The Aglianico festival in the woods of Castelfranci
Fiume di Vino is the food and wine event that brings Castelfranci to life every summer. Located in the upper Irpinia region in the province of Avellino, in the heart of the Campania wine country, the festival takes place in the municipal woods along the Calore River. It is one of the most evocative natural settings in the area, featuring long tables in the shade, food stalls nestled among the trees, stages for folk music, and tasting trails dedicated to the region's flagship grape: Aglianico.
Promoted by the Pro Loco of Castelfranci in collaboration with the Municipality and local associations, the event has grown with each edition to become one of the most anticipated summer gatherings in Irpinia, attracting visitors from across the province of Avellino and the inland areas of Campania.
Castelfranci lies within the production area of Taurasi DOCG, the most prestigious red wine designation in Campania, crafted from Aglianico grapes grown on hilly, volcanic soils. During the festival, local wineries host tasting counters featuring their finest labels: Taurasi, Aglianico dell'Irpinia, and the white wines that complete the local oenological landscape. Tastings are accompanied by stories about the vineyards, winemaking methods, and vintages, fostering a direct dialogue between producers and the public.
The other star of the event is the village's signature dish: the Castelfranci maccaronara, a fresh, hand-rolled pasta shaped with a traditional iron rod and served with meat sauce or tomato and cacioricotta cheese. Alongside the maccaronara, stalls offer specialties from the peasant tradition of the upper Calore Valley: grilled meats, cheeses, cured meats, seasonal vegetables, and homemade desserts. Everything is focused on promoting local products and small-scale agricultural producers.
Fiume di Vino is more than just a gastronomic feast. Every evening is marked by folk music concerts, folk groups, ensembles reinterpreting Mediterranean traditions, and DJ sets that keep the crowd dancing until late at night. One of the most characteristic moments is the roving tarantella, which weaves through the woods, drawing in those strolling among the stalls. The final day features village games: the Palio della Botte (barrel race), tug-of-war, and workshops where you can learn the steps of the tarantella.
Attending Fiume di Vino is also a chance to explore a territory off the beaten path of mass tourism: the villages of the upper Calore Valley, the wineries of Castelfranci, Montemarano, Castelvetere sul Calore, and Taurasi, the river trails, and the Montemaranese tarantella tradition that defines the entire area. The festival's format—accessible, open-air, and family-friendly—makes it perfect for wine enthusiasts and those simply looking for a unique summer evening immersed in nature and Campanian folk culture.
The event is usually held on the last weekend of July, from Friday to Sunday. Stalls open in the late afternoon and evening; on Sunday, the area opens at noon for aperitifs and games. Exact dates and the full program are released annually by the Pro Loco of Castelfranci in the weeks leading up to the event.
From July 24 to 26, 2026, the woods of Castelfranci hosted the fifth edition of Fiume di Vino, the Aglianico festival promoted by the Pro Loco together with the Municipality. Once again, the event focused on Taurasi DOCG, the maccaronara of Castelfranci, and the culinary products of the upper Calore Valley, with tasting counters from local wineries and stalls open throughout all three evenings.
The musical program alternated between tarantella, folk, and reinterpretations of Mediterranean traditions, while the final day was dedicated to village games and folk dance, with workshops and stages open to the public. This edition confirmed the festival's winning formula: quality food and wine, live music, and a natural setting in the woods, all within a friendly, accessible atmosphere.
Throughout the event: tastings of Aglianico and Taurasi DOCG by local wineries and food stalls with maccaronara and Irpinian specialties.
The evenings are held in the woods of Castelfranci, a municipal green area a short distance from the town center, along the Calore River. The reference point in the village is Piazza Municipio, where the Town Hall is located.
Agritourisms, B&Bs, and small accommodation facilities can be found in Castelfranci and the neighboring towns of Montemarano, Castelvetere sul Calore, Montella, and Taurasi, all within a few kilometers.
Municipality of Castelfranci, Piazza Municipio 1 - tel. +39 0827 72005. The updated program is published by the Pro Loco of Castelfranci and through the information channels of the Province of Avellino.
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Bosco di Castelfranci