Our Visit to Masseria Altemura Estate

For the Inauguration Event, October 13, 2012  Salento, Puglia, It.

 

Over 5 years of exacting work and devotion to centuries of tradition led to this day.

The inauguration of Masseria Altumera, in the heart of the Salento Peninsula was a most memorable event and inspiring experience.

In attendance were over 300 friends, family, business associates and civic and religious leaders. I put friends and family first, because everyone we met was so cordial, and all the Zonin staff we met seemed like family.

The grounds of the estate are truely majestic. Here is a view from the Cantina (winery) and...

one of the Cantina from the roof of the main house.

The vineyard and winery were built around existing buildings and property of a farm, a Masseria, that dates back to the 1200's. Like all Zonin estates great care was taken to preserve the properties history.

While also allowing the most modern technology to be used.

After everyone arrived a presentation was made and the Cantina was unvield and blessed.

It was a partially cloudy day, good luck because severe storms were predicted, and did eventually come. But for the duration of the event, miraculously there was no rain.

We all wandered back to the main house for; yes you guessed it, more wonderful food and wine.

On the way back we had the opportunity to walk and chat with the charming and cultured Silvana Zonin. We met with Silvana and her husband Gianni Zonin at their vineyard in Barboursville, Virginia, last year.  Great to see them again.

They are two of the most delightful people I have ever met, at the top of the largest privately owned wine conglomerate in Italy and at the same time completely down to earth.

Lunch was served in the lovely dining room. The property has excellent hospitality facilities for your pleasure and enjoyment.

We enjoyed these classic  dishes with the latest wines of the vineyard. It just does not get better.

Orecchietta, a Puglian pasta, with turnip tops and black olives of the region.

Lamb chops with roasted potatoes and fresh rosemary (no doubt from the vineyard grounds).

And the wine. Served of course by the well educated and competent team of Associazione Italiana Sommeliers. 

Diana was having fun. She says she could live here.

Much friendly discussion and..

business conversations...

In such a beautiful setting.

With adequate note paid to Italian fashion. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And of course dessert.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We traveled by bus from Lecce, which was quite an interesting adventure unto itself. Took us through many charming little towns.

and back to Lecce for a walk, a rest, and another dinner.

Thank you for a wonderful time.