Polignano a Mare is famous for its stunning cliffs, clear waters, and charming old town, but it’s also a fantastic place to explore local wines and culinary traditions. Whether you want to savor regional flavors on foot, relax aboard a private boat, or enjoy a festive holiday meal, this seaside town offers a little something for every wine and food lover. Among the options we highlight, the Street Food Tour with Tastings and Wine stands out for its lively mix of flavors, while the Private Cruise with Champagne lets you experience the coast from the water in style. For those interested in local cooking traditions, the Cooking Class and Christmas Lunch provides a memorable hands-on experience. Lastly, the Puglian Dinner with Wine and Limoncello offers a cozy evening of excellent food paired with regional drinks.
Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these four top-rated wine and food experiences, helping you decide which one best matches your trip style and interests.
1. Polignano a Mare: Street Food Tour with Tastings and Wine
This lively 2.5-hour guided street food tour combines delicious tastings with local wines, making it a fantastic intro to Polignano’s culinary scene. The tour begins at Pugliamare and includes stops where you’ll try regional specialties like focaccia, panzerotto, and burrata, all paired with regional wines. Your guide, often a chef or someone with deep local knowledge, shares stories about Polignano’s history and food traditions as you explore the old town and its panoramic terraces.
What makes this tour special is the balance of walking, tasting, and learning—perfect for those who want a taste of everything in a short time. The panoramic terrace stop offers a stunning view of the town, adding a memorable backdrop to your food experience. The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with a 4.9/5 rating from 130 visitors who appreciated the friendly guides and the authentic flavors.
The price of around $57 includes multiple tastings, making it good value considering the quality and local insight you get. It’s ideal for foodies or first-time visitors who want an energetic, well-rounded introduction.
Bottom line: If you love sampling local dishes and wine in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, this tour is hard to beat.
2. Polignano a Mare: Private Cruise with Champagne
For around 2 to 8 hours, this luxury private boat cruise offers an intimate way to enjoy Polignano’s stunning coast. The experience begins at Calaponte Marina, where you’ll set out on a motorboat with your skipper and crew, exploring the coast’s most fascinating caves, like Grotta Azzurra and Grotta delle Rondinelle.
What makes this tour stand out is its exclusivity. You enjoy panoramic water views of the iconic white cliffs while sipping champagne and sampling regional snacks on board. The itinerary includes stops for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in crystal-clear waters—perfect for travelers who want a private escape.
The reviews give it a 4.8/5 rating, with many noting how the knowledgeable crew creates a laid-back, unforgettable atmosphere. The variety of included activities—like sightseeing, tasting local snacks, and swimming—adds great value, especially considering the flexibility of the duration.
This tour suits travelers seeking a romantic or family-friendly day at sea, with plenty of opportunities for photos and quiet moments. Keep in mind that this is a more costly option but well worth it for a special occasion.
Bottom line: If a private, luxurious boat experience with champagne and coastal caves appeals, this tour offers a truly memorable day on the water.
3. Polignano a Mare: Cooking Class and Typical Christmas Lunch with Wine Included
This 4-hour hands-on cooking class immerses you in authentic Apulian cuisine, culminating in a festive Christmas lunch with regional wine and limoncello. The class starts with making fresh pasta under the guidance of a local chef, who shares tips and stories about holiday traditions in Puglia. After cooking, everyone sits down together in a warm, family-style setting to enjoy the meal, which includes a Christmas-themed menu featuring local specialties.
What makes this experience unique is the focus on culture and family-friendly festivities—perfect for travelers who want to experience holiday traditions firsthand. The included wine and limoncello enhance the convivial atmosphere, while the cozy historic location adds charm. Though the price isn’t listed, it’s clear this experience offers great value as a full-day culinary celebration.
This tour is highly recommended for food and culture lovers who enjoy hands-on activities and festive settings. It’s especially appealing if you’re visiting during the holiday season.
Bottom line: For a rich, authentic Christmas experience combined with delicious food and wine, this cooking class offers a warm, engaging way to connect with local traditions.
4. POLIGNANO: Puglian Dinner with Wine and Limoncello
This 2-hour dinner experience provides a cozy evening of traditional Puglian cuisine in a charming garden setting. The menu features antipasto, homemade pasta, and a main course tailored to your preferences—meat, fish, or vegetarian. As you dine, you’ll sip regional wine, limoncello, and coffee, creating a complete taste of southern Italy in a relaxed atmosphere.
What makes this dinner special is the live cooking aspect and the intimate, private setting, ideal for couples or small groups. The experience emphasizes authentic local flavors and convivial conversation. Reviews are generally positive, highlighting the friendly service and quality of food.
While the price isn’t specified, the value lies in the combination of excellent food, regional drinks, and a relaxed environment. It’s perfect for those seeking a casual but memorable evening.
Bottom line: If you prefer a private, intimate dinner with regional wines in a charming garden, this experience offers a relaxed way to enjoy Puglia’s culinary richness.
How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Polignano a Mare
When deciding between these options, consider your travel style and priorities. Want a quick, flavorful introduction? The Street Food Tour is perfect. Craving a luxurious day at sea? The Private Cruise delivers personalized elegance. Looking for culture and holiday cheer? The Christmas Cooking Class offers festive fun. For a cozy evening, the Puglian Dinner provides a charming finale to any day.
Think about your budget, how much time you want to spend, and whether you prefer active, relaxed, or festive experiences. Booking early is advised, especially in peak season, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Polignano a Mare offers a variety of wine-related experiences, from lively street food walks to intimate boat cruises and festive dinners. For those who love tasting regional foods with a good glass of wine, the Street Food Tour is a great choice. If you’re looking for luxury and privacy, the Private Cruise delivers in style. For a family-friendly holiday celebration, the Christmas Cooking Class adds a warm, cultural touch, while the cozy Puglian dinner rounds out the options with a relaxed, authentic meal.
Whatever your style, booking early ensures you’ll secure a spot in these popular experiences. Polignano a Mare’s food and wine scene is rich and inviting—so get ready to enjoy the flavors of southern Italy at their best.
