As the golden hues of autumn sweep across the Salento countryside, where mild temperatures average around 21 degrees and the summer crowds have dissipated, Don Totu Dimora Storica warmly invites discerning travellers to indulge in the quintessential “la dolce vita” experience through its new bespoke evening wine tastings. Expertly guided by the property’s in-house sommelier, these intimate sessions are available upon request, offering guests a unique journey into the rich flavours of Puglia – a region renowned for its vibrant culture, laid-back charm, and exceptional wines.
Nestled in the heart of Southern Italy’s Puglia region, Don Totu is a luxurious six bedroom B&B that epitomises the charm and authenticity of Italian hospitality. Here, the timeless beauty of the Salento landscape is perfectly complemented by the sophistication of meticulously curated wine tastings.
Leading these experiences is Davide Piccinno, Don Totu’s newly qualified in-house sommelier. Davide’s journey with Don Totu began in 2016, when he joined as a bartender. Over the past eight years, his passion for wine has blossomed into a profession, culminating in his certification as a sommelier in spring 2024. Davide’s deep curiosity and extensive knowledge of Puglia’s rich terroir bring a unique depth to each tasting, highlighting the region’s centuries-old winemaking traditions.
Don Totu stands out as one of the rare boutique B&Bs to offer the expertise of an in-house sommelier, an offering that beautifully complements the property’s extensive wine cellar, stocked with a diverse selection of local and international wines. Davide’s curated tastings, lasting between 30 to 40 minutes, offer exceptional value at just €15 per person. Guests are invited to savour three to four carefully selected local wines, including Puglia’s signature varieties such as Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Susumaniello, each paired with artisanal local cheeses. These wines, celebrated for their robust and complex flavours, capture the very essence of Puglia.
Puglia’s winemaking heritage is both rich and enduring, with the region consistently outproducing more famous wine territories like Tuscany and Campania. The region’s dry climate, fertile soils, and refreshing sea breezes, along with nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, create the ideal conditions for vineyards to flourish.
Don Totu’s prime location in the heart of Salento—just under an hour from Brindisi airport—makes it an ideal base for exploring this captivating region. Providing convenient access to picturesque towns of Lecce, Galatina, Otranto, Santa Mariadi Leuca, and Gallipoli. With its breathtaking coastlines, lesser-known towns boasting majestic architecture, excellent restaurants, ancient olive groves, artisanal wineries, and charming agriturismi all within easy reach, Don Totu’s dedicated local team are on hand to recommend local restaurants, wineries, beaches and the best of what Salento has to offer. Additional activities such as cookery classes, yoga, fitness training, outdoor cinema evenings, etc. canbe arranged on request.
