La Notte del Rosso

Two red souls: wine and tomatoes

La Notte del Rosso was born from a simple and happy idea: to bring together the two products that, more than any other, define the color of Campania on the table. On one side, the red wine from native regional grape varieties, from Aglianico to the vines of Vesuvius; on the other, the Pomodoro dell'Agro, a canning excellence deeply linked to the productive history of Castel San Giorgio and the entire Agro Nocerino Sarnese. The result is a food and wine event that goes beyond simple tasting, building a true path of discovery made of guided tastings, signature cuisine, and education.

Villa Calvanese, an 18th-century park as a backdrop

The venue is one of the most beautiful places in the municipality: Villa Calvanese, an 18th-century residence that belonged to the family of the same name and is linked to the figure of Luigi Vanvitelli, with its historic park of ponds, fountains, and tree-lined avenues. The park, which lights up at dusk, becomes a grand square of taste for two nights: tasting stalls, exhibition areas, and food stands are distributed along the villa's paths, while the public moves freely with glass in hand. It is one of the most scenic locations in the entire province of Salerno and contributes decisively to the event's identity.

AIS Campania masterclasses

The technical direction of the tastings is entrusted to the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) Campania – Salerno Delegation, led by delegate Nevio Toti. This is the feature that distinguishes La Notte del Rosso from a traditional festival: alongside the open stalls, there are scheduled thematic masterclasses with limited seating, conducted by professional sommeliers, who guide participants into the great Campanian grape varieties. The proposed titles revolve around Aglianico in its various expressions, Falanghina, and the native grapes of the Vesuvius area, with the contribution of protection consortia and regional wineries.

Showcooking and local kitchens

The gastronomic journey is entrusted to brands that represent the best of the catering scene in the Agro and Salerno areas: pizzerias awarded by guides, bakers, steakhouses, and boards of artisanal Campanian cured meats and cheeses. Completing the picture are the signature showcooking sessions: chefs and pastry chefs take the stage to reinterpret the tomato in a contemporary key, from pasta dishes to seafood preparations and even desserts. These are short but highly popular moments where the territory's iconic product steps out of the bounds of tradition to show how versatile it can be.

Live music

Each evening concludes with a live concert in the park. The artistic direction favors popular and cross-generational formats—from 1970s and 80s disco and funk repertoires to piano-shows featuring great Italian and international hits—designed for a diverse audience, including families, wine enthusiasts, and the simply curious. Music is not just a backdrop: it is what transforms the tasting into a true night of celebration.

An event signed by the third sector

The event is conceived and organized by the Associazione Aiuto ETS ODV, a third-sector entity active in the area, with the support of the Salerno Chamber of Commerce and local companies in the canning and baking sectors. This associative matrix explains the nature of the event: attention to the community, promotion of local businesses, and openness to the general public, without sacrificing the technical rigor of the tastings.

When to go and what to expect

La Notte del Rosso is usually held at the beginning of June, with evening opening and paid admission. Those who arrive early find more space at the stalls and a better chance to sign up for the masterclasses, which often sell out; those who arrive later enjoy the nocturnal atmosphere of the park and the final concert. Villa Calvanese also hosts other food and wine appointments in the same season, a sign of a now-consolidated schedule that is making Castel San Giorgio one of the reference points for taste events in Campania.