St. Martin, Every Must Becomes Wine

The New Wine Festival in Castelpagano

St. Martin, Every Must Becomes Wine is the signature autumn festival of Castelpagano, a small town in the Province of Benevento, Campania, overlooking the Upper Sannio near the border with Molise. Each year, around the feast of St. Martin on November 11th, the Pro Loco of Castelpagano transforms the village into a hub of simple autumn flavors: roasted chestnuts, freshly pressed wine, and steaming polenta. As evening falls, the stalls open, and the village fills with the aroma of roasting chestnuts and the sound of music.

Why 'Every Must Becomes Wine'

The festival's title draws from one of Italy's most famous rural proverbs. Around November 11th, the grape must from the harvest completes its fermentation, becoming 'new wine.' This tradition inspired festivals across many farming villages. In Castelpagano, it is the perfect excuse to gather in the square after the harvest, toast with the new vintage, and enjoy traditional, rustic local dishes.

What to Eat and Drink

• Roasted chestnuts, paired with new wine;
• Hot polenta, prepared according to tradition and served at the stalls;
• Seasonal autumn products from the Sannio region, featured in a simple, authentic menu.

Castelpagano boasts a strong culinary heritage; in summer, it hosts the Prosciutto Festival, celebrating local cured ham, and the Threshing Festival, which honors ancient field work with songs and dances. The St. Martin evening serves as the perfect conclusion to this rural calendar.

Live Music and Atmosphere

The event features a concert in the square following the opening of the food stalls. It is not a seated tasting, but a lively, standing-room-only evening designed for socializing and singing along. The 2025 edition featured the Duo Cane with an all-Italian repertoire, while in 2024, the band Le Nuvole performed a tribute to Fabrizio De André. Organized by the Pro Loco with the support of the Municipality of Castelpagano, the event is a true community celebration, open to families and visitors alike.

Castelpagano, a Village in the Upper Sannio

With just over a thousand residents and an altitude of about 630 meters, Castelpagano sits on the ridge dividing the Torti and Tammarecchia streams. It is one of the northernmost towns in the province of Benevento, located in a part of the Sannio that the Romans called Samnium. Today, it retains oak forests, pastures, and a landscape that bridges the Southern Apennines and the Daunian hills. The area has been inhabited since pre-Roman times, passing through the hands of the Counts of Buonalbergo, the Angevins, and the Del Balzo family. Visiting in November offers a glimpse of the village in its most authentic season, when summer tourism has faded and the local spirit shines.

An Event to Watch

As a relatively young event—the third edition took place in 2025—dates are announced annually by the Pro Loco, typically on the weekend closest to November 11th. Those interested in attending should follow the Pro Loco Castelpagano social media channels in the weeks leading up to the event for posters, schedules, and musical program details.