions, this private tour of Vulture near Matera might catch your eye. It’s designed for those who want a personalized experience, combining expert guidance with visits to boutique wineries. While not the cheapest option, it offers a chance to taste some truly local wines and learn about a part of Italy that’s often overlooked by travelers.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the personalized service—a dedicated sommelier driver takes care of logistics, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery and wines. Plus, visiting two wineries means you’ll get a sense of the region’s diversity in wine styles, from reds to whites and rosés. On the flip side, the price point is somewhat steep, especially considering the tour lasts around eight hours and only includes tastings, not a full meal.

This tour seems best suited for wine enthusiasts who want a relaxed, curated experience without the hassle of planning multiple visits or navigating unfamiliar territory. If you’re someone who values expert insights and exclusive access, this could be a good fit. But if your main goal is to explore Matera’s city sights, this might feel a bit disconnected from that experience.

Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with an expert sommelier guiding the way
• Visits to two boutique wineries for in-depth tours and tastings
• Focus on the Vulture wine region, often off tourist radar
• Includes transportation, tastings, and insider insights — all in one package
• Cost is higher but reflects exclusivity and guided access
• Suitable for those interested in wine, local culture, and relaxed touring

Discovering the Vulture Wine Region

The Vulture area outside Matera offers a different side of Italy’s wine scene—less crowded, more authentic, and home to unique varieties like Aglianico and others in IGT and DOC classifications. You’ll love the way this tour takes you beyond the typical tourist spots, into the heart of vineyards and cellars where stories of local winemaking unfold.

The tour starts around 9:30 am, with a pickup from your accommodation, making logistics straightforward. You’ll be driven in an air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, so it’s comfortable from start to finish. Having a sommelier as your driver and guide means you’re not only being driven but also gaining valuable insights into each wine and the region’s history, culture, and winemaking techniques.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Cantine Re Manfredi

Your first stop is at Cantine Re Manfredi, a vineyard and cellar where you’ll get a guided look at how their wines are produced. Expect to see the vineyards firsthand and visit the aging rooms, which are always more interesting than just tasting. The guided tasting here includes three wines: Re Manfredi Aglianico del Vulture DOC, Il Manfredi Bianco Basilicata IGT, and Il Manfredi Rosato Basilicata IGT.

This part of the tour lasts about two hours, giving you enough time to soak in the atmosphere, ask questions, and really savor each sip. The reviews here hint that this is a highlight for many—“Gaetano, our guide, was very attentive and passionate,” one reviewer shared, emphasizing the importance of knowledgeable guides.

Stop 2: Azienda Agricola Michele Laluce

Next, you’ll visit Michele Laluce’s winery, which features a slightly longer visit of about two and a half hours. You’ll explore the vineyards and cellar once again, with a guided tasting of three wines: “Papavero” Aglianico del Vulture Rosato IGT, “Zimberno” Aglianico del Vulture DOC, and “Le Drude” Aglianico del Vulture DOCG.

This visit offers a broader tasting experience, from rosato to DOCG wines—meaning you’ll get to appreciate the spectrum of what this small but interesting region produces. The reviews are glowing, with one describing the tour as “one of the best wine experiences” they’ve ever had in Italy, thanks to the knowledgeable staff and beautiful wines.

What the Experience Includes and What to Expect

The tour price of $388.35 per person covers a lot of ground. Private transportation and an air-conditioned vehicle make the day comfortable, especially since you’ll be on the road for about eight hours, including travel time. WiFi on board ensures you can share photos or stay connected.

The guided tastings include six glasses of wine, paired with bottled water to stay refreshed. All fees and taxes are included, so there are no surprises. The experience is exclusive, meaning your group will be the only participants—perfect if you’re craving privacy and personalized attention.

However, food and lunch are not included. While the tour doesn’t specify any meal arrangements, you might want to plan for a light snack or bring your own, especially if you’re sensitive to alcohol or want to pace your tastings.

The Reviews Speak Volumes

While the overall rating is 3.7 out of 5, the actual feedback paints a clearer picture. One reviewer, Jordanmojka, shared that everything started great with prompt pickup and thorough communication, especially important for honeymooners or special occasions. They appreciated the personal touch but didn’t elaborate on any negatives, suggesting a generally positive experience.

Maxine_M described the guide as “very informative and personable,” which is exactly what you want from a guided tour. Timothy_S went further, calling it “one of the best wine experiences” they’ve had in Italy and noting how relaxed and worry-free the day was, thanks to the organization.

On the flip side, some reviews may not be available or detailed, but the majority lean toward the positive, especially emphasizing the knowledgeable guides and good wine variety.

Practical Considerations

• The tour is best suited for those interested in wine tasting and learning about local varieties.
• The length and pace make it ideal for travelers wanting a full day focused on regional wine, without feeling rushed.
• Since it’s a private experience, it’s perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone who values exclusivity.
• Be aware that the price is on the higher side, but the private guide, tastings, and transport are all included, which may justify the cost for some.
• Vegetarian or vegan options are available upon request—just remember to specify at booking.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This is a great choice if you’re genuinely passionate about wine and want a curated, intimate experience. It’s also suitable if you prefer to explore beyond typical tourist sites, as the Vulture region is still somewhat under the radar. The guided approach, combined with insider insights, suits travelers who appreciate educational moments along with tasting.

If you’re traveling with a partner or a small group that shares an interest in wine, this will likely be a memorable highlight of your trip. But if your primary goal is to visit Matera’s historic city center or Sassi, this tour might be a bit disconnected from that focus.

Final thoughts

This private Vulture wine tour offers a focused, relaxed way to really understand a niche Italian wine region. The combination of expert guidance, scenic vineyard visits, and quality tastings makes it a compelling option for wine lovers wanting a personalized experience. The higher price tag is a reflection of the exclusivity and depth of the experience, but for those seeking a curated day with knowledgeable guides, it can be well worth it.

If you’re looking for a way to combine scenic views, regional culture, and some of Italy’s hidden wine treasures, this tour stands out as a thoughtful choice. Just keep in mind the cost and the focus on wine—if your heart is set on sightseeing Matera itself, consider balancing this with other city explorations.

FAQ

Is this tour private?
Yes, this is exclusively for your group, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 8 hours, including travel time between wineries and sightseeing.

Are meals included?
No, lunch and additional food are not included, but tastings of six wines are.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample a total of six wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, from both DOC and IGT categories.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, private, air-conditioned transportation with WiFi is included.

Can I request vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes, vegetarian or vegan options are available if you specify at booking.

Is there a guide with wine expertise?
Absolutely, a sommelier guides the tastings and provides insights into the region’s wines and culture.

What is the cost?
It is approximately $388.35 per person, which covers tastings, transportation, and guide services.

Is this suitable for children or families?
The tour is designed for adult participants interested in wine; children are not specifically catered to and may not find this experience engaging.

Can I cancel?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour, with a full refund.

All in all, if you’re after an intimate, educational look at the wine of Vulture, this tour offers a well-structured, comfortable way to indulge your curiosity and palate.