by Serena Curto
Forget city rooftops – in Puglia, aperitifs are best enjoyed in the countryside. Among rows of vines, dry stone walls, flourishing vegetable gardens, and sometimes even ancient trulli. From the coast near Bari to the gentle hills of the Itria Valley, more and more places are offering the chance to sip excellent local wines, sample extra virgin olive oil, and nibble on seasonal dishes – all surrounded by nature. Here are the best spots for a countryside aperitif in Puglia.
Otracosa Agricultural Food Truck
The first agricultural food truck made in Puglia. Born from an idea by Isa and Federico, who brought good food, wine – but most of all, relaxation and fun – to the countryside between Ceglie and Cisternino. Dozens and dozens of olive trees, red soil, and colourful vintage decor. Every day kicks off with an aperitif – or rather, the Otraperitif: a selection of local cured meats, cheeses from traditional farms, baked goods, and a vegetarian option. Try the DIY “sponzafrisa” kit to season your own frisa, or the citedda (a water-soaked bread salad with watermelon, red onion and tomato). Live music and trulli in the background complete the experience.
SP 16 towards Cisternino 72013 – Ceglie Messapica (BR); [email protected]; Instagram
Giardini Pistola
Four hectares of terraced gardens in the Itria Valley, where you can wander through lush green mazes, walk alongside water canals and zucchini tunnels, or pick flowers in the cutting garden. All you need is a garden day pass for a taste of their aperitif, with one drink included and the option to add extra snacks from the Farm Shop. Don’t miss their picnic or Sunset Live Music events, which begin with a blanket on the grass, a small wooden table and a spectacular hillside view. Choose from seasonal menus, gourmet sandwiches or salads, along with a drink, all to the sound of live acoustic sets.
Strada Provinciale 1, Canale di Pirro – 72015 Fasano (Brindisi); Tel. 327 1092505; [email protected]; Website
Agricola Depalo
Family-run for three generations, Agricola Depalo sits in the countryside of Contrada Cafaro in Giovinazzo, near Bari. In summer, it hosts the “Aperitivo tra gli ulivi” (Aperitif among the olive trees): under the shade of centuries-old olive trees, enjoy platters with capocollo from Martina Franca, local pizzella, Altamura bread bruschetta with preserves, cialledda, taralli, chocolate chip bread and extra virgin olive oil. Tastings of the farm’s three oils (from native cultivars like Coratina and Ogliarola Barese) are also available. Sip wine by the glass or bottle, and enjoy live music performances with a rotating roster of artists.Contrada Cafaro, 70054 –
Giovinazzo (Bari); Tel. 331 6443874; [email protected]; Instagram
St’orto Bari
In the garden of Casale Pontrelli, St’orto has just opened: a wine, cocktail & bites bar born from the vision of young entrepreneurs. Hay bales, colourful cushions and red or blue checked tablecloths set a rustic scene. Chef Angela D’Errico serves small plates, natural wines and creative cocktails. It’s all about natural sipping and snacking: garden pickles, dukkah made from vegetable peels with miso mayo, wood-fired porchetta tacos, vegan croque monsieur, and buns filled with bombetta and fermented sauerkraut.
Via Ognissanti, 70010 – Capurso (Bari); Tel. 080 8807177; Open Wednesday to Sunday from 19:00; Instagram
Masseria Montenapoleone
In the enchanting plain of olive trees in Fasano, this 17th-century farmhouse is the epitome of countryside chic. Vintage furnishings frame postcard-worthy scenes: the vineyard, the ancient portico, the almond grove. Now a favourite with tourists (and locals), their vineyard aperitif includes a specially curated setup and a gourmet tasting of 10 finger foods by the house chef. Zero-kilometre products are paired with their own Susumaniello Primi Passi wine and signature cocktails made with house-pressed grape juice. For even more intimacy, opt for their picnic set up in one of the secluded green areas, offering organic local products in perfect harmony with nature.
C.da Bicocca (Via delle Croci), no. 8 – 72010 Pezze di Greco (Brindisi); Tel. +39 338 777 41 82; [email protected]; Instagram
Bufano Wine
Just outside the historic centre of Locorotondo – the famously circular village – the Bufano vineyard lies across traditional terraced fields dotted with roses. These roses infuse the grapes with aromas and notes that come through in their wines and sparkling wines. Every day, visitors can enjoy the vineyard by purchasing a bottle to drink on-site, accompanied by traditional appetisers from the estate’s kitchen or the welcome stall at the entrance.
Terraces of Via Nardelli, Locorotondo; Tel. 351 191 4601; [email protected]; Website; Instagram
Walking Wine
Walking Wine brings the best of Puglian drinking culture to three wheels. Their vintage ape calessino pops up in squares, scenic spots and charming corners all over. As every summer, their calendar is packed: until September, they host the “Divine Monday” happy hour – from 19:00 to 20:30 – in their Ostuni wine shop, with tastings of local wines and sample snacks. Groups of 6 or more can enjoy a bucolic picnic under ancient olive trees: cushions, rugs, great food and wine served straight from the ape. Throughout summer, for a small fee, you can walk the medieval peri-urban gardens just below Ostuni’s old town and enjoy a “Bio-diverse Aperitif” with organic Solequo products and Walking Wine bottles, in collaboration with local chefs.
Via Dott. Angelo Tanzarella, 16 – 72017 Ostuni (Brindisi); Tel. 340 7678217 / 347 6160297; [email protected]; Instagram
Orto Giardino Puro Ostuni
“The taste of Puglia in one plate” – that’s their motto, and it holds true. At the foot of the white town of Ostuni, surrounded by nature in the Puro Ostuni Garden, you can enjoy an aperitif that celebrates love for the land. Think hay bales, crochet white tablecloths, and fresh burrata, homemade focaccia, marinated courgettes and vegetable frittatas. Plus crostoni with local cold cuts and cheeses, aubergine parmigiana, Puglian caponata, and seasonal pickled vegetables. Simple, honest flavours, ideal with their anguriata cocktail – made with their own watermelon, prosecco, and sugar syrup.
Via Peppino Orlando, Ostuni, Italy; Tel. 377 022 5428; [email protected]; Instagram
Agrobistrot
In the heart of the Dune Costiere Regional Natural Park, among millennia-old olive trees, lies this fully organic farmhouse. Whether on the lawn or by the pool, produce from the garden and farm becomes the heart of the aperitif: organic cheeses and jams, artisan panzerottini, and barattieri melons. Wines, drinks and live music carry the mood into the evening. The vast green spaces are ideal for family gatherings with zero-kilometre parties, agromusic nights and traditional village feasts.
Via Case Sparse, Speziale (Brindisi); [email protected]; Tel. 388 8140350; Instagram
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