Merano WineFestival Heads South: Calabria Hosts Three-Day Celebration of Taste, Terroir, and Tradition
Author: Victoria Makarova
Calabria gears up for the first-ever regional Merano WineFestival — Essence of the South (June 7–9). From Cirò’s historic center to the elegant Borgo Saverona, the inaugural edition of Merano WineFestival Calabria is ready to pour out the soul of Southern Italy — one glass at a time. Those will be three days dedicated to discovering the food and wine excellence of Calabria, with tastings and in-depth studies.
Merano WineFestival, one of Europe’s most iconic wine events, is venturing into Southern Italy for the very first time. Mark your calendars: from June 7 to 9, 2025, the picturesque town of Cirò in Calabria (KR) will host Merano WineFestival Calabria – Essence of the South, a bold new format that fuses native grapes, fine cuisine, culture, and forward-looking sustainability conversations.
Organized in partnership with the Calabria Region’s Department of Agriculture, the Regional Agency for the Development of Calabrian Agriculture, and the Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Cirò e Melissa, the festival is a tribute to Calabria’s unique biodiversity and deep winemaking heritage of the region which was once the beating heart of Magna Graecia.
Saturday, June 7 – Cirò’s historic center becomes a living wine museum
The festivities begin at 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 7, in the atmospheric streets of Cirò’s old town, where the opening ceremony will set the tone for three days of immersive discovery. Wine lovers can roam among 9 tasting stations, each dedicated to a different native grape variety, showcasing around 180 labels handpicked and poured by expert sommeliers.
Culinary storytelling comes alive through three themed food islands, animated by 10 local chefs who will reinterpret Calabria’s traditional dishes with modern flair. Add to that the Cirò Wine Library, regional biodiversity exhibits featuring five guest regions, a visit to the Luigi Lilio Museum, and live music, and you’ve got yourself a full-sensory dive into Calabrian culture.
Sunday & Monday, June 8–9: fine wines, star chefs, and poolside vibes in Cirò Marina
The action then shifts to Borgo Saverona, a refined estate in Cirò Marina, where over 130 wine and food exhibitors will take center stage across Sunday and Monday.
Sunday, June 8 kicks off with a bang — the ceremonial sabrage of sparkling wines and the official WineHunter Award Calabria 2025 presentation, spotlighting top products selected for their quality and originality.
From 6:00 PM until midnight, guests can indulge in tastings, chef demos, live music, and culinary creations in a lively setting complete with a poolside lounge. The much-anticipated “Chef on the Table” dinners begin at 7:30 PM, featuring star talents — Calabria’s most acclaimed chefs: Luca Abbruzzino (Abbruzzino Oltre), Antonio Biafora (Hyle), Caterina Ceraudo (Dattilo), and pizza maestro Daniele Campana (Campana 12), technical partner of Moretti Forni.
On Monday evening, from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, chefs Nino Rossi (Qafiz) and Riccardo Sculli (Gambero Rosso Restaurant) will helm the kitchen. The featured pizza-chef will be Roberto Davanzo (Bob Alchimia a Spicchi), offering a creative proposal inspired by local ingredients.
Talks, tastings & the Social Garden
Between tastings and toasts, don’t miss the “Breath and Cry of the Earth” conference, led by leading viticulture experts Professor Attilio Scienza and Dr. Anna Schneider. This scientific deep dive will explore the biodiversity of Southern Italian vineyards and envision sustainable futures for regional agriculture.
A standout innovation this year is the Social Garden — a relaxed networking hub bringing together winemakers, journalists, influencers, and wine lovers for informal talks, live interviews, and creative conversation, paired with aperitifs and high-end mixology. A new kind of agora, rooted in Calabrian hospitality and curiosity.
Final toast – Calabrian sparkling wine takes the Spotlight
As the festival winds down on Monday, June 9, a final toast titled “Magna Graecia Metodo Classico” will honor Calabria’s growing reputation in the world of sparkling wines, with glasses raised poolside under the stars at 11:30 PM.
Whether you’re an industry professional, wine aficionado, or simply curious about Southern Italy’s vinous treasures, Merano WineFestival Calabria – Essence of the South offers an unforgettable deep dive into the region’s flavors, stories, and future.
Online ticket sales are now open, and press/industry accreditation is available.
For more info please check the website.
Press Contact:
Alessia Telese | smstudio | pr & communication
Тел. +39 324 8940641
Email: alessia.telese@smstudiopr.it
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