Featured in Forbes & GQ • PhD-Guided Experiences

Private Wine Tours & Authentic Experiences in Salento, Puglia

Discover the soul of Southern Italy through exclusive wine tours, cooking classes, and coastal journeys — guided by Dr. Stefano Spagnolo, PhD Wine Scientist and Biochemist with three generations of Puglian winemaking heritage.

Dr. Stefano Spagnolo, PhD Wine Scientist and biochemist, guiding a private wine tasting experience in Salento
Ph.D. Wine Scientist, Biochemist & Founder

Dr. Stefano Spagnolo

I don't just show you Puglia; I let you breathe it. My mission is to bypass mass tourism and lead you into the private cellars, sun-drenched vineyards, and hidden coastal gems where the true soul of Salento resides. Every journey is a bespoke, terroir-driven experience rooted in decades of scientific expertise and generational family traditions.

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Bespoke Wine Tours & Authentic Salento Experiences

Choose your journey: private winery tours through indigenous vineyards, intimate tastings in a historic Lecce garden, farm-to-table home cooking with a biochemist, or coastal explorations of Puglia's most breathtaking seaside villages.

Recognized by Forbes & GQ

Salento Wine Tour and Dr. Stefano Spagnolo have been featured by leading international media as one of the most authentic, PhD-guided wine experiences in Southern Italy.

GQ Magazine logo – featuring Salento Wine Tour as one of the most authentic wine experiences in Southern Italy

One of the most authentic wine experiences in Southern Italy.

Read on GQ
Forbes Magazine logo – recognizing Stefano Spagnolo as a leading authority on Puglian wines and terroir

Discover the soul of Puglia with the expert Stefano Spagnolo.

Read on Forbes

What Our Guests Say

Join over 48 travelers from around the world who have experienced the authentic soul of Salento with Dr. Stefano Spagnolo.

"Stefano's scientific perspective on winemaking transformed how I understand Primitivo and Negroamaro. This wasn't just a tasting — it was a masterclass in terroir. The best private wine tour in Puglia, hands down."

— Sarah M., United States

"The highlight of our stay in Lecce! Stefano welcomed us into his home like family and taught us traditional Puglian recipes we'll treasure forever. The handmade orecchiette was incredible and the Primitivo pairings were perfect."

— TripAdvisor Review

"Fantastic tour with stunning coastal scenery. Stefano's English is excellent, and his passion and deep knowledge of the region's history and culture shine through. The seafood lunch with local Primitivo was unforgettable."

— Airbnb Guest

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our private experiences in Salento.

What experiences does Salento Wine Tour offer?

We offer four exclusive private experiences in Salento: Full Immersion Wine Tours visiting 3 family wineries with Primitivo and Negroamaro tastings; Secret Garden Wine Tastings in a private Lecce courtyard; Home Cooking Classes learning handmade orecchiette and traditional Puglian recipes; and Coastal Tours exploring Otranto, Gallipoli, Leuca, and Castro with seafood lunch and wine pairings.

Who is Dr. Stefano Spagnolo?

Dr. Stefano Spagnolo is a PhD Wine Scientist and Biochemist with a degree from the University of Siena. Former IBM and CNR researcher, he specializes in native Puglian yeasts and molecular traceability of wines. He has been featured in Forbes and GQ as one of the most authentic wine guides in Southern Italy, bringing scientific expertise combined with three generations of family winemaking tradition.

How does the pay-at-the-end policy work?

No deposit or credit card is required upfront. You book via WhatsApp and pay in cash only at the end of your experience, and only if you are completely satisfied with the tour, the wines tasted, the food served, and the overall experience. Free cancellation is available anytime before the tour.

Are the tours suitable for beginners or only wine experts?

All our experiences are designed for every level, from curious beginners to serious wine connoisseurs. Dr. Spagnolo adapts the narrative to your interests and knowledge, explaining wine science in accessible terms while providing depth for those with more experience. Whether you're new to wine or an enthusiast, you'll gain unique insights into Salento's terroir and indigenous grape varieties.

Ready to Discover the Soul of Salento?

Book your private experience today. No deposit required. Pay only at the end, and only if you're completely satisfied.

Book Instantly via WhatsApp

Fast response in English · Usually replies within minutes · Free cancellation anytime