Arts and Crafts at the Palace – Castelvecchio DiVino In Vino

A village turned into an open-air cellar

Every summer, Castelvecchio Subequo, a village of a few thousand inhabitants in the heart of the Subequana Valley in the province of L'Aquila (Abruzzo), opens the doors of its noble palaces and underground cellars for Arts and Crafts at the Palace – Castelvecchio DiVino In Vino. It is a traveling food and wine festival where, equipped with a wine glass and a fabric pouch, you walk through the alleys of the historic center, moving from one tasting to another in what the organizers call a 'slow tourism' experience.

Abruzzo wines in the spotlight

The heart of the event is wine: recent editions have featured around ten excellent Abruzzo wineries, with a selection ranging from reds and Cerasuolo to whites, including the introduction of natural wines alongside traditional productions. Tastings are led by sommeliers from the Italian Sommelier Association of Abruzzo, who explain each label and guide visitors on a journey of discovery through the territory.

Beyond wine: art, crafts, and memory

The festival's name recalls the arts and crafts of the past: along the route, you will find artisans working with stone and wood, metal sculptures, recycled art, photography, crochet, tailoring, jewelry, natural cosmetics, honey, and traditional sweets. During the festival, the Museum of Memories of the Subequana Valley reopens, housing tools and utensils of ancient trades, while the local gastronomy offers typical Subequana dishes.

Miner's Day, 80s Night, and White Night

The program alternates cultural moments with festive evenings. The Miner's Day celebrates the local mining history with a conference; the 80s Night brings the historic center to life with DJ sets, while the White Night closes the event with music until late at night in Piazza Primo Maggio. There is also the 'Oggi Sposi' (Just Married) event, dedicated to the renewal of wedding vows, and a rich entertainment program for children.

A rediscovered tradition

Founded in 2000, the festival was interrupted by the 2009 earthquake that hit the L'Aquila area hard, only to be resumed in later years. Its return has helped regenerate the historic San Giovanni district. Promoted by the Municipality of Castelvecchio Subequo together with the organizing committee and supported by funds from the National Complementary Plan to the PNRR – Next Appennino, the event is now one of the most anticipated summer appointments in the Subequana Valley and this part of the province of L'Aquila.