In the heart of Supersano, a small town in the inland hills of Puglia, Vicoli Vivi transforms the narrow lanes into a stage for one of the region's most authentic wine celebrations. Da qualche parte al Sud – somewhere in the South – is more than an event name; it's an invitation to slow down and let the terroir speak through every glass.
Where the Vineyards Meet the Village
Supersano's stone-paved alleys become tasting rooms under the stars, with local wineries setting up among centuries-old facades. The setting feels intimate and spontaneous, as if you've stumbled into a private gathering rather than a public event. You'll meet the winemakers themselves, many of whom still hand-harvest their grapes from family plots scattered across the Serre Salentine hills.
This isn't a formal tasting with rigid protocols. Conversations flow as freely as the wine, and you're encouraged to ask about the terre rosse – the red soils – that give Puglian wines their distinctive character.
A Sensory Map of the South
The experience unfolds as a journey through the region's indigenous grape varieties. Expect robust Primitivo, elegant Negroamaro, and lesser-known gems like Susumaniello and Minutolo. Each pour tells a story of sun-drenched vineyards, coastal breezes, and centuries of viticultural tradition passed down through generations.
- Small-batch producers who bottle only a few thousand bottles per year
- Natural and biodynamic wines made with minimal intervention
- Local cheeses and preserved vegetables paired with each tasting
- Live acoustic performances echoing through the cobblestone lanes
- Conversations with makers who still prune their own vines
Music, Mingle, and the Magic Hour
As the evening deepens, live music drifts through the alleys – often traditional pizzica or contemporary folk that mirrors the blend of old and new in the wines themselves. The atmosphere shifts from educational to convivial, with locals and visitors mixing easily over shared tables. Arrive before sunset to watch the golden light paint the baroque doorways, then stay as lanterns illuminate the tasting stations and the night air fills with laughter.
The event works beautifully as part of a larger inland itinerary. Supersano sits just a short drive from the Greek-influenced town of Galatina, famous for its frescoed churches, and the olive groves around Cutrofiano. If you're exploring Puglia's wine roads, this is the kind of grassroots gathering that reveals the soul behind the bottle.
Insider Notes for Wine Travelers
Come with an open mind and a willingness to try grapes you've never heard of. Many of the producers here work on such a small scale that their wines rarely leave the province, making this a rare chance to taste the vini del territorio. Bring cash for bottle purchases, as not all vendors accept cards. And if you're traveling between May and October, check the event's social channels for similar gatherings in nearby towns – Vicoli Vivi often sparks sister events across the inland villages.