A food and wine journey to discover the villages and typical foods of Irpinia

Irpinia, one of the hidden gems of Campania, is a territory that tells stories of millenary traditions, breathtaking landscapes and a rich and varied gastronomic culture. This food and wine journey will take us to discover the characteristic villages of this fascinating region, where every corner is steeped in history and every dish is a unique sensory experience. Irpinia is a collection of hills, vineyards and woods, a place where time seems to have stopped and where culinary traditions are handed down from generation to generation.

In this article, we will explore ten locations that represent the essence of Irpinia, each with its own gastronomic and cultural peculiarities. We will start from Avellino, the beating heart of the province, and then head towards Taurasi, famous for its fine wines, symbol of a very high quality wine area. Montella will welcome us with its PGI chestnut, a treasure of local gastronomy, while Nusco will surprise us with the authentic flavors of its traditional dishes.

Each village has a story to tell and a dish to offer, which reflects the traditions and resources of the area. From Bagnoli Irpino, famous for its black truffle, to Sant’Angelo dei Lombardi, with its typical cheeses, passing through Calitri and its baked delights, each stop will be an opportunity to immerse yourself in the Irpinian culinary culture. We will also discover the wines of Serino, the medieval dishes of Gesualdo and the peasant cuisine of Lioni, a fascinating journey that will lead us to get to know not only the flavors, but also the people who preserve them with passion. Get ready for an adventure that will delight the palate and enrich the soul!

Avellino: the heart of Irpinia

Tourist information on Avellino

Avellino is a city located in the heart of Irpinia, a region of Campania famous for its natural beauty, its thousand-year history and its food and wine culture. Avellino is considered the gateway to Irpinia and represents an ideal starting point for exploring the wonders of this land.

What to see in Avellino

The city of Avellino offers numerous tourist attractions, including the Avellino Cathedral, the Church of San Francesco, the Norman Castle and the Irpino Museum. Furthermore, Avellino is surrounded by splendid hills and mountains, which offer breathtaking views and the possibility of enjoying excursions and outdoor activities.

Typical cuisine and wines of Avellino

The cuisine of Avellino is rich in authentic and genuine flavours, with traditional dishes based on meat, cheeses, vegetables and legumes. Among the most famous culinary specialties are Avellino sausage, bean soup and fried pizza. Furthermore, Avellino is known for its fine wines, such as the famous Taurasi, a DOCG red wine produced in the surrounding hills.

In conclusion, Avellino is a fascinating and authentic tourist destination, which offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the history, culture and food and wine tradition of Irpinia.

Taurasi: the homeland of wine

The history of wine in Taurasi

Taurasi is a small town located in the province of Avellino, famous for being the homeland of wine. The winemaking tradition of this area dates back to ancient times, with evidence dating back to Roman times. The wine produced in Taurasi is known throughout the world for its quality and its thousand-year history.

Taurasi wine

The wine of Taurasi is mainly the famous Aglianico, an indigenous vine of the area which gives life to full-bodied, intense red wines with a strong character. This wine has been recognized as Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG), the highest recognition for an Italian wine. The Taurasi vineyards extend over terraced hills which offer an enchanting landscape and a climate particularly favorable to the cultivation of vines.

The visit to the cellars

For wine lovers, a visit to the cellars of Taurasi is an unmissable experience. Here you can discover the wine production process, taste the different wines and buy bottles directly from local producers. Many wineries also offer guided tours and personalized tastings to fully enjoy the food and wine experience of Taurasi.

Events related to wine

Taurasi is also famous for wine-related events that take place throughout the year. Among the most important events is the Wine Fair, an annual event that attracts enthusiasts and tourists from all over the world. During the fair it is possible to taste local wines, participate in workshops and meetings with industry experts and discover the food and wine traditions of the area.

In conclusion, Taurasi is a must for those who love good wine and want to immerse themselves in the wine culture of Irpinia. With its thousand-year history, its breathtaking landscapes and its unique wine tradition, Taurasi is a true jewel to discover and appreciate.

