Bari: Tasting and Sunset in the Rooftop Apiary

Bari: Tasting and Sunset in the Rooftop Apiary — A Unique Blend of Nature, Food, and Culture

If you’re visiting Bari and craving a truly original experience, the Tasting and Sunset in the Rooftop Apiary offered by Imago+ might just be the highlight of your trip. This two-hour journey combines a visit to Italy’s first sustainable urban apiary in the heart of the city, with a thoughtfully curated tasting of natural wines, farm-fresh cheeses, and hive products, all set against a stunning sunset backdrop.

What sets this experience apart is the chance to connect with biodiversity in a very urban setting — a rooftop garden filled with native medicinal and aromatic plants from the Apulia region, and bees working diligently in their hives. I love how this experience highlights the symbiosis between humans, plants, and pollinators, making it a perfect blend of education and pleasure. Plus, the tasting of four artisanal wines paired with local cheeses offers a sensory journey that’s both sophisticated and accessible.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is an outdoor experience, so the ambiance and view are best enjoyed in good weather. Also, if you’re sensitive to bees or have allergies, the staff kindly ask you to disclose your allergies beforehand. While the apiary is enclosed and protected, some may want to consider this before booking. That said, the guides and sommeliers—certified by ONAF and AIS—are knowledgeable and focus on creating a safe, engaging environment.

Key points / Takeaways

• Biodiversity in the City: Experience Bari’s first urban apiary, nestled on a rooftop amid native plants, emphasizing sustainable and regenerative practices.
• Expert-Led Tasting: Led by experienced beekeepers and certified wine and cheese sommeliers, ensuring a professional yet approachable experience.
• Authentic Local Flavors: Sample cheeses from farms that raise animals in free-range conditions without lactation induction or slaughter, paired perfectly with local hive products.
• Educational and Enjoyable: Learn how bees contribute to vineyards, how cheeses re-ferment, and what it means to bottle-condition wine with honey.
• Spectacular Sunset Views: As the day winds down, enjoy the sunset illuminating the city and the apiary, creating a memorable atmosphere.
• Value for the Price: At approximately $44.41 per person, the experience offers a nice balance of quality, authenticity, and unique access that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Entering the Biodiverse Oasis: The Rooftop Botanical Garden of Imago+

Arriving at Imago+ in Bari’s lively Libertà district, I immediately appreciated the setting. It’s a cultural hub and boutique hotel, but the real treasure is the rooftop. The staff welcomes you with warm smiles, and after a quick check-in, you ascend via elevator to this green oasis.

The garden teems with native medicinal and aromatic plants from Apulia, offering a sensory feast even before tasting begins. This garden isn’t just for beauty—it’s a living laboratory showcasing sustainable practices. You’ll find herbs and flowers that have been used for centuries in local medicine and cuisine, giving you a glimpse into the region’s natural heritage.

The apiary itself is a hive of activity—literally. Imago+ is Italy’s first urban hotel with beehives, following the example set by cities like New York and Paris. The beekeepers here are passionate, and their goal is to promote sustainable beekeeping that benefits both bees and humans. The enclosed apiary is designed for safety and comfort, and guides will explain how bees are not wasps, emphasizing coexistence and respect.

What to Expect During the Experience

The tasting begins with a guided walk through the rooftop garden, where the beekeepers and sommeliers share insights about the products of the hive—honey, beeswax, pollen, and their roles in nature and food production. You’ll learn which dairy products complement hive products and how wine can be bottle-conditioned with honey to create a unique fermentation process.

The tasting itself includes four handcrafted natural wines from small artisan producers, representing Italy and beyond. These wines are selected because of their biodynamic, synergistic, and regenerative vineyard practices, giving you insight into sustainable wine-making. The wines are paired with a selection of local cheeses—ranging from soft and fresh to aged varieties—and baked goods made with ancient grains like rye and sourdough.

The cheeses are from farms that do not practice slaughtering, raising animals in free-range conditions, and avoiding lactation induction. This commitment to ethical farming makes the cheese tasting not only delicious but also aligned with the values of biodiversity and animal welfare.

