Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP
The festival of Salame di Varzi DOP among historic cellars and Malaspina Castle
About Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP
The king of Oltrepò cured meats
Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP is the festival celebrating Salame di Varzi DOP, a symbolic product of the charcuterie tradition of Oltrepò Pavese. Varzi salami has been registered in the Protected Designation of Origin register since June 1996. The event takes place in Varzi (province of Pavia), one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, making it the capital of Oltrepò's taste for a day.
Cellars, alleys, and castle
The festival opens exceptionally the charming stone cellars of the village and the halls of the majestic Malaspina Castle. The heart of the event is the Percorso del Gusto (Gourmet Tour), a guided itinerary through the streets of the historic center and participating cellars, with pairings between the producers of the Consorzio di Tutela and the Oltrepò Pavese wineries at each stop.
Guided tastings and product culture
Guided tastings are complemented by in-depth sessions with ONAS experts, producers, and journalists, a market of typical products, and street food options. The organization is handled by the Consorzio di Tutela del Salame di Varzi DOP, which guides visitors in discovering the link between the salami, the village, and its history.
Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP — edition 2026
The 2026 edition, the fifth, falls on Sunday, June 7th, and has a special significance: it marks the 30th anniversary of the DOP for Salame di Varzi, recognized in June 1996. Among the participating producers are historic names from the region such as Magrotti, Romagnese, and Vecchio Varzi, with pairings dedicated to Oltrepò Pavese wines.
Programme Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP 2026
Sunday, June 7, 2026
- 10:00 AM - Opening of the village's historic cellars with guided tastings.
- 10:30 AM - Official inauguration of the 5th edition at Malaspina Castle, with authorities and institutional representatives.
- 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, and 3:30 PM - Guided tastings and workshops at Malaspina Castle (limited places per session, booking recommended on Eventbrite).
- All day - "From the Castle to the Alleys of the Village of Varzi" Gourmet Tour: a guided itinerary through the streets and cellars, with salami-wine pairings at each stop, a market of typical products, and street food.
Visitors receive a Festival passport with a map and itineraries.
Highlights Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP 2026
Prices Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP 2026
Practical information — Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP
Where
Medieval village of Varzi (PV), with stops in the historic cellars and at the Malaspina Castle (Piazza Umberto I).
Tips
It's advisable to arrive in the morning for parking and to calmly follow the itinerary. Guided tastings at the castle are in sessions with limited places, and booking is recommended.
Information
Consorzio di Tutela del Salame di Varzi DOP - consorziovarzi.it.
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Where does it take place — Che Salame! Il Varzi DOP
Borgo medievale di Varzi - Castello Malaspina
Piazza Umberto I, 27057 Varzi