Cardinal Grape and Wine Festival

A festival dedicated to the Cardinal grape

The Cardinal Grape and Wine Festival is the most anticipated summer event in Guagnano, a town in northern Salento in the province of Lecce, nestled in the heart of the Terra d'Arneo. Established in the early 1980s, the event celebrates the Cardinal grape, a table variety known for its large, purplish-red berries, which has historically been grown in the Guagnano countryside alongside the wine grapes that have made this region famous.

Largo Pertini transforms

The heart of the festival is Largo Pertini, next to the municipal gardens, where for two nights, food stalls, tasting counters, and a stage for live music are set up. The town center comes alive with exhibitors showcasing local crafts and delicacies, while the Cardinal grape—the true star of the festival—is offered for visitors to taste alongside local wines.

Flavors of Salento

The culinary offerings are deeply rooted in Salento tradition: pezzetti di cavallo (horse meat stew), grilled meats, puccia sandwiches, traditional desserts, and, of course, local wine—particularly Negroamaro, which finds one of its finest expressions in this part of Puglia. Tastings accompany guests throughout the evening in an atmosphere of popular celebration and conviviality.

The competition and folk tradition

A highlight of the event is the historic competition for the best Cardinal grape producer, which rewards local winegrowers and keeps the bond between the community and its agricultural roots alive. There is no shortage of Salento pizzica, with folk music groups drawing the crowd into dances until late at night, alongside various concerts and musical performances.

A community event

The festival is organized by Pro Loco Guagnano '93 APS in collaboration with the Municipality of Guagnano and under the patronage of GAL Terra d'Arneo. Over the years, the event has surpassed forty editions, confirming its status as one of the most deeply rooted food and wine festivals in Salento and an ideal opportunity to discover a territory rich in history, grapes, and fine wine in the province of Lecce, Puglia.