- Food & Wine
Bubbles & Wishes
Some summer evenings cannot be described—they have to be experienced. On Saturday, 8 August 2026, when summer reaches its peak and the skies above the Oltrepò Pavese are illuminated by shooting stars, the medieval village of Fortunago invites visitors to Bubbles & Wishes, a special event dedicated to the Night of San Lorenzo. A glass of local Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico, the aromas of traditional cuisine drifting through the stone streets, and a handwritten wish waiting for the perfect moment to be entrusted to the stars: some emotions truly belong beneath an August sky.
Why the Night of San Lorenzo Is Celebrated in Italy's Historic Villages
The event is inspired by "Il Borgo dei Desideri" (The Village of Wishes), a nationwide initiative promoted by the association I Borghi più Belli d'Italia (The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy). The Night of San Lorenzo, traditionally celebrated on 10 August, coincides with the peak of the Perseid meteor shower, known in Italy as the "Tears of Saint Lawrence." According to popular tradition, every shooting star is an opportunity to make a wish.
Even the Italian word desiderio (wish) has poetic origins, deriving from the Latin de sidera, meaning "from the stars," reinforcing the timeless connection between the night sky and hope. In Fortunago, the celebration is anticipated to the weekend of 8 August, allowing visitors to enjoy the event at a relaxed pace among illuminated streets and open-air tables.
Sparkling Wine, Local Flavours and Wishes
From 7:30 pm, Fortunago's historic centre becomes an open-air food and wine trail. The star of the evening is the Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico, the region's renowned traditional sparkling wine produced from vineyards surrounding the village.
Visitors can pair each glass with a selection of local specialities, including creamy risottos, platters of regional cured meats and cheeses, artisan gelato and homemade desserts. The event offers an authentic taste of the Oltrepò Pavese, showcasing locally sourced ingredients and recipes rooted in centuries of rural tradition, all in a relaxed summer atmosphere.
The Village of Wishes
One of the most memorable moments of the evening is the Village of Wishes. Like the other villages participating in the national initiative, Fortunago will provide a dedicated space where visitors can write down their wishes before placing them in a symbolic collection point.
As live music fills the streets, guests can wander through the stone alleys, gaze at the stars and take part in a simple yet meaningful ritual that concludes with a collective toast beneath the summer sky. It is these small gestures that transform the evening into an unforgettable experience.
Fortunago: A Village Best Explored on Foot
Perched nearly 600 metres above sea level in the rolling hills of the Oltrepò Pavese, Fortunago is recognised as one of Italy's Most Beautiful Villages and is considered one of the Province of Pavia's finest destinations for slow tourism.
Its cobbled lanes, carefully restored stone houses and panoramic vineyard views create an atmosphere of timeless charm. The village traces its origins back to Celtic settlements, when it was known as Fortunacus. Throughout its long history it passed under the control of Ligurian marquises, Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, the Malaspina family, the Austrian Empire and finally the House of Savoy, leaving a rich historical legacy still visible today.
The village's spiritual heart is the Church of San Giorgio, home to the relics of Saint Ponzo, while the small stone Church of Sant'Antonio offers the intimate atmosphere of a traditional countryside chapel. On evenings like this, Fortunago itself becomes part of the spectacle.
Visitor Information
Bubbles & Wishes takes place on Saturday, 8 August 2026, from 7:30 pm, in the historic centre of Fortunago (Province of Pavia).
The event is organised by the Municipality of Fortunago in collaboration with Pensare Slow, I Borghi più Belli d'Italia, Vittoria Aristea Caffè, and Ristorante Pineta.
Combining sparkling wine, local gastronomy, live music and the timeless tradition of making wishes beneath the Perseid meteor shower, Bubbles & Wishes offers visitors a memorable summer evening in one of the most enchanting villages of the Oltrepò Pavese—an experience to treasure and a wish to entrust to the stars.
