Merano Wine Festival Calabria – “Cirò: Essence of the South”

From June 7 to 9, 2025, the first edition of Merano Wine Festival Calabria – “Cirò: Essence of the South,” the event that celebrates and enhances the food and wine identity and biodiversity of Calabria.

Merano WineFestival lands in Calabria with the first edition of Merano Wine Festival Calabria – “Cirò: Essence of the South.” from Saturday, June 7 to Monday, June 9 in Cirò (KR), three days to discover the food and wine excellence of Calabria, including tastings and insights.

Merano WineFestival, one of the most prestigious wine events in Europe, therefore lands in Southern Italy. A unique opportunity to celebrate Calabrian wine excellence and the wonderful territory that was the cradle of Magna Graecia. The event is the result of a partnership between Merano WineFestival and the Department of Agriculture of the Region of Calabria, in collaboration with the Azienda Regionale per lo Sviluppo dell’Agricoltura Calabrese and the Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Cirò e Melissa.

Saturday, June 7 in Cirò: A Tribute to Biodiversity

The festival kicks off on Saturday, June 7, at 5 p.m. in the historic center of Cirò with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, which will be followed by an immersion in the flavors, traditions and biodiversity of Southern Italy’s wine territories. The historic center will host 9 tasting tables, each dedicated to an indigenous grape variety, for a total of about 180 labels selected and presented by expert sommeliers.

Three gastronomic islands, animated by 10 local chefs, will tell the story of Calabria through typical dishes reworked with creativity. The itinerary also includes the Cirò Wine Shop, a focus on regional biodiversity with the participation of 5 guest regions, the Luigi Lilio Museum and a live music setting for a complete sensory experience.

Sunday, June 8 and Monday, June 9 in Borgo Saverona: the big names of taste

On Sunday, June 8 and Monday, June 9, the Merano WineFestival Calabria moves to the refined setting of Borgo Saverona in Cirò Marina. More than 130 exhibitors from the wine & food world will welcome the public for two days of unlimited tastings, showcooking with top chefs and entertainment.

Sunday 8 begins with the inaugural saber rattling and the presentation of the WineHunter Awards Calabria 2025 to the best selected excellences. From 6 p.m. to midnight will feature tasting tables, culinary creations, live music and poolside lounges. From 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., the “Chefs on the Table” format will feature some of the most acclaimed interpreters of Calabrian cuisine: Luca Abbruzzino (Ristorante Abbruzzino Oltre), Antonio Biafora (Ristorante Hyle) and Caterina Ceraudo (Ristorante Dattilo), along with pizzaiolo Daniele Campana (Campana 12), a technical partner of the Moretti oven.

On Monday, June 9, again from 7:30 to 10 p.m., Nino Rossi(Qafiz Restaurant) and Riccardo Sculli (Gambero Rosso Restaurant) will take turns at the stove. The pizza star will be Roberto Davanzo (Bob Alchimia a Spicchi), with a creative proposal inspired by local ingredients. A distinctive element will be the Social Garden, a dynamic space designed to connect producers, journalists, influencers and wine lovers in a relaxed and creative atmosphere.

Talks and live interviews will enliven the evenings, including music, aperitifs and signature mixology. Between Sunday, June 8 and Monday, June 9, there will also be the scientific conference “Breath and Cry of the Earth,” curated by Professor Attilio Scienza and Dr. Anna Schneider, dedicated to wine biodiversity in southern Italy and future scenarios related to the sustainability of the agricultural sector.

The festival will conclude at 11:30 p.m. with “Magna Grecia Metodo Classico,” a poolside toast celebrating the excellence of Calabrian bubbles.

Merano Wine Festival Calabria – “Cirò: Essence of the South” is more than an event.

It is a journey between history, tradition and innovation, leading to the discovery of the authentic soul of the South through its unique wines and flavors. An unmissable event for wine lovers, wine professionals and tourists eager to discover the excellence of Southern Italy, who will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture of Calabrian wine and cuisine, in a setting that celebrates history, passion and quality.

Public opening hours:

• Saturday, June 7, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
• Sunday, June 8, 6 p.m. – 12 p.m.
• Monday, June 9, 6 p.m. – 12 p.m.

Useful information:

Full details on the official page merano-winefestival-calabria

Online ticket sales open, as well as accreditation procedures for press and industry professionals. Tickets on presale at the link