Food and Wine Tour between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples

Key Points

• Affordable Price: The tour costs $49.79 per person and offers a comprehensive cultural and culinary experience.
• Duration: Lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, making it a manageable and engaging activity.
• Unique Location: Starts at Viale Aldo Moro, 6 in Matera, with sightseeing at the Parco della Murgia Materana and MOOM.
• Authentic Food: Includes tasting Matera bread, la cialledda—a traditional dish—and regional Primitivo wine.
• Cultural Atmosphere: Features pop music, local instruments, and a lively, hands-on preparation of dishes in a rustic setting.
• Private Experience: This is a private tour ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.

Exploring the Food and Wine Journey in Matera

The Food and Wine Tour between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples offers an inviting glimpse into Matera’s culinary traditions with a modest price tag of $49.79 per person. With a duration of around 2 to 3 hours, this tour balances culture and relaxed tasting sessions, ideal for those seeking an authentic taste of Lucanian land without dedicating an entire day. The tour’s private nature ensures a personalized experience, making it especially suitable for small groups or couples.

Starting at Viale Aldo Moro, 6, the tour begins with a small breakfast under the patriarch olive tree, offering an immediate connection to the region’s olive-growing heritage. The location near public transportation makes it accessible, and the mobile ticket format provides convenience. Although the tour is generally well-rated at 5.0/5 from 20 reviews, some past feedback mentions a less structured experience, so expectations should align with a flexible, guided walk rather than a highly scripted activity.

Significance of the Parco della Murgia Materana

A key highlight is the visit to the Parco della Murgia Materana, a breathtaking natural area renowned for its caverns and ancient farmstead ruins. This stop offers travelers a chance to stroll through the countryside of the Materan Murgia, where they are led through caverns of an old farmhouse. Here, the guide explains how extra virgin olive oil is produced from centuries-old olive trees, adding depth to the tasting experience.

This part of the tour emphasizes local heritage, blending nature, history, and agriculture. The visit to the park also sets the stage for tasting fresh bread baked in an old wood-burning oven, seasoned with olive oil from the same ancient trees. The walk through the park is manageable at about 2 hours, making it suitable for most fitness levels, with admission free for the park.

The Experience of Tasting Matera Bread and “La Cialledda”

One of the tour’s culinary highlights is the hands-on preparation of “la cialledda”, a traditional dish of Matera. The tour features cooking in a laboratory setting, where participants prepare this rustic dish that narrates the story of hardiness and local flavor. The stale bread of Matera is combined with vegetables and salads from Lucania, creating a dish that is both simple and steeped in local tradition.

The bread tasting involves freshly baked Matera bread from a wood-fired oven, seasoned with extra virgin olive oil obtained from centuries-old olive trees. These experiences provide a tangible connection to the land and its history. The shared meal is accompanied by Primitivo wine and a selection of product from the Lucanian Slow Food Presidium, including Baked olives from Ferrandina, Caciocavallo Podolico, and Pezzente salami from the Matera mountains.

The Cultural Soundscape: Music and Songs of Matera

Adding to the sensory experience, the tour incorporates local music and songs that echo the Musical traditions of Matera. The lively pop instruments and traditional songs create an authentic, festive atmosphere during the meal. This element helps deepen the culture, making the experience more than just a food tasting but a celebration of local heritage.

The Route and Key Stops: From Nature to Heritage

While the main focus is on culinary traditions, the tour’s route includes a brief visit to the MOOM, a notable heritage site. Although primarily a walk through the countryside of the Materan Murgia, the tour emphasizes scenery, history, and local craftsmanship. The passive visit to MOOM complements the overall narrative but is not deeply detailed in the itinerary.

The walk through the ancient olive groves is a highlight, with centuries-old olive trees serving as a backdrop for tasting and learning. The caverns of an old farmhouse reveal historical practices, giving a sense of continuity between past and present.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Accessibility

The tour departs from Viale Aldo Moro, 6, in Matera, making it easy for visitors to locate and access. It ends back at the starting point, ensuring convenience for those with tight schedules or nearby accommodations. The activity is most suitable for all travelers, with service animals allowed and near public transportation options.

Booking typically occurs 27 days in advance, reflecting steady interest. The tour’s free cancellation policy offers flexibility, with refunds available if canceled at least 24 hours in advance. However, the activity is weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor weather are handled with rescheduling or full refunds.

Strengths and Limitations of the Tour

The most praised aspects of this experience include the authentic food, regional wines, and the opportunity to learn about local agricultural practices firsthand. The inclusion of live music and hands-on cooking enhances the culture.

However, some past feedback indicates that the guide may not follow a strict script, leading to a less detailed or structured experience for some participants. There was also a mention of a less positive experience involving a guide’s personal olive farm and a slice of bread, but this appears to be an isolated incident and not representative of the overall quality.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour appeals most to food lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and those interested in local traditions. It offers a relaxed pace, making it suitable for most ages and fitness levels, and focuses on authentic regional flavors rather than commercialized tasting rooms. The private setting makes it ideal for small groups seeking a personalized experience.

Final Thoughts on the Matera Food and Wine Tour

The Food and Wine Tour between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples provides a rich taste of Matera’s culinary heritage, combining local bread, traditional dishes, regional wines, and cultural music. Its affordability, combined with the authentic hands-on experiences, makes it a compelling choice for visitors eager to connect with the land and its history.

While the experience might vary depending on the guide’s style and weather conditions, the focus on local ingredients and traditional preparation ensures that most participants leave with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for Matera’s gastronomic identity.

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy culinary storytelling, cultural excursions, and outdoor walking, all within a manageable timeframe. For those seeking a personalized, immersive taste of Matera, this activity offers genuine regional flavors and stories that linger long after the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $49.79 per person.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins and ends at Viale Aldo Moro, 6 in Matera.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, and the activity is generally accessible.

Are there vegetarian options?
Vegetarian options are not specifically mentioned, but the focus on vegetables and salads suggests flexibility.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.

Is this a private or group experience?
This is a private tour, allowing for a personalized experience.

What attractions does the tour visit?
It visits the Parco della Murgia Materana and includes culinary stops with local bread, dishes, and wine.

Are children allowed?
While not explicitly mentioned, the activity seems suitable for most ages given its outdoor and culinary nature.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and an appetite for authentic Materan flavors.