Guagnano, Salento – In the vibrant heart of the Negroamaro Lands, where winemaking is history, tradition, but also a forward-looking vision of a constantly evolving trade, the latest edition of Arefest has come to a spectacular close.
The event, which brought the small town in northern Salento to life for two intense evenings, has once again proven to be an unmissable occasion, capable of blending the area’s winemaking soul with high-level cultural happenings. Arefest is not just a festival – it’s an innovative format that celebrates the uniqueness of Guagnano and its outstanding food and wine culture.
This streamlined and high-performing format was reimagined by a municipal administration composed of young leaders headed by Mayor Francois Imperiale, and brilliantly brought to life by an incredible army of volunteers.
Expertly curated by Francesca Serio and Michele Bruno, president of PugliaExpo, the event featured numerous workshops and food experiences scattered throughout the historic center, making the program rich with insights and inspiration.
The Originality of Arefest: wines, gastronomy, culture and art.
The originality of Arefest lies in its ability to stand out in the crowded landscape of food and wine events that now abound across Salento. It’s not a village fair, nor a typical event showcasing a predictable sequence of wine tasting booths: it’s an immersive experience that elevates wine to the central role in a broader narrative – one that weaves together gastronomy, music, art, and the presence of notable figures who have shared and continue to share the story of Salento around the world.All of this unfolds within a deeply identity-rich setting: the Lands of Negroamaro, a region that for centuries has been devoted to producing wines of exceptional quality.
As every year, the wine route was the cornerstone of the two-day event – a unique opportunity for both enthusiasts and newcomers to discover the richness and versatility of Salento wines in a sensory journey of unmistakable aromas and flavours. Each sip told the story of the passion and dedication of local winemakers, true guardians of an invaluable winemaking heritage.
Hellen Mirren, Nina Zilli, Antonio Mogavero, and the memory of Donato Metallo lit up the final evening.
The second day od Arefest reached its peak with an extraordinary concert headlined by the electric Nina Zilli. Her vibrant and engaging performance energized the square, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere – further proving how this event masterfully combine the excellence of wine with top quality entertainment.
Arefest is also a stage for meaningful awards that honour excellence and deep ties to the local territory. This year, prestigious accolades were presented ro individuals who have made a lasting impact in their fields and within Apulian community:
- To Antonio Mogavero, a young freediving and world record holder, pride of Guagnano, for his outstanding athletic achievements that bring honour to his hometown and to Italy as a whole;
- To the memory of regional councillor Donato Metallo, a prominent figure and key reference point for Salento, recognized for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the region;
- To Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren, a living testament to the deep connection between Salento and the international celebrities who choose this land as both a retreat and a source of inspiration.
Feudi di Guagnano: Celebrating an Anniversary with Nero di Velluto and Rosarò
A particularly meaningful moment of this edition of Arefest was the celebration of the 23rd anniversary of the founding of Feudi di Guagnano winery, established on July 18, 2002. This important milestone was honoured in the evocative “Negramanti” hall, with tastings of the winery’s most iconic labels: the Nero di Velluto Negroamaro 2020 and the Rosarò Rosato Negroamaro Salice Salentino DOP 2024., which highlighted the pioneering spirit and ongoing evolution of this winemaking enterprise, a true cornerstone of the local wine scene.
