Primitivo Wine and Black Chickpea Festival

A festival dedicated to two Murgia treasures

The Primitivo Wine and Black Chickpea Festival is the autumn food and wine event held in Acquaviva delle Fonti, a town in the Murgia area of Bari, Puglia. Every year, the streets and squares of the historic center showcase two iconic local products: Primitivo di Gioia del Colle DOP wine and the Murgia Carsica black chickpea. The event, organized by the Pro Loco Curtomartino with the support of the Municipality of Acquaviva delle Fonti and the Puglia Region, celebrated its twenty-first edition in 2025.

The black chickpea, a Slow Food Presidium

The black chickpea is a local ecotype grown in Acquaviva delle Fonti and neighboring towns of the Murgia Carsica. Distinct from the common chickpea in shape and color, it has a small, wrinkled grain that is highly flavorful and rich in fiber and iron. Cultivated by farming families since the 19th century, it is now protected as a Slow Food Presidium and is traditionally served in soups with a rich onion sauté or with tagliolini, tomato, and a drizzle of olive oil. The festival is the perfect opportunity to taste these traditional recipes prepared at the stands.

Primitivo and the tasting trail

Pairing these dishes is Primitivo, the great red wine from the Gioia del Colle area, served at tasting points set up along the route. The event unfolds as an itinerary through the ancient heart of the town, between Piazza San Paolo and Piazza Don Albertario, featuring food stalls, local wineries, and the collaboration of AIS Murgia (Italian Sommelier Association) and the Consorzio Vini DOP Gioia del Colle, who guide visitors in discovering the flavors and aromas of the territory.

Music, tradition, and atmosphere

The evening blends taste with entertainment: folk and traditional music enliven the squares until late, turning the village into an open-air lounge. Among the illuminated streets of the historic center, one can breathe in the convivial atmosphere typical of Puglian festivals, where popular traditions, folklore, and fine dining intertwine. It is an event designed to highlight local agri-food excellence and offer the community and visitors an authentic celebration rooted in the peasant culture of the Murgia.

An event to rediscover the territory

Beyond the tastings, the Primitivo Wine and Black Chickpea Festival is an invitation to explore Acquaviva delle Fonti, a city also known for its imposing Cathedral and the water springs that gave it its name. Strolling among the stands means discovering a heritage of traditional products, crafts, and memories of a community that has successfully preserved and relaunched its most ancient flavors.