Private Vulture Wine Tour from MATERA with sommelier

Discover the Vulture Wine Region Outside Matera

The Private Vulture Wine Tour from Matera offers a unique opportunity to explore a little-known corner of southern Italy’s wine country. Priced at $388.35 per person and lasting approximately 8 hours, this tour provides a personalized experience that takes you away from the crowds. Led by a professional sommelier, the trip includes private transportation, visits to two boutique wineries, and tastings of six different wines—a mix of IGT, DOC, and DOCG reds, whites, and rosés.

This tour is ideal for those who appreciate expert insights and want to enjoy a relaxed, immersive experience at their own pace. While the tour is highly praised for its knowledgeable guide and stunning wine selections, some may find it less suited for those seeking a full-day sightseeing extravaganza, as it focuses primarily on wine tastings and vineyard visits.

Key Points

• Private, guided experience with an expert sommelier at the wheel
• Visits to two boutique wineries with in-depth tours of vineyards and cellars
• Tastings of six different wines, including Aglianico del Vulture and Basilicata IGT varieties
• Flexible logistics with pickup, private transportation, and WiFi onboard
• Ideal for wine enthusiasts looking for a tailored, intimate tour outside of the tourist trail
• No food included, but bottled water and all taxes are covered

Explore the Vulture Wine Country with a Sommelier Driver

This tour departs from Matera at 9:30am and offers the convenience of pickup at your hotel. Traveling in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi, you’ll enjoy the scenic drive through hills and vineyards that most visitors often miss. The private nature of the tour means your group receives personalized attention and can focus on the aspects of the region that interest you most.

The flexibility in timing allows you to soak in the landscape at a relaxed pace, with each stop lasting around 2 to 2.5 hours. This setup caters well to those who prefer a slow, in-depth exploration of the local wineries rather than rushing through multiple sites.

Visiting Cantine Re Manfredi for a Classic Vulture Experience

The first stop at Cantine Re Manfredi offers a guided tour of the vineyards and the cellar. Here, the focus is on the Re Manfredi Aglianico del Vulture DOC, a flagship red wine of the region, alongside a Bianco Basilicata IGT and Rosato Basilicata IGT. The tasting includes 3 wines, providing a solid introduction to the region’s varietals.

The winery’s setting and the guided visit give a clear look at traditional wine-making practices, while the tastings allow guests to appreciate the distinctive flavors of the area’s reds and whites. The admission is included, making this a seamless experience without additional costs.

Visiting Azienda Agricola Michele Laluce for Deeper Wine Insights

The second stop at Azienda Agricola Michele Laluce focuses on Aglianico del Vulture DOCG, the region’s most renowned red grape. Visitors tour the vineyards and aging rooms, gaining insight into the winemaking process from grape to bottle.

The tasting here features three wines: “Papavero” Aglianico del Vulture Rosato IGT, “Zimberno” Aglianico del Vulture DOC, and “Le Drude” Aglianico del Vulture DOCG. These selections showcase the variety and aging potential of Aglianico, with each offering a different perspective on the grape’s character. The guided tasting is led by knowledgeable staff, adding to the value of the experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers all fees, taxes, and bottled water, with private transportation and WiFi on board for convenience. The driver-guide is an expert sommelier, ensuring you receive insights and context about each wine and visit.

However, lunch is not included, and guests are encouraged to bring their own food or plan to purchase snacks near the wineries. Alcoholic beverages are only available during the tastings, and no additional food or drinks are part of the package unless specified.

Logistical Details and Accessibility

The tour begins promptly at 9:30am with hotel pickup, with most travelers able to participate. The experience is private, meaning only your group will be on the vehicle, providing a more relaxed environment. The most travelers can enjoy this experience, and vegetarian or vegan options are available with prior notice.

The near public transportation makes pickup straightforward, and the air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort throughout the day. Since the focus is on wine tastings and vineyard visits, guests should be prepared for some walking on uneven vineyard terrain, but overall, the activity is suitable for most.

The Guide: Knowledgeable and Passionate

According to reviews, the guide (Gaetano) is praised for prompt communication and personalized service, making the experience more engaging. The sommelier leading the tastings is described as kind, personable, and passionate, able to explain the nuances of each wine in an accessible way.

Guests appreciate the insider knowledge about the region’s winemaking traditions, which adds depth to the tasting experience. The focus on small, boutique wineries offers a more authentic view of local wine production compared to larger, commercial operations.

The Wines: A Highlight of the Tour

The wines tasted during this tour are often highlighted as a major strength. The Aglianico del Vulture wines from Zimberno and Le Drude show the variety and aging potential of the grape, with the “Le Drude” DOCG being particularly noteworthy. The white and rosé wines from Re Manfredi diversify the tasting experience.

Most reviews praise the quality and taste of the wines, emphasizing how the sommelier explains tasting notes and pairing suggestions, making the experience accessible even for those new to wine tasting.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour suits wine enthusiasts eager to explore a lesser-known Italian wine region with a knowledgeable guide. It’s also a good choice for those who prefer a private, relaxed pace and want to learn about local winemaking traditions.

While it’s not designed as a full sightseeing tour of Matera itself, it offers a distinct focus on wine that complements any visit to the area. Travelers seeking a small-group experience with personalized attention will find this tour particularly appealing.

Final Thoughts on the Private Vulture Wine Tour from Matera

The Private Vulture Wine Tour delivers a focused, educational, and personalized look at a hidden wine gem in southern Italy. The expert sommelier guide, combined with visits to two boutique wineries, offers a balanced mix of vineyard exploration and tastings.

While it may lack lunch or extensive sightseeing, the quality of the wine experience and the intimate setting compensate. This tour is well suited for serious wine lovers or those curious about Aglianico and regional Italian wines in a less commercial setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of this tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting at 9:30am with hotel pickup and ending in the early evening.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Yes, vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request when booking.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. Guests should plan to bring their own snacks or purchase food during breaks.

What wines are tasted during the tour?
Six wines are sampled: Re Manfredi Aglianico del Vulture DOC, Basilicata IGT whites and rosés, and Zimberno and Le Drude Aglianico del Vulture DOC and DOCG.

Is transportation private?
Yes, transportation is private, with a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and WiFi onboard.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.