Food FestivalAugust
CARDINAL - Sagra dell'Uva Cardinal (Cardinal Grape Festival)
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location_onGuagnano, Salento
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Date
August 1 – August 2, 2026
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Admission
Free
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Audience
Tutti
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In the heart of Salento, the Cardinal Grape Festival of Guagnano represents one of the most anticipated moments of the Apulian summer. Among golden vineyards and historic cellars, this event celebrates the genuine fruits of the Salento land with an intensity that engages all the senses. For over forty years, the festival has been a moment of celebration and, above all, a valorization of one of the symbolic products of Salento agriculture: the Cardinal Grape, recognized as a Traditional Agri-Food Product (PAT) of the Puglia Region. The 2026 edition places at its center the product that gives the festival its name and, most importantly, the people who ensure its quality every day: the farmers. A tribute to those who, with expertise, passion, and dedication, preserve a cultivation that represents an economic, cultural, and identity heritage for Guagnano and the entire territory. The two evenings will be a true journey through the flavors and rhythms of Salento. Visitors will find the best of local gastronomy: excellent grilled meat, the rustico leccese, classic stuffed Salento pucce, and a triumph of delicious local specialties such as hot pittule and potato croquettes, plus a glass of local Negroamaro wine. Framing the celebration will be folk music performances and the overwhelming energy of Salento's pizzica dancing. Furthermore, for this 44th edition, Guagnano is preparing to welcome an exceptional guest: maestro Antonio Castrignanò, ready to set the square dancing with his extraordinary show!
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Cardinal Grape and Wine Festival take place?expand_more
The event is held on August 1 and 2, 2026 in Guagnano, in the province of Lecce. It is the perfect time of summer to savor freshly picked fruit and seasonal wine.
What are the typical dishes to try?expand_more
You cannot miss grilled meat, artisanal rustico leccese, Salento pucce, local products such as pittule (typical Salento fried pastries) and potato croquettes, and local typical sweets. All accompanied by a good Negroamaro wine from the territory.
Are there events and entertainment during the festival?expand_more
Yes, the festival offers evening concerts, folk parades, guided wine and food tastings, plus traveling performances that will animate the streets of the village. A rich program that celebrates Salento culture.
What makes the Cardinal grape from Guagnano special?expand_more
The Cardinal grape of Salento is renowned for its sweet and juicy flavor, now recognized as a PAT since 2025. In Guagnano it is cultivated with tradition and dedication, transformed into genuine products such as mustards, sweets, and jams that express the local territory.
How do I reach Guagnano?expand_more
Guagnano is located in the province of Lecce, in the heart of Salento. It is easily accessible by car from State Road 16, or via local public transportation that connects Lecce with the towns in the area.