The Movimento Turismo del Vino partners with the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana for a nationwide celebration of Italy’s most beloved gastronomic icons.
The enchanting evenings under the August sky of Calici di Stelle (“Goblets of Stars”) are set to return. The flagship summer event from the Movimento Turismo del Vino (MTV) transforms Italian wineries into dreamlike backdrops, and this year’s edition promises to be particularly special. Until Sunday, August 24th, MTV wineries will champion a quintessential Italian love story: the pairing of fine wine and authentic Neapolitan pizza.
An Alliance of Taste and Territory
For the first time, MTV member producers will host master pizzaioli from every territory. This marks the beginning of a collaboration with the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), an association that has promoted and protected true Neapolitan pizza worldwide for over 40 years, boasting more than 1,000 pizzerias across 61 countries. It was inevitable that these two ambassadors of excellence, both with deep-rooted, nationwide networks, would cross paths, forging an alliance of taste and culture aimed at celebrating Italy’s gastronomic heritage through its distinct regional identities.
The wines from MTV member wineries and the Neapolitan pizza crafted by AVPN masters will be the undisputed stars throughout the event. The program will feature guided tastings, masterclasses, pairing workshops, live cooking demonstrations, and many other initiatives designed to cultivate a deeper understanding of this culturally significant pairing, which is gaining increasing appreciation in pizzerias across Italy.
A Vision of Authenticity
“This edition of Calici di Stelle will be an ode to the most authentic Italy,” states Violante Gardini Cinelli Colombini, President of MTV Italia. “It is, at the same time, a grand celebration of regional identities through pairings meticulously designed by our producers and AVPN’s Brand Ambassadors. This event will captivate everyone, from young wine lovers to families, as pizza is a universal language that spans the globe. Calici di Stelle will also be an ideal event for our international guests—an audience that is steadily growing in both attendance and visits to our website—as it provides a simple and convivial way to engage with the world of wine and experience pairings between regional wines and the creations of the pizzaioli. Our wineries will make the experience even more unforgettable by curating new summer activities focused on the scenic and cultural resources that make each territory unique.”
The aroma of freshly baked pizza, the artistry of the pizzaioli at work, and toasts among the vine rows will provide the perfect setting to experience the true magic of the Italian summer. From sunset onwards, Movimento Turismo del Vino wineries will guide on a quest for the perfect pairing. The guiding principle is discovery through enjoyment: an opportunity to delve into the art of pizza and the stories held within each wine, experimenting with wine pairings under the expert guidance of the producers themselves.
A Shared Identity of Italian Flavor
“We embraced MTV’s proposal with great enthusiasm,” emphasizes Antonio Pace, President of the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (AVPN), “convinced that wine and pizza together represent the very identity of Italian flavor. Pizza is, in the collective consciousness, a joyful element—recognized and beloved across all borders. It is a symbol of community, identity, and the ancient wisdom of the master pizzaioli who, like the MTV producers, tell stories and offer a warm welcome. For us, participating in Calici di Stelle is the natural evolution of a mission we have long pursued: to define a new concept of pairing that meets the growing interest from consumers and wine tourists for a high-quality dining experience.”
Beyond the Glass: Art, Stars, and Wellness Among the Vines
The Calici di Stelle 2025 calendar is rich with activities designed for enjoying the season to the fullest: from picnics in the vineyard, poolside aperitifs, and candlelit dinners, all accompanied by live music. Artists and performers will bring their craft among the vines, with exhibitions and breathtaking shows. Select wineries will host exclusive astronomical observation sessions in the vineyards, complete with telescopes, allowing guests to be mesmerized by the August sky. These will be complemented by moments dedicated to the “stories of the stars”—legends and tales that speak to the precious, ancestral link between the constellations and the agricultural practices that have guided humanity since the dawn of time.
The lineup continue with creative workshops, photographic exhibitions, treasure hunts, and social games in the cellars, ensuring entertainment for enthusiasts of all ages. The program also features wellness activities, including yoga and meditation sessions to connect with the sounds of nature, as well as trekking and cycling routes for exploring each winery’s surroundings. At Calici di Stelle, wine, music, nature, and astronomy converge to create a one-of-a-kind experience with group activities, romantic moments, and winemaker-led tours dedicated to those new to the world of wine.
Conscious Enjoyment and Social Sharing
While the event champions enjoyment and socializing, it steadfastly promotes responsible consumption. On this occasion, the Movimento Turismo del Vino renews its partnership with Wine in Moderation to educate, especially the younger generation, on moderate wine consumption through informational activities and dedicated discounts for designated drivers.
Finally, Calici di Stelle is launching its “Stasera mi sento…” (“Tonight I feel…”) social media game, an opportunity to share their experience with the online community. To participate, simply take a photo, choose the wine that best represents the evening, and perhaps describe the moment’s unique atmosphere.