Aperitivo in Vigna

An aperitivo among the Greco di Tufo vineyards

Some events don't need stages or elaborate setups: all you need is a row of vines, a glass, and the glow of sunset. Aperitivo in Vigna was born from this idea in the town of Tufo, in the province of Avellino, deep in the heart of Irpinia and inland Campania. Every year, the local Pro Loco opens the vineyards of the San Paolo district and invites residents and visitors to stroll through the vines, glass in hand, while the farmers share the story of the wine being tasted. It is neither a fair nor a traditional food festival; it is a tasting evening hosted by the landscape itself, with a limited number of participants and a slow, relaxed pace.

Tufo, a tiny village with a world-renowned wine

Tufo has just over eight hundred inhabitants spread over an area of less than six square kilometers, sitting at an altitude of about 250 meters, 17 kilometers from Avellino along the Sabato valley. Despite its small size, its name is familiar to wine lovers worldwide: this is the birthplace of Greco di Tufo DOCG, one of Italy's most distinctive, savory, and age-worthy white wines. The village also preserves the memory of its ancient sulfur mines, a chapter of industrial history that shaped the valley's life and now coexists with the area's agricultural vocation. Surrounding Tufo are the towns of Altavilla Irpina, Petruro Irpino, Prata di Principato Ultra, Santa Paolina, and Torrioni: a mosaic of vine-covered hills where the Greco grape finds its ideal terroir.

How the evening unfolds

The meeting time is traditionally set for 6:30 PM, when the light begins to soften over the vines. From there, a guided tasting of wines from a local producer begins, accompanied by stories about the labels: the grape variety, vintages, production methods, and soil characteristics. The wine is never alone: the glass is paired with a selection of typical Irpinian food specialties, served on a board, allowing guests to experience how the local Greco pairs perfectly with cheeses, cured meats, and traditional rustic dishes.

The landscape as part of the experience

The date changes from year to year, which also changes the scenery: in late May editions, the vines are in bloom, while in June and July, the clusters are already formed and the vineyard is lush with the deep green of summer. In any case, the view opens up over the panoramas of the valley and the historical and architectural heritage of the nearby villages, which tell the story of rural life in this part of Irpinia. Participants don't just buy a tasting; they choose to spend a few hours in the very place where the wine is made—something no wine shop can offer.

Recent editions

• 2022 — Saturday, July 30, in the Cutuzzi area of the San Paolo district, with the slogan "From the vine to the glass" and a participation fee of 15 euros per person, by mandatory reservation.
• 2025 — Saturday, June 21, in the Fontana area, featuring wines from Cantine Cennerazzo: a glass of Greco di Tufo DOCG accompanied by a board of typical local products.
• 2026 — Saturday, May 30, among the blooming vines of the San Paolo district, with a guided tasting and Irpinian specialties.

Who organizes it

The event is managed by Pro Loco Tufo APS, the association that brings life to the town's calendar and directly handles reservations and logistics, including information on accommodation for those arriving from outside the province. It is a local, volunteer-run organization, and it shows: the hospitality is direct, informal, and free of commercial filters.

Why it's worth the trip

Aperitivo in Vigna is the simplest gateway to a territory that deserves more than a quick stop. In one evening, you can understand the wine, the landscape, and the character of a village that has chosen to tell its story starting from its own vineyard. Those who wish to extend their visit will find visitable wineries, churches, and small historic centers in the Greco di Tufo area, with the possibility of combining the event with other food and wine initiatives in Irpinia during the same season.