This June, wine lovers have a new reason to head to Southern Italy. The prestigious Merano WineFestival debuts in Calabria, Italy’s southern gem, with a three-day event in Cirò and Cirò Marina. From June 7 to 9, the festival offers tastings, cultural exploration, and direct access to native grape varietals. Known for its coastline, ancient villages, and warm hospitality, Calabria is an ideal summer destination for travelers looking to combine food, wine, and authentic Italian experiences.
While Merano WineFestival is a mainstay in Northern Italy’s wine calendar, this inaugural southern edition puts Calabria in the spotlight. With peak travel season underway, this event gives visitors a meaningful way to explore one of Italy’s most underrated regions.
Cirò: A Historic Wine Capital
Cirò, located in the province of Crotone, is often considered the beating heart of Calabrian wine. Its ancient roots trace back to Magna Graecia, and it remains the homeland of the Gaglioppo grape. This native red varietal produces structured, sun-drenched wines with distinctive character.
Traveling to Cirò is straightforward in summer. Fly into Lamezia Terme International Airport, located about 90 minutes away by car. Alternatively, travelers exploring Italy by train can reach Crotone and continue with a short drive. Coastal accommodations in Cirò Marina provide easy access to both festival locations and the Ionian Sea.
Visitors interested in culinary tourism will find Cirò to be an emerging hub. It is home to notable restaurants, family-run wineries, and agricultural heritage sites, all accessible without the crowds found in other wine regions.
Day One: A Toast to Biodiversity
The festival opens on Saturday, June 7, at 5:00 PM in Cirò’s historic center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony leads into a vibrant evening of tastings and cultural exchange. Nine tasting stations feature 180 wines, each focused on a native Calabrian grape. Expert sommeliers offer approachable guidance, making this an ideal event for consumers eager to learn more about indigenous Italian wines.
Three culinary islands—each led by local chefs—serve updated versions of traditional Calabrian dishes. Attendees can also explore the Cirò Wine Library, enjoy live music, and visit the Luigi Lilio Museum. Guest regions will present their own biodiversity-driven wines and food products, creating dialogue between Italy’s many regional identities.
Days Two and Three: Taste Meets Territory
On Sunday and Monday, the festival moves to Borgo Saverona in nearby Cirò Marina. This restored estate offers panoramic views and elegant surroundings. Over 130 wine and food producers will present tastings from 6:00 PM to midnight each evening.
Visitors can watch live cooking shows and participate in a dynamic culinary showcase. Chefs Luca Abbruzzino, Antonio Biafora, and Caterina Ceraudo will prepare regional dishes on Sunday. On Monday, the spotlight turns to chefs Nino Rossi and Riccardo Sculli, alongside pizza master Roberto Davanzo. Each plate is designed to elevate local ingredients while staying true to Calabrian identity.
The event’s signature “Chef on the Table” format allows guests to see chefs in action while learning about their creative process. The setting, complete with music, lounges, and poolside seating, makes for a relaxed yet refined summer evening.
Education and Sustainability Take Center Stage
Wine education remains a core value of the Merano WineFestival experience. At this edition, the Social Garden offers a casual space for dialogue between producers, sommeliers, and guests. Visitors can ask questions, meet winemakers, and take part in discussions that go beyond tasting notes.
On both Sunday and Monday, the festival presents a special conference titled “Breath and Cry of the Earth.” Led by Professor Attilio Scienza and Dr. Anna Schneider, the event will explore sustainability in Southern viticulture. Topics include soil health, climate adaptation, and the role of biodiversity in protecting agricultural landscapes.
For travelers passionate about learning while exploring, this level of access to Italian wine thought leaders is rare and valuable.
Why Visit Now
Summer in Calabria offers more than just beach days. With long daylight hours, warm nights, and fresh seasonal cuisine, June is a prime time to visit. Unlike more frequented regions, Calabria still offers a sense of discovery. Festivals like Merano WineFestival 2025 help introduce its wine legacy to an international audience.
For those looking to balance leisure with learning, this three-day festival offers a full itinerary of tastings, talks, and travel inspiration. It is also a chance to explore a region where wine is part of everyday life, not just a luxury item.
If You Go
June 7–9, 2025
Cirò and Cirò Marina, Calabria, Italy
Tickets and details: www.meranowinefestival.com
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially in Cirò Marina. Local bed and breakfasts offer personal touches and often include homemade breakfasts with regional specialties. For those combining this trip with broader Southern Italy travel, the Sila Mountains and Pollino National Park are within driving distance.
