Grape Festival of Castellarano
The great harvest festival in the medieval village of Castellarano
About Grape Festival
The popular festival of Castellarano
The Grape Festival is the event that, since 1971, closes the summer in Castellarano, a village perched on the Apennines in the province of Reggio Emilia, in Emilia-Romagna. Born as a celebration of the grape harvest and the work of farmers, over the years it has transformed into one of the most heartfelt and attended festivals in the Reggio Emilia area, capable of attracting thousands of visitors from all over the province and from neighboring Modena and Sassuolo.
Organized by the Pro Loco Castellarano with the support of the Municipality and dozens of associations and volunteers, the festival transforms the historic center into a large open-air stage for several days. The village squares — from Piazza XX Luglio to Piazza del Municipio and the streets of the village — fill with stalls, stands, shows, and the aromas of Emilian cuisine.
Tradition, history, and gastronomy
The heart of the event is the connection with the land and its products: grapes, wine, and the flavors of the Apennines. Among the most anticipated events are the wine tastings in dedicated areas, the food stalls with local specialties — from gnocco fritto to cappelletti, from Parmigiano Reggiano to balsamic vinegar — and the markets with local zero-kilometer products and crafts.
There is also a historical dimension: the ancient village serves as a backdrop for costumed re-enactments that take Castellarano back to the 14th century, with processions of nobles and commoners within the medieval walls. These are accompanied by musical performances, dancing evenings, painting and photography exhibitions, vintage car and motorcycle rallies, and numerous activities designed for families and children.
A Quality Festival
In March 2026, at a ceremony held at the Senate of the Republic in Rome, the Castellarano Grape Festival was included in the circuit of "Quality Festivals", the brand promoted by UNPLI (National Union of Pro Loco of Italy) which rewards events that authentically enhance the identity of the territories, history, tradition, and local food and wine. A recognition that confirms the value of a historic event, deeply rooted in the Castellarano community.
Grape Festival — edition 2026
The 55th Grape Festival of Castellarano takes place from Wednesday, September 16 to Sunday, September 20, 2026, confirmed by the local Reggio press on the occasion of its recognition as a "Quality Festival" by UNPLI, officially announced at the Senate in March 2026.
This is the first edition after its entry into the prestigious national circuit: the Pro Loco Castellarano and the Municipality have announced a program worthy of the occasion, with parades, costumed re-enactments within the village walls, wine tastings, food stalls, markets for typical products, and evening shows.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition, with times, guests, and daily events, will be published on the official website and social media channels of the festival in the weeks leading up to the event.
Programme Grape Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 55th edition (September 16-20, 2026) will be announced by Pro Loco Castellarano on the official website festadelluvacastellarano.it and on the Instagram profile @festadelluvacastellarano in the weeks preceding the festival.
Based on recent editions, the event typically spans five days with the following structure:
- Inauguration and tastings — official opening of the festival with wine tasting and aperitifs in dedicated areas.
- Musical evenings and shows — concerts, cover bands, dancing evenings, and DJ sets in the town squares.
- Historical re-enactment — costumed parade "Castellarano in the 1300s" that enlivens the medieval village with nobles, commoners, and ancient crafts.
- Food and wine — stalls with Emilian specialties (gnocco fritto, cappelletti, Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic vinegar), cooking shows, and wine tasting areas.
- Markets and rallies — special market, children's market, zero-kilometer agricultural products, motorcycle rally, and vintage car rally.
Highlights Grape Festival 2026
Prices Grape Festival 2026
Practical information — Grape Festival
Where it takes place
The festival is held in the historic center of Castellarano (RE), with its epicenter in Piazza XX Luglio and in the streets and squares of the village (Piazza del Municipio, Via Roma, Via Radici).
How to get there
Castellarano is located in the Reggio Apennines, a few kilometers from Sassuolo. By car, it can be reached from the SP486 (Radici) or the SS467; parking closest to the center can be crowded during the festival. The most convenient train station is Sassuolo, connected to Modena and Reggio Emilia.
Admission
Access to the festival and most of the events is free; some specific activities (themed dinners, guided tastings, walks) may have a fee or require booking.
Contacts
Pro Loco Castellarano — tel. +39 0536 850114 — official website festadelluvacastellarano.it and Instagram profile @festadelluvacastellarano.
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Where does it take place — Grape Festival
Centro storico di Castellarano
Piazza XX Luglio, 42014 Castellarano