Every November 11, the charming hilltop town of Locorotondo in the heart of the Valle d’Itria becomes the epicenter of one of Puglia’s most beloved autumn traditions: the Festa di San Martino. The old Italian proverb says it best — “A San Martino ogni mosto diventa vino” (On Saint Martin’s Day, every must becomes wine). This is the moment when the year’s new wine is officially ready to drink, and Locorotondo celebrates with open cellars, flowing glasses, and the irresistible aroma of roasted chestnuts filling the narrow whitewashed streets.

What to Expect at San Martino in Locorotondo

Locorotondo, famous for its crisp white wines made from Verdeca and Bianco d’Alessano grapes, transforms its historic center into a living celebration. Local wineries set up tasting stations throughout the centro storico, offering generous pours of the season’s first wine alongside the region’s signature sparkling wine, Locorotondo DOC. The atmosphere is convivial and unpretentious — this is a celebration rooted in agricultural life, not a formal wine expo.

The streets around Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and Via Morelli fill with the scent of caldarroste (roasted chestnuts) and pettole (fried dough balls), while local food stalls serve hearty autumn dishes like fave e cicoria (fava bean purée with wild chicory) and cartellate drizzled with vincotto. Live folk music — pizzica and tarantella — keeps the crowd dancing well into the evening.

The Tradition Behind San Martino

San Martino (St. Martin of Tours) has been celebrated across Italy for centuries as the day that marks the end of the agricultural year. Historically, it was when tenant farmers settled contracts and moved to new farms, and when the year’s wine was first tasted. In Puglia, the tradition is especially vibrant in the Valle d’Itria, where the mild autumn climate makes outdoor celebrations possible well into November.

Practical Information

Location: Centro Storico, Locorotondo (Piazza Vittorio Emanuele and surrounding streets)
Time: From late morning (around 10:00) until late evening
Tickets: Free entry; wine tastings available for purchase directly from producers (typically €5–€10 for a tasting card)
Getting there: Locorotondo is easily reached by car from Bari (1 hour), Brindisi (45 minutes), or Taranto (40 minutes). Parking is available at the edge of the centro storico. The nearest train station is Locorotondo on the Ferrovie del Sud Est line from Bari.
Tip: Book a table at a local fornello (butcher-shop restaurant) for dinner after the tastings — Locorotondo is famous for its bombette (grilled meat rolls).

Whether you are a wine lover, a photography enthusiast drawn to Locorotondo’s circular whitewashed old town, or simply looking for an authentic Puglian autumn experience, San Martino in the Valle d’Itria is a day worth planning your trip around.