San Salvatore 19.88: sharing Cilento’s voice on the international stage
Author: Victoria Makarova
WTA is proud to share news from our Public Voting Winner, Azienda Agricola San Salvatore 1988, a winery deeply rooted in the traditions and landscapes of Cilento, Campania.
Spring 2025 marks an important chapter for San Salvatore 19.88, with participation in two major international events: Vinitaly (April 6–9) in Verona and Vinous Icons: Italy in NYC (May 14–17) in New York. These platforms offer the estate an opportunity not only to showcase the region, the wines, and the vision of San Salvatore 19.88 in Cilento, but also to share the story of a unique and still largely undiscovered region of southern Italy.
At Vinitaly 2025: Cilento at the heart of Italian wine
At Italy’s most influential wine fair, San Salvatore 19.88 gave voice to Cilento through a dedicated stand highlighting their flagship wines and newest releases. Visitors had the chance to explore not just the winery’s portfolio, but also the broader narrative of the Cilento National Park, a UNESCO-listed territory where biodiversity and history shape a distinct viticultural identity.
Every bottle tells a story of the place where it was born, and San Salvatore 19.88’s commitment to sustainability, local varieties, and artisanal methods resonated strongly with an international audience of buyers, sommeliers, journalists, and wine lovers. Vinitaly remains a key stage for the winery, helping to strengthen its growing presence on the world wine map.
Mr. Giuseppe Pagano, the founder of San Salvatore 19.88, is very satisfied with the results of the event: “We’ve been genuinely encouraged by the positive response to our recent vintages. It’s a meaningful reminder of Campania’s potential to gain wider recognition, especially for its remarkable white wines and exceptional white grape varieties. At the same time, the current uncertainty in global trade calls for adaptability, open-mindedness, and strong collaboration as we navigate the challenges ahead together.”
“Vinous Icons: Italy in NYC” – Cilento’s voice at the global wine stage
This May, San Salvatore 19.88 will take the next step in its international journey to “Vinous Icons: Italy in NYC”, hosted by the renowned wine media platform Vinous.
Held in the stunning Hall des Lumières in Manhattan, Vinous Icons will gather some of Italy’s most influential wineries and industry leaders for a multi-day celebration of the country’s finest winemaking traditions and achievements.
Being selected as a Vinous Icon winery — and as an ambassador for Campania — is a powerful recognition of San Salvatore’s dedication to authenticity, quality, and innovation.
It is also a rare opportunity to present the unique flavors of Cilento to one of the world’s most discerning wine audiences. In a landscape often dominated by the better-known names of northern and central Italy, San Salvatore 19.88 stands as a compelling voice for southern Italy’s vibrant terroirs, where quality, identity, ancient traditions and innovative approach come together.
At Vinous Icons, San Salvatore 19.88 will present two of its standout wines: : Fiano Paestum IGP Pian di Stio 2021 and Aglianico Paestum IGP Omaggio a Gillo Dorfles 2017. The Pian di Stio 2021, with its elegant expression of Cilento’s terroir, represents the estate’s commitment to crafting wines that reflect both the rich history and modern spirit of the region. Alongside it, the Omaggio a Gillo Dorfles 2017, a powerful Aglianico, demonstrates the deep, structured character of this indigenous variety — a fitting tribute to the late artist and intellectual Gillo Dorfles, who was passionate about the intersection of art and culture in the region.
Eric Guido. Photo by Mikhail Lipyanskiyy
These wines will take center stage during an exclusive masterclass on Iconic White Wines of Italy, hosted by renowned wine critic Eric Guido, an expert widely respected for his deep understanding of Italian wine. Guido, who is a leading voice at Vinous and host of Vinous in the Kitchen, will guide attendees through a selection of wines from Italy’s top producers, and San Salvatore 19.88’s Pian di Stio 2021 will be showcased alongside some of Italy’s most esteemed estates. Alongside other renowned estates such as Cantina Kurtatsch, J. Hofstätter, Il Colombaio di Santa Chiara, Tiberio, Planeta, Graziano Prà, Quintodecimo, and Suavia, San Salvatore 19.88’s inclusion in the masterclass highlights the growing recognition of Cilento’s white wines on the global stage. This prestigious event offers a perfect opportunity for Cilento’s wines to be celebrated by the global wine community.
Meanwhile, the WTA Jury is reviewing the profiles of our public voting winners, including San Salvatore 19.88. Best of luck to Cilento and San Salvatore 19.88!
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