Matera: Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience with Food Pairings

If you’re heading to Basilicata and want to taste what makes Matera special beyond its famous Sassi, this wine tasting experience offers an authentic glimpse into the region’s viticultural traditions. Led by a seasoned sommelier, you’ll explore four carefully selected regional wines, each telling its own story of terroir, tradition, and innovation. The experience also includes thoughtfully curated food pairings, making it a well-rounded journey into Matera’s culinary soul. It’s a solid choice for those eager to deepen their understanding of local wines while enjoying a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

What I particularly love about this experience is the expert guidance—the sommelier’s insights make each sip meaningful and memorable. Plus, the carefully curated food pairings elevate the tasting, allowing you to savor flavors that complement the wines perfectly. On the flip side, it’s a relatively short experience at 1.5 hours, which might leave some craving a bit more time to explore or chat.

A possible consideration is that this tour is quite focused—if you’re after a broader food or cultural tour, you might prefer to combine it with other activities. But if your main goal is to enjoy excellent regional wines with local food in a relaxed setting, this experience hits the spot.

Key Points to Take Away

• Authentic Matera wines: The selection showcases the region’s diverse viticultural heritage, from bold reds to crisp whites.
• Insightful guidance: The knowledgeable sommelier, Stefano, is praised for charming and educational presentation.
• Food pairings elevate the tasting: Artisanal breads, local meats, oils, and cheeses enhance each wine’s flavor.
• Value for the price: At around $80, it’s a solid investment for an intimate, guided tasting with food in a culturally rich setting.
• Flexibility & convenience: Reserve now, pay later, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
• Personalized experience: Small group setting ensures personalized attention, making it both educational and enjoyable.

This tour, offered by Naples Together, is designed to give you a focused, engaging taste of Matera’s regional wines. Starting with a relaxed introduction, you’ll be guided through four wines—reds, whites, and rosé—that highlight the region’s variety. The sommelier, likely Stefano based on reviews, delivers insights into grape varietals, aging techniques, and what makes Matera’s terroir uniquely suited to wine production.

What makes this experience stand out is how well it balances education with enjoyment. You’re not just sipping blindly; you’re learning about each wine’s story, its place in Matera’s culture, and how it pairs with local flavors. The food, which includes locally sourced oils, cheeses, and meats, is thoughtfully selected to complement each wine, making every sip and bite part of a bigger picture of regional authenticity.

The setting itself feels intimate and welcoming—small groups, personal interaction, and a guide who genuinely seems passionate about sharing Matera’s wine heritage. Visitors often remark on the guide’s charm and expertise, making the experience feel less like a tourist trap and more like a friendly gathering of like-minded wine lovers.

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it an ideal activity for an early evening or as a relaxed break from sightseeing. You’ll start at a designated meeting point, where the guide—probably Stefano—welcomes you and explains the layout of the tasting. Expect to sample several varieties of regional wines, moving from the lighter, crisp whites to more robust reds and delicate rosés.

Each wine is presented with detailed notes about its origin, grape composition, and aging process. The reviews highlight that Stefano is both knowledgeable and engaging, providing fascinating insights that go beyond just tasting. One reviewer calls him “charming and friendly,” which probably makes the experience all the more memorable.

The highlight for many is the food pairing. You’ll nibble on artisan breads and local meats while tasting the wines—these pairings are not just add-ons but carefully curated to heighten your appreciation of the wine flavors. The oils and cheeses sourced locally add a layer of regional authenticity that pairs perfectly with the wines.

The experience concludes back at the meeting point, but many guests find themselves wanting more. Notably, Trevor, in his glowing review, mentions returning later to the restaurant to enjoy a full meal, which suggests that the setting lends itself to extending your visit.

At $80.72 per person, this experience offers good value considering the guided expertise, quality of wines, and food pairings. It’s not a large-scale tasting but a more intimate affair, which means you get personal attention and detailed insights. When you compare it with other activities in Matera—like guided tours of the Sassi or cooking classes—this offers a specialized focus that deepens your appreciation for local wines.

For travelers interested in culinary experiences or wine enthusiasts, the price is justified. Plus, the flexibility of booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind, especially if your plans are still tentative.

This tour is best suited for adventurous wine lovers, curious about regional flavors, or those simply looking for a relaxed, educational activity in Matera. It’s especially appealing if you appreciate local authenticity, as the wines and food are sourced from the region itself.

If you’re traveling with someone who enjoys a good drink and a good story, they’ll likely find Stefano’s presentation charming and insightful. The setting and carefully curated flavors also suit couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager to connect over shared tastes.

• Reserve early: Spots are limited, and the experience is popular among those seeking a deeper dive into Matera’s wine scene.
• Arrive on time: Punctuality ensures you get the full 1.5 hours of tasting and insights.
• Enjoy the food: Don’t rush through the snacks—these are part of the experience and elevate your tasting.
• Ask questions: Stefano and the team are happy to share more about the wines or local food traditions.
• Combine with other activities: Consider pairing this with a walking tour of Matera or a visit to local sights for a full day of exploring.

If you’re not a wine enthusiast or prefer larger, more commercial tasting experiences, this might feel too intimate or specialized. Also, if you’re hoping for a lengthy, in-depth wine education or a full meal, this shorter tasting might leave you wanting more.

In the end, this Matera wine tasting offers a balanced, genuine tasting experience rooted in local tradition. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening if you want to understand and enjoy Matera’s wine culture in a relaxed, friendly setting.

The knowledgeable guide, the excellent wine selection, and the regionally inspired food all create a memorable experience that’s both educational and highly enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or simply curious about local flavors, this tour provides a worthwhile, authentic taste of Matera’s culinary landscape.

How long does the experience last?
The tasting takes about 1.5 hours, making it a perfect short activity that fits well into your day or evening plans.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample several regional wines, including reds, whites, and rosés, each selected to showcase Matera’s diverse viticultural heritage.

Is food included?
Yes, a thoughtfully curated local aperitivo—including artisan breads, oils, cheeses, and meats—is paired with the wines to enhance the tasting experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your schedule shifts unexpectedly.

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The guide provides insights suitable for everyone, from novices to seasoned wine lovers, making it an approachable introduction to Matera’s wines.

Where does the tour start and end?
The activity begins at a designated meeting point, with the guide welcoming you, and concludes back at the same location, making logistics simple.

In summary, if you’re in Matera and want a genuine, enjoyable glimpse into its wine heritage with expert guidance and regional food, this tasting experience is a fine choice. It’s an authentic, small-group affair that balances education with pleasure—perfect for savoring Matera one glass at a time.