Volcei Wine Jazz

Jazz meets wine in ancient Volcei

The Volcei Wine Jazz festival has been bridging the gap between jazz music and wine culture since 2010 in Buccino, a village in the province of Salerno, Campania, built upon the ruins of ancient Volcei. The concept is simple yet effective: placing a high-quality concert, a glass of wine explained by a sommelier, and a piece of local history on the same level. This is no mere decorative pairing; vines have been cultivated in this valley for over two thousand years, and the festival draws its inspiration directly from that heritage.

Buccino, a village that tells the story of wine

The symbolic heart of the event is the «Marcello Gigante» National Archaeological Museum of Volcei, where artifacts and inscriptions dating back to the 6th and 4th centuries BC document how central wine was to the ancient society of this territory. Surrounding the museum, the historic center of Buccino offers alleys, churches, and vistas that become part of the experience during the festival evenings: guided tours precede the concerts, transforming the listening experience into a deep dive into the cultural landscape of the Tanagro Valley.

How the festival is structured

The format developed by the Pro Loco is multidisciplinary and typically spans several days. Each evening follows a recognizable rhythm: guided tours of cultural sites in the afternoon, a masterclass or artist meet-and-greet in the early evening, followed by a guided tasting and the concert itself.

• Jazz concerts featuring musicians from Campania and national-level ensembles;
• Masterclasses and seminars on jazz history, improvisation, and instrumental technique;
• Guided tastings of wines from the Salerno province, supported by professional sommeliers;
• Food and wine trails featuring typical products from the Tanagro Valley and Cilento;
• Jam sessions and spaces for emerging musicians;
• Art and photography exhibitions and cultural itineraries throughout the territory.

The 2025 winter edition

The thirteenth edition, co-financed by the Campania Region through the Campania Tourism Regional Agency, was held in an exceptional Winter version from March 21 to 23, 2025, spread across Buccino, Auletta, and Valva. The project began in February with two days of training in schools in Nocera Inferiore and Agropoli, where students attended jazz masterclasses alongside responsible drinking education activities using driving simulators. This choice speaks volumes about the festival's approach: music and wine, but also a civic and educational dimension aimed at the younger generation.

The competition for young talent

Among the most interesting initiatives is the Young Talent Competition, reserved for musicians aged 16 to 28 without a record contract, and open to genres beyond pure jazz, from pop to rock and various fusions. Participation is free, and the artistic committee evaluates original tracks: selected finalists earn a spot on stage during the festival's closing nights. It is one of the ways Volcei Wine Jazz strives to be more than just a showcase, providing a concrete opportunity for those just starting out.

Wines and flavors of the territory

Tastings are entrusted to wineries in the Salerno area and highlight grape varieties and denominations from southern Campania: past editions have featured Fiano di Cilento DOP, Paestum Aglianico IGP, and a local rosé sparkling wine, among others. The wines are paired with local dishes and products, with a declared focus on responsible drinking that accompanies the entire event.

Who organizes it

The festival is promoted by the Pro Loco Buccino Volcei APS, based in Piazza Matteotti in Buccino, and has received support from the Campania Region as part of calls for proposals dedicated to tourism promotion events. The artistic direction is entrusted to pianist Andrea Rea, supported over the years by musicians such as Tommaso and Daniele Scannapieco, Bruno Salicone, and Giusi Mitrano.

Why it's worth the trip

In a landscape where festivals combining music and food are now numerous, Volcei Wine Jazz stands out for its human scale and the coherence of its narrative: a small town in the Salerno hinterland that seamlessly aligns its museum, wineries, and stage, with concerts that have been free of charge in past editions. Those who arrive here find much more than just a night of music: they find a piece of inland Campania that tells its own story beautifully.