In the most authentic heart of Puglia, between the whitewashed landscapes of Locorotondo and the countryside surrounding Martina Franca, lies I Pàstini, one of the wineries that best represents the spirit of the Itria Valley. Here, wine is much more than agricultural production: it is memory, preservation of tradition, and a deep connection to the land.
Surrounded by dry-stone walls, trulli houses, and rolling hills, the winery enjoys a privileged location just a few kilometers from the historic center of Locorotondo, considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages. The road leading to the estate winds through neat vineyards and peaceful countryside, immediately giving visitors the feeling of entering an authentic side of Puglia — far from mass tourism and deeply connected to its rural identity.
A family story rooted in the recovery of local heritage
The story of I Pàstini began in 1996 thanks to the Carparelli family, with a clear and ambitious goal: to recover and promote the ancient native grape varieties of the Itria Valley.
At a time when many historic grapes were at risk of disappearing, the winery started a long research project among the area’s oldest vineyards, identifying ancient vines from which cuttings and buds could be taken to create new plantings.
The name “Pastini” itself comes from the Latin word Pastinum, referring to land prepared for vine cultivation — a direct reference to Apulian farming culture and centuries of agricultural knowledge passed down through generations.
Today, the estate covers around 18 hectares cultivated with full respect for the environment. The winery’s philosophy focuses on sustainable farming, hand-harvested grapes, and the exclusive use of indigenous grape varieties capable of expressing the territory through every glass.
The iconic grapes of the Itria Valley
One of the most fascinating aspects of I Pàstini is its decision to focus almost entirely on historic Apulian grape varieties, many of which are still relatively unknown to the wider public despite their remarkable personality.
Among the white grape varieties are:
- Verdeca
- Bianco d’Alessano
- Minutolo
While the red varieties include:
- Susumaniello
- Primitivo
These grapes, cultivated in the unique microclimate of the Itria Valley — characterized by strong temperature variations and limestone-rich soils — produce wines that are fresh, mineral-driven, and elegant, very different from the traditional image of powerful and high-alcohol Apulian wines.
The winery’s signature labels
Among the winery’s most iconic wines is the Antico Locorotondo DOP, a white wine that perfectly reflects local tradition, made from Verdeca, Bianco d’Alessano, and Minutolo grapes. Fresh, floral, and savory, it beautifully captures the identity of the territory.
Other standout labels include:
- Il Faraone, made from Verdeca grapes, elegant and mineral;
- Rampone, which highlights the Minutolo grape with intense aromatic notes and excellent drinkability.
When it comes to reds, the true star is undoubtedly Susumaniello, an ancient grape variety that has recently been rediscovered. The label Le Fusa offers a modern interpretation of this grape: a fresh and easy-drinking red wine with notes of cherry, red berries, and delicate spicy nuances.
The winery also produces interesting sparkling wines, particularly the Spumante Brut Metodo Charmat made from Verdeca grapes, known for its floral aromas, citrus notes, and vibrant freshness.
The winery experience
The true strength of I Pàstini lies in the wine tourism experience it offers visitors. A visit to the winery goes far beyond simply tasting wine — it becomes an immersive journey into the winemaking culture of the Itria Valley.
The wine tour takes guests through vineyards of Verdeca, Minutolo, Bianco d’Alessano, Susumaniello, and Primitivo, surrounded by rural landscapes of rare beauty. The experience then continues inside the historic 18th-century masseria and the winery production areas, where visitors learn about the winemaking techniques and the philosophy behind the estate.
Naturally, the most engaging moment is the final tasting. Here, guests can sample several of the winery’s labels while discovering the story of the territory, the grape varieties, and the sensory characteristics of each wine. Tastings are often paired with traditional Apulian products, creating a complete sensory experience designed to showcase the identity of the Itria Valley.
What truly makes the experience special is the atmosphere. There are no artificial or overly tourist-oriented experiences here — only genuine hospitality and a warm family welcome that clearly reflects the deep bond between the winery and its land. Visitors immediately sense the passion behind every bottle.
For those wishing to explore further, the winery also runs the Bottega de I Pàstini in the center of Locorotondo, where visitors can taste and purchase the full wine selection, including older vintages and special bottle formats.
A project connected to sustainability
Among the winery’s most original initiatives is “Adopt a Vineyard”, an eco-friendly project that allows wine lovers to symbolically become guardians of a row of vines. Participants can follow the growth of their vineyard remotely, visit their adopted vines, and receive bottles produced from the grapes they helped support.
It is an engaging and intelligent way to bring people closer to wine culture and to the agricultural life of the Itria Valley.
For anyone visiting Locorotondo and the Itria Valley, a stop at I Pàstini is more than just recommended — it is one of the best ways to truly understand the agricultural and cultural soul of this extraordinary corner of Puglia.
Leave a Reply