Ciao a tutti! 👋
We are so excited that you’ll be joining us in beautiful Puglia to celebrate our marriage! Please check out our website for all the key event information, as well as some suggestions for your travels in Italy. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to Christina at christinalynnepearce@gmail.com.
WEDDING DETAILS
The Venue
Masseria Potenti is a 16th-century fortified farmhouse set within an estate of 130 hectares in the secluded Southern Salento region of Puglia. The family-run venue is located amongst olive groves and vineyards near the ancient town of Manduria.
Event Info
- Date and time: On Sunday, May 7 the ceremony will start at 5:00 PM (please arrive a bit earlier) followed by aperitivo and dinner. The evening will wrap up at 1:00 AM.
- Location: Masseria Potenti, SNC Contrada Potenti, Manduria TA, Italy 74024
- Dress code: Cocktail / Dressy-Casual
Transportation
As Masseria Potenti is a remote venue, the best way to reach it is by car, with plenty of parking available on site. If you are not driving, your hotel should be able to coordinate transportation services for you. For anyone that requires further assistance, please let us know and we’d be happy to arrange a pick-up and drop-off for you on the day of the wedding!
GETTING TO PUGLIA
Car Rental
We highly recommend renting a car during your trip – it is by far the most convenient way to get around Puglia, which is quite rural. As car rental companies in Italy can be a pain to deal with, we suggest going with SIXT, which in our experience is the most reliable. SIXT has locations all across Italy, including at both Bari Airport and Brindisi Airport.
(Lack of) Taxis
Please note that Uber does not exist in Puglia, and taxi services are unavailable in Manduria and its surrounding areas. Transportation through local transfer companies can be arranged in advance through your hotel, and if you find a driver that you like, it’s always helpful to get their business card so you can go directly through them for future trips.
Airports
There are two main airports in Puglia that you can fly into, with direct flights from Rome, Milan and London. Bari International Airport (BRI), the largest airport in Puglia, is a 2-hour drive from the venue. Alternatively, the smaller Brindisi Airport (BDS), also known as Salento Airport, is closer at just a 1-hour drive away.
Train
You can easily reach Puglia from anywhere in Italy using high-speed regional trains operated by Trenitalia. The closest train station to the wedding venue is Manduria, which can be accessed from Rome Termini Station and Bari Centrale Station with just one changeover in Lecce. For planning train journeys while in Italy, Rome2Rio is a great resource.
ACCOMMODATION
Please see below recommended accommodation options near the venue. There are also several Airbnbs in the area.
- Masseria Li Reni: Neighbouring Masseria Li Reni is a short 5-minute drive from the wedding venue and our preferred accommodation option for its convenience. The tranquil property is set in 16th-century buildings and features two swimming pools and an on-site restaurant.
- Corte Borromeo Hotel: In the heart of the historic centre of Manduria, Corte Borromeo is a 4-star boutique hotel with uniquely furnished suites and a highly-rated rooftop restaurant. The hotel is just a 12-minute drive from the wedding venue.
- Vinilia Wine Resort: Vinilia Wine Resort is a beautiful 4-star hotel located a 20-minute drive from the venue, just outside of Manduria. With an on-site spa, pool and restaurant, the ancient residence combines classic Italian style with modern amenities.
- Masseria Le Fabriche: Masseria Le Fabriche is located in a different town called Maruggio, about a 25-minute drive from the venue. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, this upscale country manor is 10 minutes from Acqua Dolce’s white sandy beaches.
EXPLORING PUGLIA
Things to do in Manduria
Located roughly between Taranto and Lecce, Manduria is the closest town to Masseria Potenti.
- Sample the local wine: Manduria is famous for one of Italy’s most popular wines, Primitivo di Manduria DOC. Visit Gianfranco Fino Viticoltore for a boutique wine tasting experience just minutes away from Masseria Potenti, or take a tour at the Museum of Primitivo Wine located in the town.
- Walk around the historic centre: The ancient town is filled with narrow, winding streets and beautiful buildings, including the town’s main church, Chiesa Madre. A short walk away, Piazza Garibaldi is the perfect place to stop for a coffee with its many cafes and shops.
- Take a scenic drive through the countryside: The rural land around Manduria is dotted with olive groves and vineyards, as well as many charming villages and various masserias to explore.
- Spend the day at nearby beaches: The coastline of Puglia is known for its stunning beaches, and Manduria is no exception. Some of the best to visit are Spiaggia di Torre Colimena and Spiaggia di Borraco, or around the town of Porto Cesareo.
- Explore the Salina dei Monaci Nature Reserve: This protected area is a habitat to various migratory birds, including pink flamingos. Saltwater lakes create a unique ecosystem and a beautiful setting to go for a swim.
- Visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale della Taranta: This museum is dedicated to the history and culture of the ancient city of Taranto, just under an hours’ drive from Manduria, and exhibits one of the largest collections of artifacts from the Magna Graecia.
Towns to Visit in Puglia
Puglia, which forms the heel of Italy’s boot, is famous for its whitewashed hill towns, centuries-old farmland and hundreds of kilometres of Mediterranean coastline. Some of our favourite areas to visit in the region are outlined below, and here’s a great road trip itinerary if you’re planning on driving!
Polignano a Mare: Polignano a Mare is a picturesque coastal town that is home to one of the country’s most photographed (and beautiful!) beaches. Its dramatic cliffside setting and quaint historic centre have made it a top tourist destination in Puglia.
Monopoli: Just down the coast from Polignano a Mare, the quiet medieval port town of Monopoli is famed for its fresh seafood. It has a sandy beach and lovely promenade along the Porto Vecchio harbour.
Ostuni: Also known as the “White City”, this ancient town is one of Puglia’s most visited due to its well-preserved historic centre, which is entirely painted in a signature bright white. Perched atop a hill, Ostuni is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards that stretch down to the Adriatic Sea.
Lecce: Called “Florence of the South” for its stunning Baroque architecture, the relaxed university city of Lecce is an essential stop. Visitors can admire the city’s buildings and sculptures, explore well-preserved Roman ruins and experience the hospitality of the friendly local people.
Alberobello: Recognized for its traditional domed trulli homes, which are unique to the region, this tiny whitewashed town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located about an hour south of Puglia’s capital, Bari, Alberobello makes for a perfect day trip.
Martina Franca: Just a 20-minute drive from Alberobello is Martina Franca, also known for its Baroque architecture. Located on a hilltop in Val D’Itria, a valley famous for olive oil production and trulli homes, this town is regarded as one of the region’s prettiest.
Grottaglie: About 40 minutes from Masseria Potenti, Grottaglie is renowned for its ceramics industry. Here you will find many workshops where traditional Apulian ceramics are handmade by local artisans, making it a great place for purchasing gifts and souvenirs.
Gallipoli: Gallipoli is one hour south of Masseria Potenti, located on the southwestern coast of Puglia. Its historic centre is a small island enclosed by ancient city walls that juts out into the Ionian Sea and is filled with lively restaurants and bars.
Otranto: A relaxed port town on the Adriatic Sea, Otranto has a rocky coastline and clear waters, making it a popular summer destination for tourists. It is rich in history and culture, with several important landmarks like the 15th-century Castello Aragonese.
Matera: Although Matera is technically part of the Basilicata region and not Puglia, it’s right on the border and is a place you can’t miss. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with a complex of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside.
Where to Eat Nearby
Puglia is best known for its fresh seafood (often served raw), burrata cheese, orecchiette pasta, Primitivo wine and olive oil. Below are some recommended restaurants in the general vicinity of Masseria Potenti that are reachable by car. Typically you will need to call restaurants in Puglia to make a reservation, although some are now offering online or WhatsApp bookings.
- Gusto Primitivo Restaurant at Corte Borromeo Hotel in the historic centre of Manduria
- All’Hostaria in the historic centre of Manduria
- Casamatta Restaurant at Vinilia Wine Resort in the countryside of Manduria
- Agriturismo Contrada Africa in the neighbouring town of Avetrana
- Al Gatto Rosso in Taranto
- L’Orecchietta in Guagnano
- Antica Trattoria Salandra in Nardò
- Trattoria La Puritate in Gallipoli
- Ristorante Le Macàre in the countryside of Gallipoli
- Trattoria le Zie in Lecce
- Ristorante Lilith in the countryside of Lecce
WELCOME EVENT
We will be hosting Welcome Cocktails at Masseria Potenti on Saturday, May 6 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM – please feel free to drop by for a drink! Following cocktails, we will be having a casual dinner at the masseria (set menu at €65 per person, alcohol separate). If you wish to join for dinner, please email Christina to RSVP as the guest count will be finalized in advance.
A FEW FINAL NOTES
Registry Details
We are very thankful to our guests for travelling such long distances to celebrate with us, and want you to know that your presence is more than enough (gifts are not necessary!) If you do wish to bring a gift, any monetary contributions toward our honeymoon fund are much appreciated ❤️.
Rome Travel
If you are planning to fly into Rome or are spending any time there during your Italy trip, check out our Google Maps List with some of our favourite places to eat/drink, and let us know if you want any other tips!
Masseria Potenti Rules
Just so everyone is aware 😊…
- Smoking inside hotel rooms is prohibited
- No eating or drinking in the pool, and please do not swim in it after 8:00 PM! (Anyone who ignores this may be subject to a fine)
- On May 7, the open bar / party will shut down at 1:00 AM
Christina & Enrico's Wedding 