Castel San Lorenzo Wine Festival

Six evenings of wine and tradition in the heart of Cilento

In the town of Castel San Lorenzo, in the province of Salerno (Campania), the Wine Festival is the highlight of the summer. Organized by the Pro Loco Castel San Lorenzo, the event brings the Nuova Val Calore area, at the foot of the village, to life for several consecutive evenings with food stalls, wine bars, musical performances, and that authentic village festival atmosphere that draws visitors from across the Calore Valley, the Alburni mountains, and the rest of Cilento.

In 2026, the festival reaches its 29th edition: nearly thirty years of volunteer work have made this one of the most anticipated food and wine events in the Salerno hinterland, bringing locals, returning emigrants, holidaymakers, and curious visitors back to the village around the Ferragosto holiday.

The Castel San Lorenzo DOC wine, the absolute star

The village lends its name to one of the historic denominations of Cilento. The Castel San Lorenzo DOC includes various types—White, Red, Rosé, Barbera, Moscato, Spumante, Passito, Lambiccato, and Aglianicone—grown on the hilly terrain overlooking the Calore River. It is no coincidence that Castel San Lorenzo is known as the 'city of wine' and has been tied to the celebration of its DOC wines for decades.

During the evenings, the local wine is enjoyed by the glass or carafe, paired with dishes prepared by volunteers: it is the simple, proven formula of Cilento food festivals, where product quality matters more than elaborate staging.

The Cantinetta, the 2026 edition novelty

The 29th edition introduces La Cantinetta, a space entirely dedicated to tasting the best local DOP wines by the glass, accompanied by a selection of cured meats. This area is designed for those who want to savor their wine at a leisurely pace, compare labels, and better understand the differences between the denomination's varieties, all while enjoying the festival's informal atmosphere.

Ferragosto Special: lunch, set menu, and folk dancing

The most anticipated moment is August 15th. For Ferragosto, the festival opens exceptionally from 12:30 PM to 7:00 PM, featuring a set menu, unlimited local wine, and folk dances: tarantellas and traditional rhythms accompany a long outdoor lunch that has become a true local institution over the years.

Live music, funfair, and families

Every evening, starting at 8:30 PM, the food stalls are complemented by live musical performances and a funfair area reserved for families: rides and attractions keep the little ones entertained while the adults enjoy their meal. This is one of the aspects that makes the Wine Festival a truly intergenerational event, closer to a village feast than a professional wine fair.

A village to discover between the Calore and Alburni

Castel San Lorenzo, with just over two thousand inhabitants, is located in the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. The town center preserves the castle built around 1220, Villa Carafa—a noble residence that has survived intact to this day—and the Museum of Rural Civilization and Local Craftsmanship, which documents the working of clay and wicker, used here to weave the famous 'panari' baskets. The festival is therefore also the perfect opportunity for a stroll through the village before heading down to the event area.

Information and contacts

The organization is managed by the Pro Loco Castel San Lorenzo, which publishes the detailed program for the evenings on its social media channels. For information: phone +39 329 4427739, email [email protected].