Kairos - Time for Wine

An Alta Irpinia village that tells its story through wine

Cairano is one of the smallest municipalities in the province of Avellino: a few hundred inhabitants clinging to a rocky outcrop at about 770 meters above sea level, in the heart of Alta Irpinia, Campania. It is here that Kairos - Time for Wine takes place in summer, an event dedicated by the Municipality of Cairano and the Pro Loco to wine, rural heritage, and the landscape of the inland areas. The name recalls the Greek term kairos, meaning the "opportune moment": the invitation is to pause, walk up the narrow streets, and take the time for a glass of wine.

The 'Way of the Caves', the heart of the event

The event route follows the evocative street of the cellars, known to everyone as the via delle grotte (Way of the Caves): it starts from the slopes of the village and reaches a panoramic terrace overlooking the surrounding valleys. Along the way, ancient hypogean cellars open up, carved into the rock and used for centuries by local families for wine fermentation and storage. These are nearly isothermal environments that maintain a constant temperature all year round—a rare heritage in Campania, with over a hundred such caves in Cairano.

An idea by Franco Dragone

The event was born from an idea by Franco Dragone (1952-2022), a world-renowned director and creator of shows ranging from Cirque du Soleil to major international productions. Born in Cairano, he remained deeply attached to his hometown, where he promoted artistic and cultural initiatives for years. Kairos continues his spirit: it is not just a simple tasting, but a journey through the village where taste and sight go hand in hand, amidst stone, lights, and panoramas.

What to taste

• Irpinian wines offered by local wineries;
• Typical dishes of local rustic cuisine, served along the route;
• Products of Alta Irpinia, including cheeses, cured meats, and traditional preparations.

The tasting stations are set up at the caves, so that the experience takes place literally inside the historic cellars or right in front of their entrances: this is what sets it apart from a standard town square festival.

Evening atmosphere and live music

Kairos is an evening event: in past editions, it has opened at 7:00 PM, when the heat of the Irpinian summer subsides and the village begins to light up. Live music accompanies the walk along the Way of the Caves, while the panoramic terrace that concludes the route offers one of the most beautiful views in the entire province of Avellino, with the gaze sweeping over the valleys and neighboring towns.

Previous editions

The third edition took place on August 9 and 10, 2024, starting at 7:00 PM with free admission, organized by the Municipality of Cairano and the Pro Loco Cairano. For 2026, the event is listed in the program of Irpinian Pro Loco associations published by Unpli Avellino, scheduled generally between July and August: exact dates and the detailed program have not yet been announced.

Cairano beyond Kairos

Those who arrive for the wine will find a village worth visiting: the medieval historic center with its narrow, spiraling alleys, the Calvario viewpoint—an archaeological site that yielded Iron Age burials related to the so-called Oliveto-Cairano culture—and the Teatro Odeon named after Franco Dragone. The village calendar features other initiatives dedicated to cellars and local flavors, while in the surroundings, Alta Irpinia offers the 'Via delle Terre Alte' trails towards Aquilonia and Calitri.