Guagnano, Salento – In the beating heart of Lands of Negroamaro, where viticulture is history, tradition but also the future vision of a constantly evolving sector, the latest edition of Arefest.
The event, which animated the small town in northern Salento for two intense evenings, confirms itself as an unmissable event, capable of combining the wine-making soul of the area with high-profile cultural events. Arefest is not just a party, but a real one innovative format which celebrates the uniqueness of Guagnano and its food and wine excellence.
A streamlined and high-performance format rethought by a municipal administration made up of young administrators led by mayor Francois Imperiale and masterfully implemented by an incredible army of volunteers.
A careful and competent direction by Francesca Serio and Michele Bruno, president of PugliaExpo, contributed to making the numerous workshops and food experiences around the historic center interesting and full of ideas.
The Originality of Arefest: wines, gastronomy, culture and art.
The originality of Arefest lies in its ability to stand out in a panorama of food and wine events that are now teeming with dozens throughout Salento. It is not a festival, it is not an event that presents in a “didactic” way a sequence of wine tasting banquets: it is an immersive experience that elevates wine to the protagonist of a broader story, made up of gastronomy, music, art and the presence of characters who have told and continue to tell about Salento around the world. All this, in a context with a strong identity like the Lands of Negroamaro, an area dedicated for centuries to the production of superior quality wines.
Like every year, the wine journey was the fulcrum of the two days: a unique opportunity for enthusiasts and novices to discover the richness and versatility of Salento wines on a sensorial journey through unmistakable aromas and flavours. Every sip told of the passion and dedication of the local winemakers, true custodians of an oenological heritage of inestimable value.
Helen Mirren, Nina Zilli, Antonio Mogavero and the memory of Donato Metallo illuminated the final evening.
The second day of Arefest reached its climax with an extraordinary one concert which featured the eclectic Nina Zilli. His energetic and engaging performance was able to animate the square, creating a magical and unforgettable atmosphere, demonstrating how this event knows how to expertly combine the excellence of wine with quality entertainment.
Arefest is also the stage for important recognitions which celebrate excellence and the connection with the territory. This year, prestigious prizes were awarded to personalities who have left a mark in their field and in the Apulian community:
- to the young man Antonio Mogavero, Guagnanese pride and international record holder of freediving, for his extraordinary sporting successes which raise the name of his country and of Italy as a whole;
- In memory of regional councilor Donato Metallo, a prominent figure and point of reference for Salento, for his commitment and dedication to the territory;
- To the extraordinary Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren, living testimony of the strong bond between Salento and the international celebrities who choose this land as their refuge and source of inspiration.
Feudi di Guagnano: an anniversary celebrated between Nero di Velluto and Rosarò
A particularly significant moment of this edition of Arefest was the celebration of 23 years since the establishment of the winery Fiefs of Guagnano, founded on 18 July 2002. An important anniversary, celebrated in the evocative “Negramanti” room by tasting the company’s most important wines, the Nero di Velluto Negroamaro vintage 2020 and the Rosarò Rosato Negroamaro Salice Salentino DOP 2024, which underlines the pioneering role and continuous evolution of this winemaking reality.
