In the far south of Puglia, in the sun-baked countryside of Salve, wine is never just a drink. It is memory, landscape and family table all in one glass. Le Radici del Gusto ("the roots of taste") invites you to taste with that mindset.
This is not a simple tasting evening. It is a cultural and educational pathway, created to celebrate the territory and the wine and food excellence of Puglia.
Three names behind one idea
The initiative is promoted by the City of Salve, which gives it a strong local identity. It runs in collaboration with AIS Puglia, the regional branch of Italy's sommelier association, and with Melacotogna Vini & Affini.
That combination matters. Municipal backing roots the project in the community, while sommelier expertise helps you learn how to taste rather than only drink.
What a tasting with a purpose feels like
A guided tasting slows everything down. You look at the colour, breathe in the aromas, and listen to someone explain why a wine tastes the way it does.
In a land of Primitivo and Negroamaro, sun and sea breeze shape every bottle. Understanding that link between soil, climate and glass is the heart of the experience.
- Guided sensory discovery: learning to read colour, aroma and structure.
- Stories of the territory: the people and places behind Puglian wine.
- Food and wine thinking: how local flavours and wines belong together.
- A relaxed, social mood: easy to enjoy with a partner, with friends, or on your own.
Why Salve makes the perfect setting
Salve sits in the Capo di Leuca area, where olive groves, low stone walls and open skies set the rhythm. It is a quieter corner of Puglia, far from the crowds of the bigger resort towns.
That calm suits a tasting. Nobody is rushing, and conversation naturally drifts from the glass to the land outside.
Make a day of it
The municipality also reaches the Ionian coast, with the long sandy shore of Pescoluse and the beaches around Torre Pali. A swim in the morning and a tasting later makes an easy, satisfying day.
You can also drive towards Santa Maria di Leuca, where Puglia's two seas meet, or wander through the nearby villages of the southern tip.
Tips before you go
- Check the latest details through the event's social media page, as the programme may change.
- Eat something light beforehand, so you can enjoy each pour with a clear palate.
- Bring curiosity and ask questions. The sommelier-led format rewards it.
- Pair your visit with a stop at a local trattoria for regional dishes afterwards.
If you want to understand Puglia through its wines, Le Radici del Gusto offers a thoughtful and unpretentious way in. Come ready to taste, listen and take a little of Salve home with you.