Birra nelle Grotte

Irpinian craft beers in the village of the caves

"Birra nelle Grotte" is the premier summer beer event in Zungoli, a small town of just under nine hundred inhabitants perched at an altitude of 657 meters in the upper Ufita Valley, in the province of Avellino, Campania. The concept is simple and has been a success for years: setting up tasting stalls for Irpinian craft beers in the squares and stone alleys of the historic center, just steps away from the famous tuff caves that earned the town its nickname, the "village of the caves."

The tuff caves, the soul of the village

The subsoil of Zungoli is crisscrossed by tunnels and chambers carved into the tuff, dating back to the Byzantine era (9th-10th century) and arranged on multiple levels connected by stone stairs. For centuries, these served as cellars, storage areas, and aging rooms; even today, these cool, humid environments are used to age Podolico caciocavallo cheese and other local products. This unique setting gives the event its name and distinguishes it from a typical beer festival: you eat and drink in an urban landscape of stone and tuff, beneath the towers of the Norman-era castle.

What to taste

The heart of the evening is the craft beer from Irpinian breweries, poured at stalls set up throughout the village. Past editions have featured local producers such as Ventitré and Serrocroce, accompanied by a selection of typical products from Irpinia.

• Draft craft beers from local producers
• Tastings of local cured meats, cheeses, and preserves
• Signature products of the upper Ufita Valley, from Podolico caciocavallo to extra virgin olive oil
• Simple dishes of Zungoli cuisine served at the stalls

Music and atmosphere

The formula combines tastings with live music. In the 2024 edition, the evening began at 8:00 PM with the opening of the stands in the "Quartiere" square, followed at 9:00 PM by a concert of Celtic and Irish music by the Monaghan Duo—featuring Celtic harp, violin, flutes, guitar, bagpipes, and bodhrán—and concluded with a DJ set after 11:00 PM. This choice aligns with the festival's character: craft beer accompanied by folk sounds, in a village where the stone amplifies the music.

The 2026 edition

"Birra nelle Grotte" appears in the 2026 program of the Irpinian Pro Loco associations published by the UNPLI of Avellino, among the events that Pro Loco Zungoli hosts between April and September, though without a specific date. The "La Bella Estate a Zungoli 2026 — Tra vicoli fioriti e sapori sotto le stelle" (Beautiful Summer in Zungoli 2026 — Among flowered alleys and flavors under the stars) program, released by the Pro Loco, kicks off on Sunday, August 2nd at 9:00 PM with a beer festival in the historic center titled "Al Chiaro di Luppolo," followed by "Formaggi sotto le Stelle" on August 10th and the "Sagra della Chiccozza" on August 24th. Until the official flyer is released, it is best to check the date and time on the Pro Loco Zungoli social media channels.

Zungoli, one of Italy's most beautiful villages

Zungoli is part of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia" (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy) circuit and holds the Orange Flag from the Italian Touring Club. The castle, built around the 11th century and later transformed into a noble residence, dominates the town with its cylindrical towers. Nearby are palaces such as Palazzo Caputi and Palazzo Januzzi, along with a network of alleys that the Pro Loco fills with flowers every summer for the "Il Borgo Fiorito" contest. A tasting evening here is also the perfect opportunity for a walk through the village before sunset, with views opening up over the valley toward the border with Puglia.

Visitor tips

• Arrive while it is still light to explore the historic center and the viewpoints over the Ufita Valley
• Wear comfortable shoes: the village is hilly and the paths are paved with stone
• Bring a light jacket: at 657 meters, August evenings can be cool
• Check dates and times on the Pro Loco Zungoli social media pages before traveling