Caseificio Dicecca, Matera Travel Guide

Caseificio Dicecca stands as one of Puglia's most respected dairy producers, rooted in generations of cheesemaking expertise. Located in the heart of Altamura, a town renowned for its gastronomic traditions, the caseificio has earned international recognition for its exceptional burrata and diverse range of fresh and aged cheeses. The family-run operation seamlessly blends traditional production methods passed down through generations with contemporary techniques, ensuring consistency, quality, and respect for authentic Puglian cheese-making practices.

Visitors can participate in comprehensive guided tours that provide unparalleled access to the production process. The Cheese Experience, available Monday through Saturday, takes guests on a full-day immersion beginning at the dairy facility on Via Bari. Participants witness live cheese production, taste carefully curated selections paired with regional wines, and explore the historic center of Altamura, including visits to one of the town's oldest traditional bakeries. The experience concludes at Baby Dicecca, the family's intimate cheese bar nestled within the Mercadante Forest, where guests enjoy a leisurely lunch surrounded by nature, featuring artisanal cheeses, local delicacies, and traditional Puglian sweets. Tours accommodate up to 15 people with advance booking and a required deposit.

Baby Dicecca represents an innovative extension of the family's vision, a wooden kiosk situated within the 1,300-hectare Mercadante Forest in the Alta Murgia Park. This intimate venue offers seasonal cheese and wine tastings, with menus designed by Vito and Roberta Dicecca to showcase their finest productions alongside other local artisanal products. The setting emphasizes authentic connection with nature and territory, featuring outdoor seating for up to 40 guests. Seasonal availability runs from May through October, with lunch service in spring and autumn, and dinner service during summer months. The experience is designed for small groups seeking genuine culinary immersion in Puglia's natural landscape.

The caseificio's burrata has achieved international acclaim, recognized for its perfect balance of creamy interior and delicate outer shell. Beyond burrata, the facility produces fresh mozzarella, ricotta, aged caciocavallo, and blue-veined cheeses, each reflecting the quality of local milk and traditional production expertise. Products are available for direct purchase at the main facility, with convenient thermal bags provided for travel. The dairy's commitment to quality has garnered consistent praise from visitors and food professionals alike.

The main caseificio operates throughout the week with extended hours accommodating both early morning and evening visits. The facility welcomes walk-in customers for retail purchases and can accommodate small groups for informal tastings. For those seeking deeper engagement, the structured Cheese Experience requires advance booking and represents a comprehensive introduction to Puglian cheese culture. Baby Dicecca operates weekends only during its seasonal window, requiring mandatory reservations. Both locations are accessible by personal vehicle, with Baby Dicecca situated approximately 13 kilometers from central Altamura within the protected Alta Murgia landscape.