Bacco nelle Gnostre

Bacco nelle Gnostre: Autumn wine celebrations in Noci

Bacco nelle Gnostre is the food and wine festival that transforms the historic center of Noci, in the Metropolitan City of Bari, into a vibrant, widespread celebration of new wine, roasted chestnuts, and traditional Apulian flavors every autumn. Reaching its twenty-second edition in 2025, the festival is organized by the Parco Letterario Formiche di Puglia under the patronage of the Municipality of Noci and the Puglia Region, in collaboration with AIS Puglia.

The 'gnostre', the heart of the festival

The charm of the event lies in its unique setting: the gnostre are ancient courtyards and small communal squares nestled between the whitewashed houses of the village. These spaces, once hubs of daily life and social interaction, become open-air living rooms for two days. As visitors stroll through white-washed alleys and arches, they encounter wineries, smoking chestnut braziers, and tasting corners, all wrapped in the intimate and convivial atmosphere that defines Noci.

Wine, roasted chestnuts, and the flavors of Puglia

The absolute star is the new wine, accompanied by labels from local Noci and regional Apulian wineries. In the 2025 edition, fifteen wineries offered tastings and wine stories along the Estramurale dei Sapori, a one-kilometer route featuring over fifty street food stalls. Signature culinary highlights include the Piatto di Bacco and the Focaccella di Bacco, alongside the essential roasted chestnuts and typical products from the Murgia territory.

Music, performances, and culture

The festival is more than just food and wine: thirteen musical ensembles enliven the streets with concerts and roving performances, while circus troupes bring aerial dances and acrobatics to the alleys. The Municipal Palace and the Cloister of the Clarisse host photography exhibitions, contemporary art installations, and video projections, showcasing an event that masterfully blends taste, folk tradition, and culture.

An identity-defining event for Noci

With tens of thousands of visitors each year, Bacco nelle Gnostre has become one of Puglia's premier autumn events. It is a celebration that highlights the architectural heritage of Noci's historic center, the culture of wine, and the warmth of Apulian hospitality, offering residents and tourists an authentic experience filled with flavors, music, and tradition.