Just a short walk from the dunes and the Ionian Sea, San Pietro in Bevagna, in the Manduria countryside, hosts a day that begins with the soil. Terra Rossa – Le Radici del Primitivo invites you to understand one of Puglia's most beloved red wines by starting from where it grows.
Where the Red Earth Meets the Sea
The name says it all. The rust-coloured soil of this corner of Puglia gives Primitivo di Manduria its depth and warmth.
Here the landscape is low, bright and breezy, with vineyards, Mediterranean scrub and the sea never far away. It is a setting where wine, nature and history feel like parts of the same story.
A Day Between Garden, Masseria and Glass
This is not a classic wine fair. The programme weaves together workshops, guided visits to the botanical garden and a tour of the Masseria Marina, before turning to the table.
Walking through the garden is a gentle way to meet the plants and biodiversity that surround the vines. Then the masseria adds the human layer: the buildings, the rural history and the rhythms of farm life that shaped this territory.
- Hands-on workshops that make the world of Primitivo easier to grasp, even if you are new to wine
- Botanical garden walks with a guide to explain local flora and biodiversity
- A visit to the historic masseria, a rare look at the architecture of the Puglian countryside
- Food and wine tastings that pair the region's flavours with the wine of Manduria
What to Taste, What to Savour
Primitivo is generous, fruity and sun-soaked, and it shines next to simple local food. Expect tastings that connect the glass to the land it comes from.
Take your time with each pour. Notice the colour, the dark-fruit aroma and the warmth that lingers, then ask the people behind the wine how the vineyard and the season shape it.
Tips for Making the Most of It
Wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, since the garden and the masseria are explored outdoors. A light layer helps when the sea breeze picks up in the evening.
The day works well for couples, friends and families with children, as the mix of walking, learning and tasting keeps the pace relaxed. Children will enjoy the garden, while adults can focus on the wine.
Extend Your Stay on the Ionian Coast
Combine the event with a swim on the long, sandy shoreline nearby, where dunes and shallow water make for a lazy afternoon. In the area you can also explore the town of Manduria, known for its wine heritage and its ancient Messapian walls.
A little further along the coast, Torre Colimena and its salt pans offer wide skies and good light for photographs. Finish the day with a slow aperitivo by the sea, and you will have seen Primitivo from root to glass.