Altamura: Frrud Wine Museum Tour & Tasting with Local Pairings

Summary

Altamura wine museum tour taste history with local pairings

You’ll step into Altamura’s Frrud Wine Museum with locals who rebuilt it from scratch — touch century-old tools, taste three house wines paired with focaccia and cheeses, and swap laughs over stories you won’t find in any brochure. It’s less about ticking boxes than feeling what makes this place matter.

What’s the experience like?

Paolo was waiting by the old wooden door when we arrived in Altamura — he waved us in with that quick, sideways smile you see a lot here. Inside, the air felt cool and earthy, like cellars always do, but there was something else too — maybe the faint trace of old barrels or the bread from upstairs? Paolo started telling us how he and Donato found this place after decades of dust and silence. “We wanted to bring it back,” he said, running his hand along a stone wall that looked older than anyone I know. You could tell he meant it. I tried asking about one of the tools on display (looked like a medieval torture device honestly), and Paolo just laughed — apparently it’s for pressing grapes, not people.

The whole Frrud Winery tour felt more like wandering through someone’s memory than a museum. There were shelves lined with bottles that caught little bits of sunlight sneaking in, and everywhere you looked there were these objects — some rusty, some polished up again — all with stories attached. Our local guide explained how they’d spent months digging things out, piecing together what used to happen here. I kept running my fingers over an old corking machine while she talked; it was cold and heavy, almost grounding. The main keyword for me here is “wine museum Altamura” because it’s not just about tasting — you’re sort of living the process.

Then came the tasting part (finally). Three wines from their cellar, each poured with a bit of backstory — one had this grassy smell that reminded me weirdly of summer fields at home. They paired everything with fresh focaccia (still warm), crumbly cheeses, and cured meats that made everyone go quiet for a second. Someone tried to pronounce “focaccia” properly and got corrected by an older lady sitting nearby; she winked at us like we were all in on some joke. I didn’t expect to feel so connected to strangers over cheese and wine but… yeah.

I still think about that first sip — not just because of the taste but because you could hear Paolo’s pride in every word as he poured it. The whole thing only took about an hour but left me wanting to stay longer, maybe ask more questions or just sit among those old stones for a while. If you’re looking for a day trip from Bari or somewhere close by, this is one of those stops where time feels different somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit and taste at Frrud Winery Museum

• Arrive at Frrud Winery Museum
• Learn history of the winery
• Explore preserved winery objects
• Taste three wines
• Sample local cheeses and meats

Top questions

How long does the Frrud Wine Museum tour take?

The guided tour and tasting lasts around 60 minutes.

What foods are included in the wine tasting?

You’ll try local bread, focaccia, cheeses, dairy products, and cured meats alongside three wines.

Is the Frrud Winery accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, both transportation options and the winery itself are wheelchair accessible.

Are children allowed on this wine museum tour?

Infants and small children can join; strollers/prams are welcome but infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Where is La Cantina Frrud located?

The wine museum is in Altamura city center, easily reached by public transport.

Who leads the tours at Frrud Wine Museum?

Tours are led by locals who restored the winery themselves—often Paolo or Donato share their story directly.

How many wines do you taste during the visit?

The tasting includes three different house wines from their cellar.

Do they offer vegetarian options during tastings?

The standard tasting includes cheeses and bread; cured meats are also served but can be skipped if needed.

What’s included

Your visit includes entry to Altamura’s Frrud Wine Museum with a guided tour led by locals who restored it themselves; you’ll taste three different house wines paired naturally with fresh focaccia bread, regional cheeses, dairy specialties, and cured meats before heading out again into town life.