Castello Monaci

Located in the Salento hinterland, in the area between San Pancrazio and Salice Salentino, Castello Monaci is one of the most fascinating gems of Puglia, a region famous for its winemaking traditions and the beauty of its landscape. Castello Monaci is a place where history, culture and a passion for wine intertwine in a unique experience, a unique structure that combines the historical charm of a medieval castle with the modernity of its vineyards and the quality of its wines. It is no coincidence that it has become one of the main tourist attractions of the region, especially for lovers of wine and gastronomy.

Origins of Castello Monaci

1500. It is in this century that the history of Castello Monaci begins, as shown by a document in the Catasto Onciario of Salice Salentino. A castle that owes its name to the settlement of a group of Basilian Monks who used it as a place of worship, meditation and refuge for the needy.

Over time it became the home of noble families: from the Martino to the Parry Graniger to the Provenzano di Ugento, whose last descendant, married Memmo, currently owns it.

6 centuries of history beautifully carried by a fortification that has undergone numerous renovations and thefts over the years – the last of which during the Second World War – but which maintains its charm unchanged and still preserves works of art of considerable historical and artistic interest.

A place of the past that hosts the future, in the happiness of a child at his first communion, the fun of a group of friends, the goals of a new company or new project, or in the promises of a young married couple on the most beautiful day of their life.

The vineyards of Castello Monaci

The beating heart of Castello Monaci is undoubtedly its wine production. The vineyards surrounding the castle extend over approximately 80 hectares and are characterized by clay and limestone soil, which, combined with the warm and dry climate of the area, creates the ideal conditions for the growth of grape varieties typical of the region. Among these, Primitivo, Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera and Cabernet Sauvignon stand out, which are the basis of the company’s flagship wines.

The winemaking techniques used at Castello Monaci are a combination of tradition and innovation, with the use of modern technologies that enhance the natural characteristics of the grapes. Each bottle tells the story of a territory, a passion and a constant commitment to the pursuit of excellence.

Tasting and guided tours

Castello Monaci is not just a place to buy good wine, but a true point of reference for those who want to immerse themselves in the world of Apulian viticulture. Castello Monaci organizes a Wine Experience with expert winemakers and sommeliers who will lead you to discover the secrets of the vineyards, the special instruments of the cellar and the history narrated inside the Wine Museum. Guided tours that always end with a tasting of wines and other gastronomic specialties of the territory.

In addition, the visit to the oil mill and the cellar allows you to explore the winemaking process, from the harvest of the grapes to the transformation into wine, up to the maturation and bottling.

Tastings can be customized based on the preferences of the visitors, with itineraries that range from the youngest and freshest wines to the most complex and structured ones. In addition, Castello Monaci also organizes special events, such as tasting evenings and gourmet dinners, which offer the opportunity to deepen your knowledge of wines in an even more evocative and refined context.

The Wine Museum

Another aspect that makes Castello Monaci even more fascinating is the presence of a Wine Museum, a place dedicated to the history of viticulture and wine in Puglia. The museum is located inside the castle and offers a complete overview of the evolution of wine production in the region. Through exhibitions of historical tools, barrels, machinery, photographs, documents and curiosities related to the world of wine, visitors can discover how viticulture in Puglia has developed over the centuries, from ancient times to the present day.

If you are passionate about wine, history and culture, a visit to Castello Monaci is an experience you cannot miss!