Campania Gin Fest

A gin festival in the Irno Valley

The Campania Gin Fest is the event that introduced the culture of craft gin to Pellezzano, a town in the province of Salerno, Campania. It is held at the Eremo dello Spirito Santo, a monumental complex in the village of Capriglia overlooking the Irno Valley: an unconventional setting for a food and wine fair, blending the charm of a historic site of silence with the convivial atmosphere of a major tasting event.

How the event was born

The concept was created by Alessandro Garofalo and Marco Rago, supported by the cultural association I Ragazzi di Capriglia and endorsed by the Municipality of Pellezzano and the Province of Salerno. The first edition took place on September 19th and 20th, 2025, as part of the Settembre all'Eremo program, the municipal festival that celebrates the end of summer by inviting the public to enjoy the monumental complex through yoga, dance, cinema, and food and wine events.

What to expect at Campania Gin Fest

• Producer tasting stands: the inaugural edition featured fourteen gin distilleries, offering both standard and premium labels.
• Focus on Campanian gin: most of the participating distilleries are based in Campania, highlighting a young but rapidly growing artisanal sector.
• Guest producers from other regions: in 2025, interregional collaboration was represented by the Tuscan winery Il Borro, invited to engage with Southern Italian producers.
• Cuisine and show cooking: local restaurants work alongside the distillers, offering live cooking demonstrations and dishes specifically designed to pair with gin and local flavors.
• Educational sessions: conferences and meetings with industry experts to explore gin from the perspectives of production, taste, and the culture of responsible drinking.
• Live music and DJ sets: evenings are enlivened by concerts and musical selections, turning the Eremo courtyard into a social hub.

Why gin, and why here?

In recent years, craft gin has become one of the most dynamic areas of experimentation in the Italian spirits scene, and the South is no exception: micro-distilleries and small brands are working with local botanicals to create a distinct aromatic profile. Campania Gin Fest was born to provide this movement with a regional showcase, connecting the public directly with producers in a format that prioritizes storytelling and guided tasting over simple consumption.

The Eremo dello Spirito Santo

The Eremo dello Spirito Santo is one of the iconic landmarks of Pellezzano: a monumental complex nestled in the greenery of the Capriglia hills, which has been restored over the years and returned to the community as a cultural space. Hosting a food and wine event here allows visitors to discover this heritage site while enjoying a unique tasting experience in its open-air spaces.

When it takes place

The event is held in September, during the weekend when the Eremo's autumn program is in full swing. At the moment, no official announcements have been made regarding the dates for the next edition: it is recommended to follow the channels of the Municipality of Pellezzano and the organizers for program updates.