Sapori in Festa

Sapori in Festa: The taste of Abruzzo in the village of Pettorano

Sapori in Festa is the premier summer food and wine event in Pettorano sul Gizio, a small town in the province of L'Aquila nestled in the Peligna Valley at the foot of Monte Genzana. Every year in mid-August, the historic center comes alive with tasting stalls, enticing aromas, and music. Restaurateurs and winemakers from Central Abruzzo gather in the village squares to share the very best of local cuisine and regional cellars.

A culinary journey through alleys and squares

The festival follows a 'diffused' format: stalls are set up along the narrow alleys and small squares of the village, turning every tasting into a scenic stroll through one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. Visitors can curate their own gastronomic itinerary, moving from stall to stall to sample traditional Peligna dishes, local charcuterie, cheeses, desserts, and seasonal specialties, all perfectly paired with Abruzzese wines.

Abruzzo wines and local cuisine

The core of Sapori in Festa is the deep connection between food and wine. Alongside the dishes prepared by local restaurateurs, the event highlights the region's great grape varieties—from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo to Trebbiano and Cerasuolo—offered for tasting by local producers. It is a unique opportunity to appreciate the gastronomic variety of Central Abruzzo and the quality of its artisans in one single setting.

Music and atmosphere until late

The event is about more than just food and wine; the evening is energized by live music, performances, and entertainment that keep the crowd going until late at night. The intimate atmosphere of the village, illuminated for the occasion, provides a stunning backdrop for a festival that has grown significantly in popularity and attendance over the years.

A village to discover

Sapori in Festa is also the perfect excuse to visit Pettorano sul Gizio, a village certified as one of Italy's most beautiful since 2002 and the only inhabited center within the Monte Genzana Alto Gizio Regional Nature Reserve. The Cantelmo Castle, the historic defensive walls with their ancient gates, and the stone-paved alleys frame the festival, blending a gourmet experience with the discovery of the historical and natural heritage of the Abruzzo Region. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Pettorano sul Gizio, which is dedicated to promoting and preserving the town's local culture.