Lapped by the waves of the Adriatic and home to hundreds of ancient olive groves, terraced vineyards and organic farms, Puglia is a gastronomic paradise. Many have sought the secret to its homely, hearty cuisine, seemingly simple yet bewitchingly flavoursome; the answer lies in the fruits of the land and the time-honoured traditions that take them from farm to fork. Those seeking an insider’s experience of the Pugliese pantry will find no better person to lead them than celebrated Italian chef, Fulvio Pierangelini, as part of a unique and personal itinerary.
Meet the maestro himself in the shade of Masseria Torre Maizza’s gnarled olive trees and savour a local aperitivo as he introduces the experience. Over the next three days, together you’ll explore olive oil, cheese, wine and even roll up your sleeves to cook alongside Fulvio, with a private class very few can claim to have experienced.
Your journey will take you to sun-dappled olive groves, where you’ll partake in the ancient ritual of olive harvesting, and to a local oil mill, where you’ll learn to extract the precious oil from the bitter fruits. Together with Fulvio and a local cheesemaker, you’ll find yourself rolling, stretching and shaping plump burrata and mozzarella, before tasting your own artisanal produce. As night falls, in the company of our sommelier at the Bougainvillea Bar, you’ll delve into Puglia’s thousand-year-old wine culture, learning to taste and identify local flavours born of the rich earth and temperate climate. And as a fantastic finale on your last day, Fulvio invites you to join him in the kitchen, where you’ll pick up expert tips and recipes passed down through generations as you both cook and witness the maestro at work.
Alongside all these hands-on experiences and more you’ll enjoy a selection of exceptional culinary experiences at Masseria Torre Maizza, from delicious buffet breakfasts to a three-course dinner with paired wines, an atmospheric picnic and an optional pizza tasting by the glittering pool. Whether you arrive in Puglia a novice or with an in-depth knowledge of regional cuisine, you’ll leave with a plethora of new insight, tips and tricks, a more refined palate and unforgettable memories.
Find out more about our Culinary Journey with Fulvio Pierangelini here or enquire to book at reservations.torremaizza@roccofortehotels.com
Few cities have shaped Italy’s table quite like Milan. Arguably best known for its extraordinary fashion and design scene, the city’s culinary story is one less often told - though no less remarkable. It is one best read on a plate, through recipes handed down over centuries.
In a city with a legacy like Florence, it is only natural for inspiration to take root. And alongside the bigger, global brands, small artisans flourish through their innate ability to tailor their ideas to an individual’s taste and dreams.
For more than thirty years, Mariateresa has dedicated her career as a cultural guide to revealing these secrets, unlocking doors that are usually very firmly closed. We meet her in the heart of the city, where Via della Spiga meets Via Senato, at The Carlton, a distinctly Milanese address surrounded by noble palazzi, designer boutiques, and storied architecture. “My work is to reveal these treasures… so that visitors feel privileged and can truly appreciate the uniqueness of what they are experiencing.”
