Wine and the City: Culture, Couture, and Creative Intoxication (May 16–23, 2026)

There is a specific kind of magic that settles over Naples in May. It’s a mix of the warming Mediterranean sun, the scent of blooming jasmine, and—for the last eighteen years—the clinking of wine glasses in the most unexpected places.

I find myself getting a bit nostalgic this year. I still have such fond memories of the "early days" of Wine and the City. I remember strolling through the winding streets of the center and Chiaia, popping into tiny boutiques and attending those first special events where I discovered that perfect, effortless mix of fashion, art, and culture. It’s always been about more than just a tasting; it’s about that fantasticaaa energy that only Naples has to offer.

Now, as the festival celebrates its 18th edition from May 16th to May 23rd, it has officially "come of age," and the program looks more ambitious than ever.

The 2026 Highlights: From the Underground to the Camaldoli Hills

This year’s theme, "Follow the Creative Beat," takes guests on a journey through some of the city's most breathtaking (and often secret) locations. Here’s a little taste of what is in store for this edition:

• A Journey into the Subterranean (May 16): The festival kicks off deep underground at the new Monte Sant’Angelo Station, an architectural marvel designed by Anish Kapoor. Visitors will be able to sip Phlegraean wines 48 meters below the surface, surrounded by contemporary art and the sounds of jazz. It sounds like a desert into beauty that nobody should miss.

• Art Meets Starry Cuisine (May 18): Monday takes the crowd to the Museo Artistico Industriale Filippo Palizzi. This hidden gem on the Pizzofalcone hill is opening its doors for a night where the Michelin-starred magic of Chef Peppe Guida meets 19th-century masterpieces and Vesuvian wines.

• The Big Chiaia Aperitivo (May 20-21): For those who love the "early days" vibe I remember so well, the heart of the shopping district is turning into an "ephemeral cellar." Dozens of boutiques and galleries will host over 100 Italian wineries. It’s the ultimate urban safari for wine lovers.

• The Secret Vineyard Finale (May 23): The grand finale looks truly special. The event moves to the Vigna di Teonilla, a secret urban vineyard in the heart of the Camaldoli Hills. It’s a "heroic agriculture" site with views of Capri and Vesuvius that are reportedly breathtaking. A long, country-style lunch among the vines with Chef Marianna Vitale? That is the Neapolitan dream.

Join the Beat

Whether you’ve been following the festival since 2008 or this is your first time grabbing a glass, this edition is a tribute to the independence and grit of the all-female team that has organized this every year without public funding. It’s a beautiful way to support the culture of our city, one sip at a time.

Want the full schedule? Events are already filling up fast (some are free with mandatory booking, others are ticketed). Head over to the official website to plan your week: 👉 www.wineandthecity.it

Salute, Naples! Here’s to making many more fantasticaaa memories this May.