Montella: the PGI chestnut

The chestnut tradition in Montella

Montella is a small town located in the province of Avellino, in the heart of Irpinia, famous for the production of the PGI chestnut, Protected Geographical Indication. The chestnut is a fundamental food for the local economy and culture, and Montella is known as the chestnut capital of Italy.

The tradition of chestnut cultivation in Montella dates back centuries, and even today the locals dedicate great care to the production of this autumn fruit. The chestnuts are harvested manually in the woods surrounding the town and then processed to obtain delicacies such as chestnut honey, sweets, flour and liqueurs.

Typical chestnut products in Montella

The Montella chestnut is known for its quality and unique flavour. Among the typical chestnut-based products that you can taste in Montella there are chestnut cream, dried chestnuts, chestnut panettone, chestnut jam and chestnut liqueur. These products are handcrafted by local producers who follow traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation.

During the autumn period, Montella hosts the Chestnut Festival, a festival that celebrates this fruit and offers visitors the opportunity to taste typical local products, participate in chestnut-based cooking workshops and attend folkloristic shows linked to the chestnut tradition.

For lovers of nature and food and wine tradition, Montella is an ideal destination to visit to discover the charm of an area rich in history, culture and authentic flavors linked to the PGI chestnut.

Nusco: the ancient village and its flavours

The ancient village of Nusco

Nusco is a fascinating ancient village located in the province of Avellino, in the heart of the Irpinia region. Characterized by narrow alleys, stone houses and ancient churches, Nusco preserves the atmosphere of a bygone time intact. Walking through its streets is like taking a journey through time, between history and tradition.

The flavors of Nusco

But Nusco is not just history and architecture, it is also a place where you can taste the authentic flavors of Irpinia cuisine. Typical Nusco products include local cheeses, artisanal cured meats, extra virgin olive oil and traditional desserts. Among the most famous dishes are homemade tagliatelle with wild boar sauce, pork chops and chestnut desserts.

The Nusco black truffle is another culinary excellence of the area, used to enrich many traditional dishes and to create gourmet delicacies. The restaurants and trattorias of Nusco offer a wide selection of dishes based on black truffles, which will surely delight the palate of any gourmet.

For those who love good food and want to discover the authentic flavors of Irpinia, Nusco is an unmissable stop. Thanks to its rich gastronomic tradition and the beauty of its ancient village, Nusco is a place that deserves to be visited and appreciated by all those who love to immerse themselves in local culture and traditions.

Bagnoli Irpino: the truffle black

The black truffle of Bagnoli Irpino

Bagnoli Irpino is a small town located in the province of Avellino, in the heart of Irpinia, famous for the production of the prized black truffle. This underground tuber with its characteristic intense aroma and unique flavor is considered a true culinary excellence, appreciated by chefs and gourmets all over the world.

The territory of Bagnoli Irpino is particularly suitable for the growth of black truffles, thanks to the presence of soils rich in minerals and the right combination of climate and natural environment. Every year, during the autumn season, events and festivals dedicated to this delicacy take place, where it is possible to taste creative and traditional dishes based on black truffles, accompanied by renowned local wines.

The black truffle of Bagnoli Irpino is known for its quality and authenticity, and is used in numerous recipes of Irpinian and Italian cuisine. Thanks to its versatility, the black truffle can be used fresh or preserved, to enrich first courses, meat second courses, cheeses and even desserts.

If you are a gastronomy enthusiast and want to live a unique experience in the heart of Irpinia, don't miss the opportunity to visit Bagnoli Irpino and taste the black truffle, a true culinary treasure that will win you over with its aroma and its unmistakable taste.

Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi: cheeses and traditions

Cheese

Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi is a town located in the province of Avellino, in the heart of Irpinia, famous for the production of high quality cheeses. Here you can taste a wide range of traditional cheeses, such as ricotta, pecorino, caciocavallo and mozzarella, all produced with fresh milk from local farms. The cheeses of Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi are known for their authentic and genuine flavour, the result of ancient processing techniques handed down from generation to generation.

Traditions

The town of Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi is rich in traditions and folklore that reflect the identity and history of the local community. During the year, numerous celebrations and festivals dedicated to the valorisation of Irpinia's traditions take place, where it is possible to admire costume parades, traditional dances and taste typical dishes of the area. The residents of Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi are very attached to their roots and are committed to preserving ancient traditions through cultural and recreational events that involve the entire community.

