FAQ
Do you have questions about our experiences or how to reach us in the Forest? Don’t worry, in this section we’ve gathered all the useful information.
THE EXPERIENCES
We currently offer three distinct experiences: the Cheese Experience (a complete tour from the dairy to the forest), the Baby Dicecca Tasting (a cheese and wine tasting in the Mercadante forest), and In Vito’s Hands (a private journey with Vito himself). Each one has its own character, duration, and price.
If you want a full day taking in the dairy, the historic centre of Altamura, and the forest, choose the Cheese Experience. If you prefer a relaxed tasting in nature with wines included, go for the Baby Dicecca Tasting. If you’re looking for a private, in-depth immersion into the world of cheesemaking with Vito as your exclusive guide, In Vito’s Hands is the most intensive experience.
It depends on the experience. The Cheese Experience and In Vito’s Hands run Monday to Saturday, public holidays excluded. The Baby Dicecca Tasting is seasonal: lunch from May to June, dinner from July to August, lunch from September to October. It is not available out of season.
The Baby Dicecca Tasting is held exclusively outdoors (40 outdoor seats, no covered seating). In the event of adverse weather conditions, we may need to postpone. We will contact you in advance to agree on a solution. The Cheese Experience and In Vito’s Hands include indoor phases at the dairy.
Vito leads the experiences in both Italian and English. For groups with specific language requirements, please contact us before booking.
No. Caseificio Dicecca is a working artisan laboratory: access is reserved for participants in booked experiences. It is not open for unguided visits.
THE CHEESE EXPERIENCE
The price covers two distinct moments: €130 for the guided tour (visit to the dairy with live production, cheese tasting without wine, visit to the oldest bakery in Altamura with bread and focaccia tasting, guided tour of the historic centre) and €50 for lunch at Baby Dicecca in the Mercadante Forest with traditional desserts. Children under 10 participate free of charge.
The tasting at the dairy does not include wine. Lunch at Baby Dicecca does not include wine. If you would like wine pairings, we recommend the Baby Dicecca Tasting, where wines are included in the price.
The two stops are approximately 13 km apart. The transfer is by your own means: you will be provided with the exact address and directions. No organised transport is available.
Approximately 5 hours in total, from around 10:00 to 15:00. Timings may vary slightly depending on the group.
The group can have a maximum of 30 people.
Yes. Children under 10 enter free of charge. The experience is designed with families in mind too: the pace is relaxed and the locations are suitable for all ages.
BABY DICECCA TASTING — CHEESE & WINE
The price covers a complete tasting of Dicecca cheeses (fresh, aged, and blue cheeses) paired with local wines, Altamura bread, and typical Puglian specialities. Wines are included. Children under 10 do not pay.
At the Baby Dicecca wooden kiosk, nestled in the Mercadante Forest in Cassano delle Murge (BA), approximately 13 km from Altamura. The venue is not accessible by public transport: a private car is required.
It is a seasonal experience: lunch from May to June, dinner from July to August, lunch from September to October. It cannot be booked outside these periods. Before booking, always check the latest availability on the website or by contacting us directly.
Yes. Baby Dicecca has approximately 30 covered seats.
Yes. Baby Dicecca is available for private events by reservation, with a maximum capacity of 30 people. Contact us to request a personalised quote.
IN VITO'S HANDS
It is the only private experience personally led by Vito Dicecca, one of the most acclaimed cheese agers in Italy. It is not a tour: it is an encounter. It includes a hands-on workshop on mozzarella and burrata, the secrets of aging, the art of cheese in cooking, a lunch in the forest, and a wine tasting. A maximum of 15 participants, to ensure an authentic and intimate experience.
€350 per person. The price reflects the exclusive nature of the journey, Vito’s direct presence as guide, and the quality of everything included.
Yes. In Vito’s Hands requires a deposit at the time of booking. The exact amount will be communicated to you at the time of confirmation.
This information is not specified online. Please contact us directly to find out whether it is possible to purchase or take home the cheeses made during the workshop.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT
All experiences require advance booking. You can book via the “Book Now” button on the website, or contact us directly by phone or email: we will guide you through the selection and confirmation process.
- Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express)
- Digital payment systems (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal)
- Cash (within the limits set by current regulations)
For In Vito’s Hands, a deposit is required. For the Cheese Experience and the Baby Dicecca Tasting, please contact us for the latest booking terms.
