High in the hills behind Albenga, the tiny hamlet of Salea becomes the capital of Ligurian white wine for four days each August. Sagralea is the Riviera di Ponente’s premier celebration of Pigato—the aromatic, mineral-driven white that is Liguria’s signature grape—alongside Vermentino, Rossese, and other local varieties.

Pigato: Liguria’s White Gold

Pigato thrives on the terraced slopes of the Riviera di Ponente, where sea breezes, limestone soils, and intense sunlight produce a wine of remarkable character: notes of peach, acacia, Mediterranean herbs, and a distinct saline minerality. At Sagralea, you can taste across the full spectrum—from young, unoaked Pigato meant for seafood lunches, to richer, barrel-aged versions that pair with coniglio alla ligure (Ligurian rabbit stew).

What to Expect at the Festival

The festival is set around Salea’s piazza and the narrow lanes radiating from it. Local producers from the Albenga and Ranzo zones set up tasting tables, and for a modest fee (typically €15–20) you receive a glass and tasting card valid for the evening. Food stands serve local specialties: torta pasqualina, farinata, grilled fish, and the area’s celebrated asparago violetto di Albenga (purple asparagus).

Live music, primarily jazz and acoustic sets, plays each evening from 20:00. The atmosphere is relaxed and convivial—this is a festival for wine lovers, not a rowdy party. Many visitors spread blankets on the terraced hillsides to watch the sunset over the Ligurian Sea while sampling the latest vintage.

Practical Tips

Getting there: Salea is a 15-minute drive uphill from Albenga. There is no train station in Salea; a taxi from Albenga station costs approximately €25. Parking is limited—arrive by 17:30 or use the shuttle bus from Albenga (typically announced on the festival’s social media pages).
Best days: Friday and Saturday evenings have the most producers and live music. Thursday is quieter if you want more time with each winemaker.
What to bring: Cash (some stands don’t accept cards), a light jacket (it cools down in the hills after sunset), and a designated driver if you’re driving.
Combine with: Make a day of it by exploring Albenga’s Roman and medieval center in the afternoon, then head up to Salea for the evening.

Love Ligurian food and wine? Read our guide to Food & Drink in Liguria and discover more about Limoncino and Ligurian liqueurs.