Calici di Stelle Sava

The most anticipated toast of the summer in Sava

Every August 10th, on the magical night of St. Lawrence, the historic center of Sava, in the province of Taranto, lights up for Calici di Stelle, the food and wine event that has been celebrating Primitivo di Manduria under a shower of shooting stars for over twenty years. The entire town turns into a large open-air lounge: streets and squares fill with winery stalls, tables laden with local products, and live music, while eyes turn to the sky in search of the Tears of St. Lawrence.

A journey of taste through the squares

The format is that of a widespread food and wine stroll. By purchasing the event's wine glass, visitors can taste DOC Primitivo di Manduria, IGT Salento, and IGT Tarantino wines at pavilions set up along the town center streets. Meanwhile, in the various squares, the 'House of Taste' hosts sommelier-led tastings, local craft exhibitions, Salento food stalls, and astronomical observation points. The itinerary typically includes Piazza San Giovanni, Piazza Risorgimento, Via del Prete, Piazza Spagnolo Palma, Via Roma, and the Sassi Public Park.

Wine, sky, and local culture

Calici di Stelle is more than just a festival: it is a collective ritual that weaves together earth and sky, taste and music. Stargazing, often hosted by Salento amateur astronomers with their telescopes, is complemented by visits to Sava's cultural landmarks, such as the Oil Museum housed in an underground olive mill and the Chinese Missionary and Natural History Museum. Promoted by the Municipality of Sava as part of the national 'Movimento Turismo del Vino' circuit, in collaboration with the Primitivo di Manduria Protection Consortium, the event has become a symbolic highlight of the summer in the province of Taranto and the entire Apulian wine scene.

An event for everyone

With free admission and a traffic-free historic center for the occasion, Calici di Stelle attracts thousands of visitors every year from Sava, neighboring towns in the Taranto area, Salento, and across the region. It is the perfect opportunity to discover the most authentic side of Apulian wine culture, amidst the intense red of Primitivo, the flavors of local cuisine, and the wonder of a summer night spent looking up at the stars.