Dolce Puglia 2026: vini dolci, pasticceria, cioccolato e prodotti caseari

On December 19, Gioia del Colle will host the 20th edition of one of the leading events dedicated to the culture of sweet wines. At the 36th Fighter Wing, a special day featuring a talk show, award ceremonies, and an extensive tasting experience.

Dolce Puglia returns on Saturday, December 19, 2026, an event promoted by AIS Puglia – Murgia Delegation, created to highlight the culture of Apulian sweet wines and promote their quality, identity, and potential on the national and international wine scene.

Now in its 20th edition, the event will take place at its customary prestigious venue, the 36th Fighter Wing of the Italian Air Force in Gioia del Colle, hosted by the military base that has welcomed the initiative for many years.

Conceived in 2006 by its patron, Vincenzo Carrasso, Dolce Puglia offers an opportunity for discussion and in-depth exploration of a highly valuable wine category—an expression of the area’s winemaking history and productive richness. Over the years, the event has helped promote awareness of sweet wines, supporting a culture of quality and dialogue among producers, professionals, institutions, and enthusiasts.

To mark Dolce Puglia’s twentieth anniversary, a personalized commemorative postcard will also be produced, specially designed for the occasion and accompanied by a special philatelic cancellation, created in collaboration with Poste Italiane. The initiative is intended to celebrate the event’s twenty years through a tangible and symbolic memento, preserving the memory of this important milestone over time.

An afternoon of institutions, research, and wine culture

The program will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a talk show featuring representatives of institutions, associations, and the wine industry. The scheduled institutional greetings will include those from the Commander of the 36th Fighter Wing, Colonel Pilot Michele Nasto; the Mayor of Gioia del Colle, Giovanni Mastrangelo; the Regional Councillor for Agriculture and Rural Development of Apulia, Francesco Paolicelli; Lucia Forte, President of the Consortium for Altamura DOP Bread; AIS Puglia President Giacomo D’Ambruoso; and Vincenzo Carrasso, AIS Murgia Delegate and patron of the event. The event will be introduced and moderated by RAI journalist Monica Caradonna.

The discussion will explore topics related to wine production, scientific research, viticulture, wine education, communication, and marketing, with contributions from experts and professionals in the field.

During the meeting, the Dolce Puglia 2026 Guide will be presented, followed by the announcement of the winners of the Dolce Puglia Trophies and the presentation of certificates. In view of the event’s long history, a philatelic cancellation and a dedicated stamp will also be issued.

The tastings: a journey through sweet wines and gastronomic specialties

Starting at 8:00 p.m., the event will continue with a tasting experience dedicated to regional sweet and passito wines, as well as products from Central and Southern Italy and the islands, offering the public the opportunity to discover different regions, grape varieties, and interpretations of this distinctive wine style.

Alongside the wines, there will be a showcase of gastronomic excellence, with the participation of Apulian pastry shops, beekeeping companies, and dairy producers. Among others, the following will be present: Pasticceria Caputo of Altamura; Pasticceria Ancona of Acquaviva delle Fonti; Pasticceria Covella of Gioia del Colle; Pasticceria Farmapan of Laterza; San Tommaso Ricevimenti of Polignano; Caseificio Nuzzi of Santeramo in Colle; Masseria La Lunghiera of Putignano; Caseificio Matteo Capozzi of Gioia del Colle; Caseificio L’Artigiana of Putignano; Olio Mancino of Gioia del Colle (Bari); Oysetr Oasis oysters; and CiccioPanz’s Assassina.

The tasting experience will also include a selection of craft beers, including Birranova of Triggianello and I Peuceti of Bitonto, creating a dialogue between products, flavors, and gastronomic traditions. Food and beer tastings will be available through dedicated tickets.

Adding to the evening will be the energy and sunny spirit of Colfischiosenza, a well-known Apulian band that will take the audience on an engaging musical journey through a selection of Italian singer-songwriter music, street sounds, and rock. Their musical performance will convey the spirit of Christmas with rhythm, warmth, and conviviality, helping make Dolce Puglia 2026 even more special.

IMPORTANT
Information about participation and access to the military base


To attend Dolce Puglia 2026, participants must register in advance using the dedicated Google Form at the following link:
https://forms.gle/zw6KhbLpEmN9MD3aA

Access to the military base will be permitted exclusively to people who have registered in advance. To enter, visitors must present a valid identity document and the barcode received by email after registration.

Dolce Puglia 2026
Saturday, December 19, 2026
36th Fighter Wing – Gioia del Colle
Talk show: 5:00 p.m. – Tastings open: 8:00 p.m.
Further information: AIS Murgia Delegate Vincenzo Carrasso
Tel./WhatsApp: 368 7137978
Web: www.sommelierpuglia.it/dolc...