Experience

The Museum can be visited all year round, every day, by reservation only. Guided tours in Italian and English for individuals, couples and groups.

“The entrance is austere; it is that of an old palace overlooking a narrow lane in the historic town of Altamura, closer to Matera than Bari. We look for indications and find them right by the main door, almost like a private residence. Someone comes to open the door and we access a courtyard, with several doors and windows all around. We have the pleasant feeling of being welcomed in someone’s abode. Right in front of us we find another wooden doorway, set within a stone arch where the date is carved. We re-read the number several time, wondering what it may mean. The door opens and we are greeted by the smiling faces of Paolo and Donato. Their welcome is friendly and polite; they ask us about our journey and why we chose Frrud. I try and repeat the name but falter a little. Paolo and Donato explain that they have wished to preserve the historic memory of the place. Frrud (Angelantonio Ferrulli) used to be the owner of the place, which dates back to 1572.

So it was an actual date!

As I step in, almost on tiptoe, I ask myself whether in my life I have ever set foot in such an ancient building (excluding monuments, of course).

A delightful cool atmosphere envelops us. As the eyes get slowly used to the space, I feel as though I am passing through an indefinite threshold to a magic world, timeless, immaculate. The landlords tell us it was their intention to leave it just as they found it, therefore each room shows wood or iron utensils used for the production of wine, but also more generally for agriculture, though we’ve never seen anything like them before. Each one of them is so simple and crafty that they leave us speechless. They are the mirrors of a generation with no technology, but with great resourcefulness. The venue is not too big, but it seems as though every object in it can tell a story which absorbs us completely.

In their narrations, both Paolo and Donato never interpret the role of tour guides: rather, they show pleasure in telling the tale of their forefathers.

We carefully tread down the staircase which leads to the cellar, and here we enter into yet another world. Paolo tells us how the Wine Museum was born, and how they started Cantina Frrud. His narration is to-the-point. The words, the gestures, and the imagery he conjures up create a mosaic, of which you understand not only the technical aspects, but also the intensity and passion.

The wine tasting is part of all this, but it would not be quite so interesting if it were not part of the trip. And while his story flows pleasantly, Donato invites us to savour the fragrance of the famous Altamura bread, together with local cured meats and cheeses, accurately chosen to complement the wines.

The atmosphere now is truly magical. I lose all track of time, but not of space. All I know is that I feel at ease with people I barely know, but with whom I feel I have something in common. I am relaxed, and my senses are stimulated.

My eyes admire the barrels, the people. From the glass, the wine flows to my mouth, and the palate delights in the excellent food combinations. I can sense the authenticity of the moment I am experiencing, and I am aware I am immersed in the knowledge of the territory.

When I leave I can’t but notice how slow the awakening kicks in. Trance leaves room for smiles, and for the pleasure of having entered in something which is neither a museum nor a cellar.

It is the world of these delightful landlords”.

GUIDED TOUR AND TASTING

Villucchio

Da: €25,00