Anteprima Ciro is one of the wine festivals that anchors the Calabria calendar, drawing both local visitors and international wine travellers each year. It is held at Ciro Marina in 88811 KR, in the heart of one of Italy's most distinctive wine areas. It is an annual event with an established local audience and a consistent place in the regional calendar.
Annual presentation of Ciro DOC wines, Calabria's most internationally recognised appellation. Producers pour Gaglioppo-based reds and Greco-based whites from one of the oldest documented wine areas in the world — winemaking in Ciro is mentioned in ancient Greek texts. Masterclasses cover the appellation's history and the distinctive coastal Calabrian terroir. Italian anteprima events are the moments when each appellation's new vintages are formally introduced to the wine trade and the press. Producers typically pour current and library vintages side by side, with masterclasses on the vintage character, expert panels assessing the year's growing conditions, and structured comparisons across producers. The events serve as the entry point for the new wines into the international market, drawing buyers, sommeliers and journalists from around the world. Most anteprima events are weighted toward trade and press attendance, but include public-facing days or open masterclasses during the run of the event for wine enthusiasts willing to plan ahead. The event is organised by Consorzio Tutela e Valorizzazione Vini Ciro e Melissa DOP, which sets the tone and direction of the programme each year.
Calabria produces wines from Gaglioppo (Ciro DOC), Magliocco, Greco Bianco, Greco di Bianco (the rare sweet wine appellation) and other native varieties. The Ciro appellation is one of the oldest documented wine areas in the world, with winemaking referenced in ancient Greek texts. The region has strong potential and a growing wine tourism scene, but smaller international recognition than its southern Italian neighbours.
The 2026 edition is scheduled for Late spring 2026 (dates TBC). Cost details: Paid (tasting pass). Full programme, ticketing and updated information are published on the official site at https://www.consorziociroemelissa.it/. Visitors are advised to check directly with the organiser for the latest schedule, as Italian festival programmes are sometimes updated close to the event date.
Calabria is reached via Lamezia Terme, Reggio Calabria or Crotone airports. The Ciro wine area sits on the Ionian coast in the centre-east of the region, while other appellations are spread across the broader regional area. Calabrian cuisine pairs the wines with 'nduja (the spreadable spicy salami), spicy soppressata, pecorino crotonese, swordfish, sardines, and the Calabrian chili pepper that runs through much of regional cooking.