Yes. After booking you will receive a confirmation with all the details of the experience: times, meeting point, and practical information.
Yes. Groups are welcome up to the maximum capacities indicated for each experience (30 for the Cheese Experience, 40 for the Baby Dicecca Tasting, 15 for In Vito’s Hands). For organised groups and agencies, please contact us directly to arrange dedicated terms.
Yes, Dicecca experiences make a memorable gift. Contact us to arrange a gift voucher or a surprise booking.
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
We understand that plans can change. Our terms are:
- Cancellation more than 30 days in advance: 20% of the total amount retained
- Cancellation between 7 and 30 days in advance: 40% of the total amount retained
- Cancellation less than 7 days in advance: no refund
In the event of cancellation on our part (for example due to extreme weather or force majeure), we will offer you an alternative date or a full refund.
The general policy applies to all experiences. In Vito’s Hands, as it requires a deposit, may have specific terms communicated at the time of booking.
LOGISTICS AND HOW TO REACH US
Via Bari 26, 70022 Altamura (BA). This is the starting point for the Cheese Experience and In Vito’s Hands.
In the Mercadante Forest, 70020 Cassano delle Murge (BA). It is accessible by car, approximately 13 km from the centre of Altamura.
Caseificio Dicecca in Altamura is reachable by train (Bari–Matera line). Baby Dicecca in the forest is accessible by car only: it is not served by public transport.
Yes, though it is not supervised.
Altamura is approximately 50 km from Bari, with a journey time of around 45–60 minutes by car. Baby Dicecca is approximately 60 km from Bari.
Yes. Altamura is approximately 20 km from Matera, around 25 minutes by car. It is a perfect combination for those visiting Basilicata.
ALLERGIES, SPECIAL DIETS AND FOOD
The experiences are centred around fresh and aged cheese — lactose is everywhere. People with severe intolerance may not be able to enjoy most of the products. Please contact us in advance so we can assess the situation together.
Cheeses are of animal origin. Vegans will not find alternatives in the tasting. Vegetarians, on the other hand, can participate without any issues.
Absolutely. Always indicate any allergies at the time of booking so that we can best manage your participation.
Yes. Pane di Altamura DOP is made with durum wheat semolina. Anyone with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity must flag this before booking.
Yes. The selection favours local wines from Puglia, paired with Dicecca cheeses.
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Yes. The experiences are family-friendly. Children under 10 do not pay for the Cheese Experience or the Baby Dicecca Tasting.
No minimum age is specified. The experiences last 5 hours and involve walking: we leave it to you to judge how much your little ones can handle.
Yes, they are welcome both at the dairy and in the forest.
ACCESSIBILITY
PRIVATE GROUPS AND EVENTS
Yes. All three experiences can be organised in a private format. In Vito’s Hands is by definition already a private experience. For the Cheese Experience and the Baby Dicecca Tasting, please contact us for availability and terms.
Yes. Our experiences are ideal for team building, special clients, corporate incentives, and celebrations. Contact us for a tailor-made programme.
Baby Dicecca is available for private events of up to 30 people. For weddings, birthdays, or special occasions, write to us for a dedicated quote.
Contact us directly to arrange an experience as a gift. We will be happy to find the most suitable solution.
WHO IS VITO DICECCA
Vito Dicecca is an artisan cheese ager from Altamura, born in 1985. Heir to a family cheesemaking tradition, he has transformed the family dairy into a benchmark for quality Puglian cheese. His work has been recognised by Gambero Rosso, Prime Video, and Roads & Kingdoms.
Aging is the art of maturing and tending to cheeses over time, controlling humidity, temperature, and surface treatments. Vito is one of the few artisan cheese agers in Southern Italy.
Caseificio is the Italian word for a creamery or dairy — the place where milk is artisanally transformed into fresh and aged cheeses.
PRODUCTS AND PURCHASES
Yes, the cheeses are always available to purchase at the dairy regardless of the experiences. The dairy is open every day except Sunday afternoon.
In-store only.
No, it is not.
Contact us directly by email or phone: we will let you know how to get hold of it.
CONTACTS AND COMMUNICATIONS
Phone: +39 333 303 8348 (Vito) — +39 348 879 5428 (Roberta, Baby Dicecca) Email: vitodicecca85@gmail.com Instagram: @caseificiodicecca
Italian and English.
Yes, you can sign up on the website to receive updates on new experiences, seasonal openings, and news from the dairy.
