The Wine Festival of Carosino is one of the most fascinating and long-standing food and wine events in Puglia. Since its first edition in the 1960s, it has celebrated the art of winemaking in the area with passion every year, in conjunction with the grape harvest. Between late August and early September, the scent of ripe grapes fills the streets of the town, creating a magical and engaging atmosphere that culminates in the incredible spectacle of the Fountain of Wine, which flows with precious red nectar instead of water. Located in the main square, in front of the Castle, the fountain has become an indisputable symbol of the festival, with its jet of “Primitivo” wine sprouting elegantly, illuminated by the evening lights and surrounded by the warmth of attendees. The intoxicating aroma that permeates the air is the perfect invitation to immerse oneself in the essence of the town's winemaking tradition.
The Wine Fountain, inaugurated in 1894 and restored in 1965, is a true icon, with its four taps and the central jet. Originally conceived as a structure for the distribution of drinking water,
his flow of water was replaced by red wine
during the Sagra, becoming one of the most picturesque and photographed places in Puglia, famous all over the world. Unique in its kind in Southern Italy, the Fontana del Vino since 2022 is an integral part of the Via Appia, along with the paths of the Via Francigena and the Camino de Santiago. It is a heritage that has gone through decades of history, becoming a symbol of identity and belonging for the community of Carosino.
The tradition of letting wine flow from the monument began in the 1960s, and today the fountain is a landmark for all wine lovers. Although, for hygiene reasons, it is no longer possible to taste the wine directly from the fountain, visitors can enjoy the Primitivo in all its splendid pairings at dedicated stands, where local producers showcase their award-winning labels. During the festival, themed conferences on viticulture and tasting take place, allowing participants to delve deeper into the history and characteristics of this extraordinary red wine. The Carosino Wine Festival is an event that unites history, culture, and tradition, while always looking towards the future, enhancing its "Primitivo" which, now more than ever, represents one of the wine-growing excellences of Puglia. A wine that represents the richness of the territory, its fertile lands, and the work of generations of grape growers.
The history tells us that Carosino has a winemaking tradition that has its roots in the past. In the early post-war period, with the arrival of the Apulian aqueduct, the town was one of the first to benefit from this important infrastructure. But it was with the Wine Festival that the town gained notoriety as an excellence in viticulture. In the 1960s, when winemaking production was at its peak, Carosino exported its Primitivo throughout Italy and abroad, particularly to France. Small farms produced wine for local consumption, while large wineries satisfied the demands of international markets.
The wine "Primitivo" produced in Carosino is the true protagonist of the event.
With its intense aromas of ripe fruit, spices, and the characteristic aftertaste of blackberry and cherry, it is the perfect companion to local gastronomic specialties, such as orecchiette, cavatelli, and roast meats that accompany every celebration. The festival is a true sensory journey, where wine becomes a universal language, capable of telling stories, traditions, and territories.
To celebrate its famous Fontana del Vino, Carosino will host a special event on December 13th, at the picturesque Castello di Carosino. Thanks to the collaboration with Retrogusti, a tasting dinner will be held offering a journey through the flavors and aromas of the territory. During the evening, participants will have the opportunity to savor a selection of typical local products, meticulously paired with wines from local producers. The event, organized by the Pro Loco of Carosino, is sponsored by Slow Food Grottaglie Vigne e Ceramiche. The wines will accompany typical local specialties such as fava beans and chicory, local cheeses, orecchiette, and other traditional dishes prepared with fresh and genuine ingredients. An event that not only celebrates wine but the entire gastronomic heritage of the community, combining tradition with conviviality, and allowing participants to enjoy a unique experience dedicated to good food and good wine.
