In the heart of Salento, among endless rows of vineyards and the intense scents of Mediterranean scrub, stands Cantina Vecchia Torre, one of the symbolic wineries of Apulian winemaking tradition.
Located in Leverano, a small agricultural village in the province of Lecce, the winery perfectly combines rural authenticity with a contemporary vision, making it an essential stop for travelers exploring the Salento region.
A collective dream born from the land
The history of the winery dates back to 1959, when a group of 44 members — including farmers, small landowners, and local professionals — decided to join forces and create a cooperative dedicated to promoting and protecting the territory.
At the time, it was an ambitious and forward-thinking decision that eventually gave life to one of the most important wine cooperatives in Puglia. Today, the winery counts around 1,100 members and produces millions of bottles every year, exported worldwide.
Over the decades, the winery experienced steady growth: from the introduction of its first fermentation tanks in the 1960s, to the beginning of bottling production in the 1970s, and finally its expansion into international markets in the early 2000s.
The name change to “Vecchia Torre” in 2011 was a tribute to the historic tower of Leverano, an important symbol of the local identity.
Wines and production
The winery’s production is deeply rooted in the native grape varieties of the territory. Among the leading grapes are Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera, alongside international varieties such as Syrah and Chardonnay.
This combination allows the winery to offer a broad and recognizable range of wines, from DOC and IGP labels to more prestigious collections such as the “Eccellenze” and “Riserve” aged inside the winery’s atmospheric barrel cellar.
The production philosophy blends tradition and innovation: careful attention to grape quality, respect for the Salento terroir, and the use of modern technology to maintain high production standards.
The result is a collection of wines capable of expressing the territory authentically while remaining highly competitive on the international market
Tastings and winery experiences
Wine tastings are undoubtedly the highlight of the winery’s tourism experience. Inside the wine shop, visitors can join guided tastings led by expert sommeliers who accompany guests on a sensory journey through the aromas, flavors, and stories hidden inside every glass.
The visit itself is designed as an immersive narrative experience: guests walk through the production areas, discover the winemaking techniques, and step into the everyday life of the winery — a world built on work, passion, and memory.
One of the most fascinating moments is the visit to the barrel cellar, carved into the rock and restored to welcome visitors. Here, among French oak barriques and old fermentation tanks, the atmosphere feels almost timeless, where past and present coexist in perfect harmony.
The tastings become truly multisensory experiences: not only about taste, but also about sight, aroma, and emotion. The wines are often paired with traditional local products, turning every tasting into a genuine expression of the Salento territory.
The winery also organizes tours in several languages and offers experiences suitable for both wine enthusiasts and curious travelers, transforming every visit into an authentic and convivial moment.
In the end, visiting Cantina Vecchia Torre means connecting with the truest soul of Puglia — a land shaped by people, passion, and an unbreakable bond with the earth. A place where every sip tells a story, and every visit becomes a small journey into the heart of southern Italy.
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