Castagne & Vino Festival

An autumn evening of chestnuts and new wine

Castagne & Vino is the autumn gastronomic highlight in Colledimezzo, a village of a few hundred inhabitants perched in the province of Chieti, Abruzzo. The event, organized by the Pro Loco Colledimezzo, celebrates two iconic products of the cold season in the Abruzzo hinterland: roasted chestnuts and new wine, the stars of a simple, authentic evening that draws both residents and visitors from neighboring towns.

The heart of the festival: Piazza Vizioli

The center of the festival is the scenic Piazza Vizioli, overlooking the Sangro Valley and Lake Bomba. Here, starting in the evening, braziers are lit for roasted chestnuts, and freshly tapped new wine is poured. Local tradition also features homemade pasta and chickpeas and typical local desserts, in a festive atmosphere that blends flavor, music, and conviviality under the autumn sky.

Beyond the table: the village tells its story

The festival day is often enriched by a guided walk to discover the village, offered by the Colle Ospitale association: a route through stone alleys, churches, and viewpoints over the lake that allows visitors to learn about the history of Colledimezzo, from its medieval origins to the Church of San Giovanni Apostolo ed Evangelista and the remains of the Castello D'Avalos.

Colledimezzo, the balcony of Abruzzo

Nestled between Monte Butino and Monte Rinello, Colledimezzo is considered one of the most picturesque balconies in Abruzzo, suspended between the greenery of Lake Bomba and the Sangro mountains. The Castagne & Vino festival is part of a calendar of events that the Pro Loco organizes throughout the year, from the grand Festa di San Biagio to summer celebrations, and is now one of the most recognizable and anticipated initiatives in this small municipality.

An opportunity to discover the Chieti hinterland

For those visiting inland Abruzzo, Castagne & Vino is the ideal opportunity to combine an autumn stroll by the lake with an evening of genuine flavors. Local cuisine, consisting of handmade pasta, artisanal cured meats, and local wine, finds its most authentic expression at the festival, in a village that welcomes guests with the warm hospitality typical of small towns.