Ravenna’s Sangiovese Celebration: A Toast to Dante’s 750th Anniversary

The thirteenth annual “Sangiovese in Festa,” also known as GiovinBacco, in Ravenna coincides with the 750th anniversary of Dante Alighieri’s birth. This year’s festival expands across the historic city center, encompassing Piazza del Popolo and adjacent areas. The Giovanni Spadolini Hall within the Oriani Library hosts “I Simposi del Gusto,” a series of events showcasing regional cheeses, wines, and the works of the celebrated poet. Three tasting sessions, playfully dubbed “Inferno,” “Purgatorio,” and “Paradiso,” will be held on October 23rd, 24th, and 25th respectively, following insightful lectures. These tastings feature Slow Food-selected cheeses and GiovinBacco award-winning wines—a far cry from schoolroom recitations! Attendees can explore Albana and Sangiovese wines in their diverse expressions at tasting booths or participate in “Degustazioni in Bottega,” pairing wines with local culinary specialties at participating restaurants and wineries, offering a delightful array of cured meats, cheeses, and desserts.

This year’s festival introduces several innovative elements while retaining popular features, such as the Lions Club Ravenna Bisanzio’s charity wine sales, the Cna and Confartigianato’s “Premio Piadina d’Oro di Romagna,” and competitions for the best Sangiovese Riserva and Albana. A significant addition is the collaboration with MADRA, Ravenna’s weekend farmers’ market, which will extend its operation for two days, October 24th and 25th. In addition to Piazza del Popolo, three other town squares will be dedicated to culinary experiences: Piazza dell’Unità d’Italia will host Slow Food and “Il Lavoro dei Contadini” stalls; Piazza XX Settembre will showcase high-quality street food; and Piazza Einaudi will feature Romagna piadina, chestnuts, and tortelli.

The collaboration with restaurants featured in the Slow Food Guide continues, with each participating establishment promoting a specific Romagna Sangiovese. The popular “Piatto GiovinBacco” initiative in Romagna restaurants also returns. This edition fosters a stronger Romagna identity, engaging local businesses and restaurants to contribute to a rich calendar of events. Given the festival’s extensive offerings, a complete description is impossible within this space; for detailed information, please visit www.giovinbacco.it. Admission to GiovinBacco is free. Wine tasting tickets can be purchased in Piazza del Popolo in booklets of 4, 6, or 10 tastings, costing €7-€12 with a glass and €5-€10 without. Two tickets are required for passito and Sangiovese Riserva; one ticket is needed for other red and white wines. Members of Slow Food, AIS, AIES, Onav, Romagna Visit Card, Coop Adriatic, and holders of “Il Piatto GiovinBacco” tickets receive a complimentary tasting ticket with each purchase of a 4-tasting booklet and two complimentary tickets with each 6 or 10-tasting booklet purchase.