Masseria Scalera: meeting the Shepherdess of the Murgia
An authentic experience among animals, pastoral traditions and artisan cheeses of the Alta Murgia
Step into the heart of rural life in the Alta Murgia. Meet Maria Antonietta Scalera, listen to the story of her choice of life, visit the cheese-making workshop and taste genuine cheeses accompanied by Pane di Altamura DOP and local wine.
Experience available throughout the year, exclusively on request and subject to the availability of Masseria Scalera. The day and time must be arranged in advance.
The programme of the experience at Masseria Scalera
- Independent arrival at Masseria Scalera
- Welcome by Maria Antonietta Scalera
- Presentation of the farmhouse and its family history
- Account of Maria Antonietta’s choice of life
- Introduction to the traditional shepherding of the Alta Murgia
- Account of the relationship between livestock farming, nature and the seasons
- Visit to the spaces of the farm
- Meeting with the animals of the farmhouse
- Insight into the natural feeding of the animals
- Account of the spontaneous aromatic herbs found in the Murgia pastures
- Explanation of the bond between pastures, milk quality and the flavour of the cheeses
- Entry into the cheese-making workshop
- Presentation of the main stages of milk processing
- Demonstration of the artisan production of cheeses
- Demonstration of the preparation of mozzarella and dairy products
- Account of the techniques handed down by the Scalera family
- Tasting of the cheeses produced at the farmhouse
- Tasting of Pane di Altamura DOP
- Tasting accompanied by local wine and water
- Closing coffee
- Free time to enjoy the peace and the rural landscape
- Farewell to Maria Antonietta and conclusion of the experience
What the experience includes
- Welcome at Masseria Scalera
- Meeting with Maria Antonietta Scalera
- Account of the history of the family and the farmhouse
- Guided tour of the farm
- Introduction to the shepherding of the Alta Murgia
- Meeting with the animals at the farmhouse
- Visit to the cheese-making workshop
- Demonstration of artisan cheese-making
- Explanation of the production of cheeses and mozzarella
- Tasting of typical cheeses
- Pane di Altamura DOP
- Local wine
- Water
- Coffee
- Possibility of buying the products of the farmhouse, subject to availability
- Possibility of customising the tasting for groups, on request
Useful information
- Indicative duration of the experience: about 3 hours
- Minimum number of participants: 2 people
- Maximum number of participants: to be confirmed with the farmhouse
- Indicative cost: from €30 per person
- Any option from €40 per person to be confirmed according to the tasting and services requested
- The final price must be verified at the time of booking
- Experience available exclusively on request
- Availability is subject to the production activities of the farmhouse
- The time is communicated at the time of confirmation
- Each participant must reach the farmhouse with their own means of transport
- Transport to and from Masseria Scalera is not included
- A transport service with an authorised vehicle can be requested
- Transport must be booked in advance at the reception of Hotel San Nicola
- The cost of any transport is calculated separately
- The departure point of the transport must be arranged at the time of booking
- Part of the experience may take place outdoors
- The programme may be modified in the event of adverse weather conditions
- Comfortable shoes suitable for a rural environment are recommended
- Clothing suitable for the season is recommended
- The meeting with the animals takes place with respect for the daily activities of the farmhouse
- Children must be accompanied and supervised by an adult
- The demonstration may vary according to the production planned for the day
- The type of cheeses offered may change according to availability and seasonality
- The tasting includes products derived from milk
- Any food allergies or intolerances must be communicated in advance
- The presence of alternatives for those who are lactose intolerant must be verified before booking
- Wine is served exclusively to participants of legal age
- For minors or for those who do not consume alcohol, an alternative drink can be provided
- Purchases of additional products are not included in the fee
- The payment and cancellation conditions are communicated at the time of confirmation
- Programme, price and availability must be reconfirmed before arrival
