Castro Wine Fest

Apulian wine takes center stage in Castro

The Castro Wine Fest is one of the most anticipated food and wine events of the Salento summer. Every year in July, the small seaside village of Castro, in the province of Lecce, transforms its historic center into a long culinary journey dedicated to Apulian wine. The event, organized by the Oltrevento Association in collaboration with the AIS (Italian Sommelier Association) and the Municipality of Castro, celebrates the region's winemaking excellence in a unique setting, suspended between the Adriatic Sea and the stones of the Aragonese Castle.

A tasting route through the village

The heart of the festival is an 800-meter food and wine route that crosses the old town, from the Piazza Perotti Belvedere to the archaeological site of the Temple of Minerva, winding along the scenic walls overlooking the sea and around the Aragonese Castle. The path is organized into thematic areas that take visitors on a sensory journey through wines, flavors, and breathtaking views.

• Classic Route: dozens of Apulian wineries offer their best wines at tasting stands, with guided tastings by AIS sommeliers.
• Fish Street: in the Belvedere area, raw seafood and fish dishes — oysters, octopus, mussels, squid — are paired with white wines and sparkling wines.
• Sweet Street: in the archaeological excavation area, local artisan pastry shops offer their desserts paired with sweet wines and traditional liqueurs.

More than just wine

Castro Wine Fest is a well-rounded cultural experience. Along the route, there are musical areas with concerts and DJ sets that liven up the evenings, food and wine stands dedicated to local specialties, and moments dedicated to contemporary art. The event thus combines oenology, gastronomy, culture, and landscape into one great community celebration.

Castro, a jewel of the Adriatic Salento

Castro is one of the most fascinating villages on the Adriatic coast of Salento, famous for the Zinzulusa Cave, its crystal-clear sea, and the historic center perched above the port. The festival is an ideal opportunity to discover this corner of Puglia, combining the discovery of great regional wines with the charm of a town rooted in history. An unmissable event for lovers of wine, good food, and Mediterranean landscapes.