Birra in Villa

Birra in Villa: Campanian Craft Brewing at Villa Calvanese

Birra in Villa is the premier craft beer festival that enlivens Villa Calvanese every year in late May. Located in the Lanzara district of Castel San Giorgio, in the province of Salerno, this 18th-century residence and its lush courtyard serve as one of the most atmospheric venues in the Agro Nocerino-Sarnese. For three consecutive nights, it transforms into a vibrant meeting point centered around Campanian craft breweries, fine food, and live music. More than just a beer festival, it is a showcase dedicated to product quality and the hard work of local producers.

Featured Craft Breweries

The core of the event is its selection of craft breweries, mostly from Campania, invited to share their craft directly with the public. The 2026 edition featured twelve breweries, offering a diverse array of styles and intensities designed for both seasoned beer enthusiasts and curious newcomers. Notable participants included:

• Sottobanco
• Kbirr
• Birrificio delle Cave
• Birrificio dell'Aspide
• Magifra
• Cuore Malto
• Aeffe
• Birrificio Incanto

Previous editions have hosted renowned names such as Karma, Sorrento, Okorei, VentiTre, Skapte, Kobi, Fiej, Birra Cifra, and Mal Brewing, offering dozens of different labels throughout the event.

Guided Tastings and Slow Food Workshops

Beyond the taps, the program includes guided tastings and technical workshops organized in collaboration with Slow Food. These sessions focus on food pairings and the art of pairing beer with cigars—a small but growing tradition in Castel San Giorgio. The partnership with Slow Food has been a staple since the festival's inception, often serving as a platform for the presentation of the "Guida alle Birre d'Italia" and meetings of the Slow Food Cooks-Brewers Alliance.

Gastronomic Offerings

The food is a pillar of the event, not just an accompaniment. The villa's grounds host a mix of iconic Neapolitan and Campanian traditions alongside gourmet cuisine: the Antica Pizzeria Di Matteo with its signature pasta frittata, San Giorgio Italian Bakery House with artisanal pizzas, Friggitoria Giovanni Napoli for classic Neapolitan fried street food, Manteca a Mare with beer-infused risotto, and Macelleria Braceria Albero with burgers and grilled meats, alongside chef-led creations using local ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes and regional pasta.

Live Music Every Night

Each evening features a unique concert, with swing bands, cover acts, and tribute bands taking the stage in the villa's outdoor space. This formula has made Birra in Villa a favorite among young people and families in the Agro area, drawing thousands of visitors over the course of the three days.

Villa Calvanese and the Territory

Also known as Palazzo Calvanese, Villa Calvanese is an 18th-century noble residence in the Vanvitellian style that now hosts cultural and culinary events for the Municipality of Castel San Giorgio. Its courtyard and gardens provide an unconventional backdrop for a beer festival, replacing standard industrial tents with stone arches and greenery. The surrounding Agro Nocerino-Sarnese is one of Campania's most productive agricultural regions, famous for its San Marzano tomatoes and a dense network of pasta factories and food producers that find a natural showcase in this festival.

A Growing Tradition

Born from the passion of local enthusiasts and developed by the young members of the Agro Azzurri Cultural Association, Birra in Villa has successfully surpassed ten editions. In 2026, the festival received the official patronage of the Salerno Chamber of Commerce, confirming its significance in the regional landscape of high-quality craft beer events.