VinItala

VinItala, celebrating the wines of the Valle Monte Scuderi

VinItala is the food and wine event that kicks off the summer season in Itala, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Messina, Sicily. For three nights, usually in mid-June, the Croce district comes alive with wine tastings, food stalls, and live performances, all centered around the local viticultural identity.

Where it takes place

The heart of the festival is the churchyard of the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and Largo Badia, in the Croce district of Itala. The church, a stunning example of Arab-Norman architecture founded at the end of the 11th century, is one of the most precious monuments in the Messina area and provides a scenic backdrop for the entire event. Strolling between the stands becomes a journey through history, landscape, and glasses of wine.

Wine and gastronomy

The undisputed star is the wine of the Valle Monte Scuderi, starting with Mamertino DOC, one of the oldest wines in Sicilian history, already celebrated in Roman times. Tastings of local wine excellence are paired with farm-to-table local products and traditional Messina cuisine, in a simple format that blends conviviality, flavors, and local identity.

Shows, medieval pageant, and masterclasses

Each evening pairs tastings with a spectacular event. Highlights include the grand medieval pageant, brought to life by the "Ruggero e Costanza" historical group of the Pro Loco, while music ranges from Sicilian pop to tribute bands and folk music. There is also a focus on wine culture, with a masterclass hosted by AIS Sicilia dedicated to discovering the red wines of the Messina region.

Organizers

VinItala is organized by the Pro Loco Giovannello da Itala, which uses this event to promote the winemaking tradition and cultural heritage of this small village in the province of Messina, Sicily. Admission to the event is free.