There is a sound that belongs only to Tuscany: the sound of the wind blowing through the oak woods, of pigs slowly walking among the leaves, of a knife slowly slicing a piece of ham. It is the sound of Cinta Senese DOP, and in October it will once again fill Siena and its hills with aromas, encounters, and stories.
The Consorzio di Tutela della Cinta Senese DOP presents the second edition of the Festa della Cinta Senese DOP, two days—October 26 and 27, 2025—dedicated to one of the region’s most authentic and symbolic excellences: not just a product, but a living legacy that tells the story of the soul of a territory.
An ancient breed, a timeless beauty
The Cinta Senese is a breed that has its roots in the Middle Ages: proud, elegant, recognizable by its white stripe that crosses its dark coat like a sign of nobility.
It still runs free in the woods, feeding on acorns, chestnuts, and roots, following the rhythm of nature.
It is from this semi-wild life, this harmony between man and landscape, that a meat with a unique, deep, lively flavor is born, redolent of earth and wind.
It is not just gastronomy, but rural culture. It is preserved memory, respect for the land, balance between time and work.
The Protection Consortium, created to protect this identity, now leads a supply chain that unites farmers, artisans, and chefs in a common gesture: preserving authenticity.
“With this second edition, we want to raise awareness of an extraordinary product such as Cinta Senese DOP,” explains the President of the Consortium, Nicolò Savigni. “It is an opportunity to bring together farmers, artisans, chefs, the media, and enthusiasts, and to showcase a supply chain that is the identity and future of our region.”
Walks, flavors, and encounters
The festival will open on Sunday, October 26, with trekking routes through woods and farms: itineraries that invite you to walk through the landscape, meet those who live alongside these animals every day, and discover the patience and wisdom of an ancient craft.
Each stage will be a story—of hands, stories, and flavors—with guided tastings and moments of sharing designed for those who love to discover the real Tuscany, step by step.
The protagonists will be the Trekking della Cinta Senese DOP, an opportunity to discover up close the places where this native breed was born and enjoy an immersive experience among nature, farms, and tastings. If you would like to participate, please let me know which of the four farms you intend to join and who you will be coming with:
- Az. Agr. Simignano di Bezzini Cristina – Simignano (Sovicille)
- Società Agricola Tenuta di Spannocchia – Spannocchia (Chiusdino)
- Fattoria Vignamaggio – Montigliari (Greve in Chianti)
- Azienda Agricola Savigni – Fattoria Bonaria – Montaglioni (Pistoia)
Siena, the heart of excellence
The following day, Monday, October 27, the celebration will move to the heart of Siena’s Medici Fortress, at the Enoteca Italiana, where the elegance of the venue will complement the mastery of the protagonists.
The day will begin with a professional masterclass, dedicated to those who want to learn more about the supply chain, processing, and culinary uses of Cinta Senese DOP.
This will be followed by a talk led by Davide Paolini, artistic director of the event, with Alessandro Frassica and Edoardo Tilli, two voices of contemporary catering who will discuss how to describe and promote Cinta Senese – from traditional shops to signature cuisine.
The art of cutting: the gesture that tells a story
The most eagerly awaited event will be the 2nd International Cinta Senese DOP Ham Cutting Competition, organized in collaboration with ANCJ and Jamón Lovers.
A moment of pure art, where cutting becomes language, respect, and beauty.
Six international cortadores will take turns on stage – Daniel Sanchez Cambres, Brigida Castelli, Claudio Cialini, Laura Rey Padín, Alexander Lozano Rodriguez, and Olivia Montserrat Susañó – to show how a blade, when guided with knowledge, can become an instrument of revelation: each slice tells the story of an animal’s life, the skill of a craftsman, and the essence of a territory.
A jury of experts will evaluate the competitors and award prizes to the top three, as well as awards for the most creative dish and the best presentation.
The award ceremony will be entrusted to institutional and local representatives: Dr. Stefania Saccardi (Tuscany Region), Dr. Vanna Giunti (Municipality of Siena), Dr. Marta Cappelli (Municipality of Scarperia and San Piero), Dr. Massimo Guasconi (Chamber of Commerce of Arezzo and Siena) and Colonel Alessandra Baldassarri (Commander of the Carabinieri Forestale Group of Siena).
A finale with a taste of Tuscany
For those who wish to attend, large screens set up outside the Enoteca Italiana will allow you to experience the highlights of the day up close.
And at the end of the award ceremony, the party will continue with tastings open to the public: hams, salamis, and dishes from the Cinta Senese DOP, accompanied by wines and flavors from the surrounding hills.
A toast to the territory, its people, and its rhythms.
Because Cinta Senese is not just a gastronomic excellence: it is a way of experiencing Tuscany, of listening to it, of savoring it slowly, as one does with the things that really matter.
