Food tours in Matera offer a direct connection to this ancient Italian city’s soul through its cuisine. Local guides lead visitors through three standout experiences: An olive oil and wine journey showcasing century-old groves and traditional production methods, an intimate wine tasting with an expert sommelier, and a hands-on cooking class where you’ll prepare authentic regional dishes alongside locals. These favorites blend education with pleasure, giving you both the flavors and stories behind Matera’s celebrated food culture. Check out our top picks below to start planning your culinary adventure.
Key Points
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The “Food and Wine Tour Between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples” offers a highly rated (4.8/5) and recommended (94%) private tour experience showcasing Matera’s traditional cuisine.
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The exclusive wine tasting experience led by a live English-speaking sommelier provides an opportunity to sample a selection of reds, whites, and rosés, with an optional olive oil tasting addition.
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The “Home Restaurant Made in Slow Food Matera – Cook With Us!” cooking class offers an immersive experience in Matera’s culinary heritage, featuring a traditional cold wafer dish.
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The food tours in Matera emphasize the importance of local culinary traditions, with highlights such as traditional snacks, olives, cheese, and bread with tomatoes, raw onion, and apricot.
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While the “Cook With Us!” tour has received mixed reviews, the operators appear committed to providing quality experiences that showcase Matera’s unique food culture.
Food and Wine Tour Between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples
Embarking on the “Food and Wine Tour Between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples” in Matera, Italy, allows visitors to enjoy the city’s rich culinary heritage.
This well-rated tour, with a 4.8 score from 17 reviews and a 94% recommendation rate, offers a delightful opportunity to explore the local food and wine scene. For $45.04 per person, guests can enjoy a private tour, where they’ll savor traditional territorial snacks, soda, pepperoni, olives, cheese, bread with tomatoes, raw red onion, and apricot.
The tour starts at 10:00 am and departs from the meeting point opposite the Francesco Torraca middle school.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s near public transportation and not recommended for pregnant travelers.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience. Though one reviewer had a poor experience, the host has emphasized their commitment to the tour’s quality, noting that only a few guests have had similar complaints.
Read our full review: Food and Wine Tour Between the Patriarchs Olives and the Oil Temples Review
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Matera: Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience With Food Pairings
Visitors to Matera can enjoy an exclusive wine tasting experience that showcases the city’s viticultural heritage. The 1.5-hour tour is led by a live English-speaking guide and features four carefully selected wines, including bold reds, crisp whites, and rosés. Guests can also opt for a tasting of local olive oil to complement the experience.
The wine tasting is an expert-led affair, with a professional sommelier providing insights into the grape varietals and aging techniques used in Matera’s wines. The experience caters to both seasoned wine enthusiasts and novices, with a focus on the tradition, innovation, and terroir that define the region’s vintages.
Priced from $71.33 per person, the wine tasting experience offers up to 10% in savings. Visitors can reserve now and pay later, and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With an impressive 4.7/5 rating from 10 reviews, this exclusive tour is a must-do for wine lovers visiting Matera.
Read our full review: Matera: Exclusive Wine Tasting Experience With Food Pairings Review
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Home Restaurant Made in Slow Food Matera – Cook With Us!
For those seeking a more immersive culinary experience in Matera, the “Home Restaurant Made in Slow Food Matera – Cook With Us!” tour offers a unique opportunity to step into a local’s kitchen and learn the art of preparing traditional dishes.
Located in Matera, this private tour is rated 3.8 out of 4 reviews and costs $58.97 per person. The experience begins at 6:00 PM at the meeting point on Viale Italia, 24, where you will be guided to the cooking venue.
The menu highlights a classic Matera starter – a cold wafer made with stale Matera bread, tomatoes, onion, olive oil, salt, and oregano.
While the tour is advertised as a cooking class, some reviews suggest it’s more of a pre-made dinner experience.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, stroller-friendly, and welcomes service animals.
Despite the mixed feedback on the value proposition compared to local restaurants, the “Home Restaurant Made in Slow Food Matera – Cook With Us!” tour provides a chance to take in Matera’s rich food culture.
Read our full review: Home Restaurant Made in Slow Food Matera – Cook With Us! Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Vegetarian Option Available on the Food Tours?
Many food tours in Matera offer vegetarian options to accommodate diverse dietary needs. Guests can expect a range of meatless local specialties and can inquire about vegetarian-friendly menus when booking their tours.
Do the Tours Accommodate Food Allergies or Dietary Restrictions?
Many food tours in Matera accommodate dietary restrictions and food allergies. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance to ensure their needs are met and they can fully enjoy the culinary experience.
What Is the Average Duration of the Food and Wine Experiences?
The average duration of food and wine experiences in Matera is typically 2-3 hours, allowing ample time to savor the local cuisine and wine. Tour operators are often accommodating of food allergies and dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children or Families?
Most food tours are suitable for families, with some offering child-friendly options. While the duration varies, many provide flexibility to accommodate children’s needs. It’s best to inquire about specific tour details when booking to ensure a suitable experience for the whole family.
Can the Tours Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
Many food tour operators allow customers to customize tours to their individual preferences, such as dietary restrictions or interests. This makes the experiences more personalized and enjoyable for families, children, and other groups.
Recap
Matera’s food tours offer a unique culinary adventure. From exploring the olive oil temples to exclusive wine tastings, visitors can enjoy the region’s rich food heritage. The home restaurant experience allows travelers to cook alongside local chefs, learning traditional Slow Food recipes. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking to savor Matera’s flavors, these tours provide an unforgettable taste of the city.