ES Cantina&Ristorante

The story

ES Cantina&Ristorante in Manduria: Modern Cuisine at a Wine Estate

At the Gianfranco Fino estate in Manduria, ES Cantina&Ristorante is the dining arm of a celebrated winemaking project. The adventure began in 2004 when Gianfranco Fino purchased a small hectare-and-a-third vineyard of old-vine Primitivo, trained in the traditional alberello method. His goal was to produce wines with a strong territorial identity, a mission he describes as that of an "artigiano delle vigne" — a vineyard craftsman. The vines grow on calcareous clay red soils, caressed by breezes from the Ionian Sea and the hot Puglian sun.

The restaurant, which has earned a Michelin Recommended distinction, offers a setting that is both refined and deeply connected to the land. Diners can experience modern cuisine that reflects the same philosophy of place and quality that drives the winery. The experience is enhanced by the estate’s own wines, including the flagship ES Primitivo, which has consistently won top honours from Italy’s leading guides — three Bicchieri from Gambero Rosso, five Grappoli from A.I.S., and Tre Stelle Oro from Veronelli, among many others.

Lunch and dinner are served in a space that balances fine dining with the relaxed atmosphere of a working wine estate. Outdoor seating is available, and the restaurant is wheelchair accessible. For those who wish to stay longer, the estate also offers rooms among the vineyards, turning a meal into a full wine experience.