Wine Culture Week — Squinzano City of Wine

The Squinzano Wine Culture Week

Every autumn, the Municipality of Squinzano, located in the heart of Salento in the Province of Lecce, dedicates an entire week to its most iconic product: wine. The "City of Wine" festival, also known as Wine Culture Week, is the evolution of the historic Wine Festival and celebrates Squinzano as a "City of music and wine," blending tastings, culture, memory, and entertainment in an authentic corner of Puglia far from the main tourist circuits.

Squinzano DOC: The Star of the Show

At the heart of the event is Squinzano DOC, a full-bodied red wine that serves as a symbol of Salento's winemaking tradition. Local wineries and producers bring the food and wine stands to life, acting as ambassadors for the quality and passion of a territory where the vine has been an integral part of the landscape, economy, and community identity for centuries.

Culture in Historic Palaces and Mansions

Throughout the week, Squinzano's palaces, villas, and historic residences host talks, conferences, and roundtables dedicated to the world of wine and its evolution in Salento, featuring experts, producers, and special guests. Among the iconic venues, Palazzo Giordano hosts gatherings that combine storytelling, reflection, and tastings of Squinzano DOC wines.

Music, Brass Bands, and Tradition

The musical dimension is an integral part of Squinzano's identity. The Tito Schipa Conservatory of Lecce performs symphonic marches from the Apulian brass band tradition, while the final evening in Piazza Plebiscito comes alive with traditional Salento music, featuring pizzica, tambourines, accordions, and collective dances that involve the entire square.

A Widespread and Participatory Event

Promoted by the Municipality of Squinzano in collaboration with CUIS (University Center for Salento Studies) and local cultural organizations, the festival includes food and wine trails, an artisan market, educational workshops, and exhibitions. It is an event that honors the "golden age" of Squinzano wine and, year after year, strengthens the bond between the city, its history, and the most genuine side of Puglia.