Furthermore, Sant'Angelo dei Lombardi is known for its hospitality and warm welcome, which make visitors' stay a unique and unforgettable experience.

Calitri: the bread and typical desserts

Calitri, a small village in the heart of Irpinia, is famous for its unique and authentic culinary tradition. Its typical products, such as bread and desserts, are renowned throughout the region and beyond.

Calitri bread is a true symbol of the town. Prepared with durum wheat flour, natural yeast and cooked in a wood-fired oven, it has a crunchy crust and a soft, fragrant centre. It is consumed alone or accompanied by local cured meats and cheeses, creating a unique and unmistakable combination of flavours.

But it's not just the bread that makes Calitri famous. Even the typical desserts of the village are delicacies not to be missed. Among the best known are the "sweet taralli", biscuits flavored with anise and baked, and the "scalille", fried sweets covered in icing sugar. An explosion of flavors and aromas that conquers the palate of anyone who tastes them.

Calitri is also known for its traditional festivals and festivals, during which it is possible to taste all the local culinary specialties. Among the most famous is the "Bread and Wine Festival", where visitors can taste freshly baked bread and local wines, accompanied by typical music and dances.

In short, visiting Calitri means immersing yourself in an authentic and genuine atmosphere, where the flavors of tradition mix with the hospitality and friendliness of the locals. An unforgettable experience for all lovers of good food and food and wine culture.

Serino: Fiano and the springs

The territory of Serino

The municipality of Serino is located in the province of Avellino, in the heart of Irpinia, in a hilly position about 500 meters above sea level. The area is characterized by breathtaking landscapes, with vineyards and olive groves as far as the eye can see. Serino is famous for the production of the fine Fiano wine, a dry white with a fruity and floral taste that is appreciated by the most refined palates.

The Serino springs

But it's not just the wine that makes Serino famous. The area is rich in water springs, which flow from the surrounding hills and which contribute to making the landscape even more evocative. Among the most well-known springs are those of Lavandaro and that of Ceraso, which offer fresh and pure water, ideal for cooling off during the hot summer days.

The gastronomy of Serino

Serino's cuisine is a riot of authentic and genuine flavours. In addition to Fiano wine, the area is known for its traditional dishes, which range from homemade pasta to typical cured meats, from seasonal vegetables to local cheeses. The town's restaurants offer the opportunity to taste Irpinian specialties in a welcoming and familiar atmosphere, where tradition is still alive and palpable.

In short, Serino is a true hidden jewel of Irpinia, a place where the beauty of nature combines with the goodness of local gastronomy, giving visitors an unforgettable experience.

Gesualdo: history and medieval cuisine

History

Gesualdo is a charming medieval village located in the province of Avellino, in Campania. Its history has its roots in the Middle Ages, when the town was dominated by the Gesualdo feudal lords. The castle, which dominates the town from above, is a tangible testimony of this glorious past.

The history of Gesualdo is full of events, among which the famous composer Carlo Gesualdo, prince of Venosa, who lived in the 16th century stands out. The narrow and winding streets of the village tell ancient and compelling stories, which make Gesualdo a unique and evocative place to visit.

Medieval Cuisine

Gesualdo's cuisine is a real journey through time, which brings back the authentic flavors of medieval tradition. The typical dishes of the town are prepared with high quality local ingredients, which make the dishes unique and unforgettable.

One of Gesualdo's most famous dishes is the legume and cereal soup, enriched with spices and aromas that date back to the Middle Ages. Grilled meats and local cheeses are other protagonists of Gesualdo's cuisine, together with seasonal vegetables and aromatic herbs that grow wild in the surroundings of the village.

Furthermore, Gesualdo is famous for its traditional desserts, such as San Giuseppe zeppole and almond pastries, which represent a real piece of history to be enjoyed. Gesualdo's medieval cuisine is a unique experience for the senses, which allows you to completely immerse yourself in the tradition and culture of this fascinating Campania village.