Masseria AuraTerrae – Polignano a Mare, Bari – is expanding its range of experiences with a program dedicated to the new AuraTerrae wines, featuring tastings, Apulian cuisine, farm-to-table picnics, aperitifs among the vineyards, and dinners under the stars.
Amid the land, sea, vineyards, and Apulian tradition, Masseria AuraTerrae kicks off a new season of culinary delights. With tastings of wines from its first harvest, this historic estate overlooking the coast of Polignano a Mare enriches its food-and-wine narrative and invites guests to discover Apulia through authentic, immersive experiences deeply rooted in the region.
A historic rural estate now transformed into a prestigious property, Masseria AuraTerrae is situated between Polignano a Mare and Conversano, in a deeply evocative natural setting, amidst olive groves, vineyards, vegetable gardens, orchards, woods, and aromatic gardens. Here, taste becomes a holistic experience, capable of uniting the bounty of the land, the legacy of rural traditions, and the most authentic scents of the Mediterranean.
Further defining this journey is theAuraTerrae Wine Tasting, a new experience dedicated to the farm’s four wines: MEST PEPP – Puglia I.G.P. Susumaniello Rosato, ANGELINA – Quality Sparkling Wine, Classic Method, Z COSM – Puglia I.G.P. White, and MAESTOSO – Puglia I.G.P. Susumaniello Red.
Four wines inspired by a family history rooted in memory, gratitude, and a sense of belonging. Led by an expert sommelier, the experience takes guests on a stroll through the vineyards to discover vine cultivation and the landscape surrounding the estate, culminating in a wine tasting.
Alongside this offering, the Apulia Wine Tasting takes guests on an oenological journey through the region’s native grape varieties. From Salento to Daunia, passing through the Itria Valley and the Murgia, four Apulian wines—a Metodo Classico, a white, a rosé, and a red—showcase the extraordinary diversity of a land with a strong identity. A tasting designed for those who wish to explore Puglia through its most characteristic expressions, guided by the expert eye of a sommelier.
The culinary journey continues with cooking lessons, dedicated to some of the most beloved dishes of the Apulian tradition. Fresh pasta, focaccia, taralli, and almond pastries take center stage in an immersive experience, during which guests can literally get their hands dirty and learn techniques, methods, and little secrets of local cuisine from a true guardian of the region’s culinary heritage: Signora Maria. Amid anecdotes, family stories, and a glass of wine, the lesson transforms into a moment of relaxation, conviviality, and discovery.
Outdoors, the farmhouse becomes the natural setting for evocative and immersive experiences. The Agri-picnic invites guests to choose their favorite spot on the estate and let themselves be surprised by baskets prepared by the Chef with organic products, accompanied by a bottle of select wine.
The vineyard aperitif, on the other hand, brings the flavors right among the rows of vines, featuring ten types of finger foods curated by the Chef—wine included—in an exclusive, panoramic setting. For those who wish to enjoy the countryside even after sunset, the vineyard dinner offers a four-course menu, with a choice of seafood or meat dishes, in an intimate, elegant, and picturesque atmosphere.
Among the most unique experiences, the “islands of raw” offer a sensory interpretation of the dialogue between land and sea. The Isola Crudo Mare, set amidst the Mediterranean scrub between the woods and the Susumaniello vineyard, features raw seafood, tartare, and carpaccio from the Adriatic paired with a sparkling wine from Puglia. The Isola Crudo Terra, located on the Terrazza dell’Orto Superiore, celebrates the most authentic flavors of the inland region, always accompanied by a local sparkling wine.
The gastronomic heart of the farm is the Ristorante AuraTerrae, which is also open to the public and welcomes guests in an intimate and cozy atmosphere with a view of the sea. Housed in the ancient refectory where, according to tradition, monks once gathered, the restaurant retains the authentic charm of local stone and consists of two dining rooms, the Sala Presse and the Sala Macina, flanked by an adjacent oven dedicated to preparing grilled specialties and an outdoor dining area designed to let guests enjoy their meal in direct contact with nature.
Authentic, genuine, and sustainable, the cuisine at Ristorante AuraTerrae embodies the deepest values of the Mediterranean diet, respecting the land, the sea, and the natural cycle of the seasons. The dishes are crafted from the freshest local ingredients: vegetables, herbs, and legumes—some even sourced from the chef’s own farm gardens—grains, fish from the Adriatic, dairy products, cured meats, and meats from the Murgia and the Itria Valley, as well as bread and focaccia.
From breakfast—featuring fresh produce, bread, pastries, and homemade fruit—to a hearty and authentic lunch, and on to a more exclusive and sensory dinner, every moment at AuraTerrae Restaurant is rooted in Apulian tradition, interpreted through two distinct dining experiences.
The traditional menu highlights recipes, ingredients, and flavors that define the region, such as orecchiette made with black chickpea flour, cherry tomatoes, and a blend of cacioricotta cheeses, or grilled bombette with ash-roasted potatoes.
The contemporary menu, on the other hand, draws from the same culinary heritage to reinterpret it with technique and creativity: examples include Gazzani organic Carnaroli rice with red shrimp, lemon, saffron pistils, and katsuobushi, or black pork with herbs and licorice, served with parsnips, sweet-and-sour shallots, dried apricot ketchup, and Apulian chimichurri.
These are two complementary journeys through which Chef Antonio Gentile guides guests from the familiar flavors of the region to a more creative and contemporary interpretation of Apulian cuisine, where technique, balance, and unexpected pairings reveal new nuances of flavor.
The Property
Owned by the Valentini family, Masseria AuraTerrae is located in Polignano a Mare, in the province of Bari. Perched on a hill overlooking the coastline from Mola di Bari to Monopoli, it blends harmoniously into a charming bucolic landscape, offering a 180-degree panoramic view of the sea.
A true sanctuary for the soul, AuraTerrae is a property dedicated to the purest form of well-being. Completely restored, it preserves authentic spaces and original materials, adapted to the most modern standards of comfort while fully respecting the historic identity of the farmhouse. Designed in the “albergo diffuso” style, it evokes the atmosphere of an ancient farming village and is surrounded by over 24 hectares of land, where guests can enjoy sensory and wellness experiences in close contact with nature.
Built from local limestone and using eco-friendly materials, the farmhouse implements numerous measures aimed at reducing its environmental impact and resource waste, positioning itself as a zero-emission property. It features 22 rooms, each distinct and unique, all with a double bed: six with a Turkish bath, three with a fireplace, and four with an outdoor hot tub. Rounding out the offerings are two spectacular infinity pools nestled in the greenery with breathtaking views, a panoramic outdoor barrel sauna, and numerous experiences to enjoy at the farmhouse and throughout the region.
Masseria AuraTerrae
Viale Maringelli, 404
70044 Polignano a Mare, BA
