Merano WineFestival arrives in Calabria with the inaugural edition of “Merano WineFestival Calabria – Essence of the South”: from Saturday, June 7 to Monday, June 9, three days dedicated to discovering the food and wine excellence of Calabria, with tastings and in-depth studies.
Meran (South Tyrol, Italy), May 16, 2025 – Merano WineFestival, one of the most prestigious wine events in Europe, makes its debut in Southern Italy with the inaugural edition of “Merano WineFestival Calabria – Essence of the South”, taking place from June 7 to 9, 2025, in Cirò (KR). A unique opportunity to celebrate Calabrian wine excellence and the beautiful region that was once the cradle of Magna Graecia. The event is the result of a partnership between Merano WineFestival and the Department of Agriculture of the Calabria Region, in collaboration with the Regional Agency for the Development of Calabrian Agriculture and the Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Cirò e Melissa.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 IN CIRÒ: A TRIBUTE TO BIODIVERSITY
The festival will kick off on Saturday, June 7 at 5:00 PM in the historic center of Cirò with the ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by an immersion in the flavors, traditions, and biodiversity of Southern Italy’s wine-growing regions. The historic center will host 9 tasting stations, each dedicated to a native grape variety, with a total of around 180 selected labels presented by expert sommeliers. Three culinary islands, animated by 10 local chefs, will tell Calabria’s history through creatively reinterpreted traditional dishes. The event also includes the Cirò Wine Library, a focus on regional biodiversity with the participation of 5 guest regions, the Luigi Lilio Museum and live music, for a fully immersive sensory experience.
SUNDAY AND MONDAY, JUNE 8–9, IN BORGO SAVERONA: THE GREAT SIGNATURES OF TASTE
On Sunday, June 8 and Monday, June 9, the Merano WineFestival Calabria moves to the elegant setting of Borgo Saverona in Cirò Marina. Over 130 wine & food exhibitors will welcome the public for two days of unlimited tastings , live cooking shows by top chefs, and entertainment. The event on Sunday, June 8 begins with a ceremonial saber-opening of sparkling wine bottles and the presentation of the WineHunter Award Calabria 2025 to the finest selected products. From 6:00 PM to midnight, tasting counters, culinary creations, live music, and a poolside lounge will alternate in a vibrant atmosphere. From 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, the “Chef on the Table” format will feature some of Calabria’s most acclaimed chefs: Luca Abbruzzino (Abbruzzino Oltre), Antonio Biafora (Hyle), and Caterina Ceraudo (Dattilo), alongside pizza-chef Daniele Campana (Campana 12), technical partner of Moretti Forni. On Monday, June 9, also from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, chefs Nino Rossi (Qafiz) and Riccardo Sculli (Gambero Rosso Restaurant) will take turns in the kitchen. The featured pizza-chef will be Roberto Davanzo (Bob Alchimia a Spicchi), offering a creative proposal inspired by local ingredients. A highlight of the event will be the Social Garden, a dynamic space designed to connect producers, journalists, influencers, and wine lovers in a relaxed, creative setting. The evenings will come alive with talks and live interviews, music, aperitifs, and high-end mixology. Between Sunday, June 8 and Monday, June 9, the scientific conference “Breath and Cry of the Earth”, by Professor Attilio Scienza and Dr. Anna Schneider. The conference will focus on the biodiversity of Southern Italy’s vineyards and future sustainability scenarios for the agricultural sector. The festival will conclude at 11:30 PM with “Magna Graecia Metodo Classico”, a poolside toast celebrating the excellence of Calabrian sparkling wines.
An unmissable event for wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and tourists eager to discover Southern Italy’s finest offerings—an immersive experience in Calabrian wine and culinary culture, celebrating history, passion, and quality.
Online ticket sales are now open.