Throughout the session, the guides will answer your questions about re-fermentation of wine with honey and how bees benefit nearby vineyards. It’s a chance to see how traditional practices meet contemporary sustainable agriculture, making this experience both educational and practical.

The Perfect Setting for Sunset and Connection

As the afternoon turns to evening, the sunset casts a golden glow over Bari and the rooftop garden. The atmosphere is convivial—people chat, sip wine, and savor cheese as the city’s lights begin to twinkle. This moment sums up the experience: a peaceful blend of biodiversity, local flavors, and city views that creates a memorable, almost meditative ambiance.

The experience lasts about two hours, and the relaxed pace allows for genuine interaction with guides and fellow participants. It’s suitable for those who enjoy gastronomy, nature, and learning about local sustainable practices. It might not be ideal for travelers in wheelchairs or those with bee allergies, but the guides are attentive to safety concerns.

Price and Value

At roughly $44.41 per person, this experience provides more than just a tasting. You gain insights into sustainable agriculture, sample high-quality, ethically produced foods and wines, and enjoy a sunset with views of Bari’s rooftops. The inclusion of four wines, cheeses, hive products, bread, and water makes it a well-rounded, value-packed activity.

Compared to typical wine tastings or city tours, this one offers a deep dive into local biodiversity and artisanal practices—an aspect that many other experiences overlook. If you’re someone who appreciates authentic, farm-to-table flavors mixed with an educational component, this is well worth the price.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for curious travelers who enjoy food and drink, especially those interested in sustainable practices and biodiversity. It’s also suited for nature lovers eager to see how pollinators like bees contribute to food production and vineyard health. If you’re traveling with someone who loves local cheeses or artisan wines, they’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

It’s less suited for travelers with mobility issues or severe allergies to bee stings, but the guides do their best to create a safe and inclusive environment. Those interested in culinary traditions and urban sustainability will find this experience both enriching and fun.

Final Thoughts

The Bari rooftop apiary experience offers a rare peek into the city’s natural side—right in the heart of an urban neighborhood. You’ll leave with a fuller understanding of biodiversity, a palate full of local flavors, and memories of a sunset that paints Bari in a warm glow.

It’s a delightful blend of education, taste, and scenery, making it a standout activity for those seeking a meaningful connection to place and a break from typical sightseeing. For a reasonable price, you get to explore Italy’s first urban apiary, savor exceptional wines and cheeses, and witness a sunset that’s sure to linger in your mind long after your trip.

FAQs

Is the experience suitable for children?
While the experience is primarily adult-focused due to the tasting and outdoor setting, children who are interested in nature and food might enjoy the garden and learning about bees. However, the tasting itself is aimed at adults.

Can I participate if I have allergies?
If you have allergies to bee stings, you should inform the guides beforehand. The apiary is enclosed and protected, and most bees are not wasps, but safety is a priority. Allergies to hive products like honey or pollen should also be disclosed.

How many wines are sampled during the experience?
You will taste four handcrafted natural wines, selected with care based on their characteristics and adherence to sustainable farming practices.

Are the cheeses ethically sourced?
Yes, the cheeses come from farms that raise animals in free-range conditions without lactation induction or slaughtering, aligning with ethical and sustainable practices.

Does this experience include food besides cheese?
Yes, in addition to cheeses, you’ll sample baked goods made with ancient grains and hive products like honey, pollen, and beeswax.

What should I wear?
Comfortable outdoor clothing is recommended. Avoid high heels or anything that might be unsafe on uneven surfaces. The experience is mostly outdoors, so dress for the weather.

Is it easy to get to the meeting point?
Yes, the experience begins at Imago+ in Bari’s Libertà district. It’s accessible by local transport, and from there, you take the elevator to the rooftop garden. The location is central and easy to find.

In all, this activity offers a thoughtful, sensory immersion into Bari’s natural and culinary culture—perfect for those who value authentic experiences and a touch of nature amid city life.