Wine Tourism in the Marche

Discovering the Marche through wine means setting out across an authentic and surprising land, where rolling hills gently descend towards the Adriatic Sea, villages preserve centuries of history, and every landscape tells a different story of identity. It is a journey of aromas, flavours and encounters, in which wine becomes the key to discovering a region that still has the power to surprise.In the heart of Italy, between the Apennines and the Adriatic, the Marche boast a rich and diverse wine heritage, reflecting the remarkable variety of their landscapes and territories. The region produces 21 different types of wine, including DOC, DOCG and IGT appellations, bearing witness to a tradition that over time has successfully celebrated indigenous grape varieties while interpreting the distinctive characteristics of each area with a strong sense of identity.Among the undisputed protagonists is Verdicchio, the true ambassador of the Marche to the world. Born in the hills of the inland areas, it is a wine capable of expressing elegance, freshness and personality, naturally complementing both seafood and the traditional dishes of the region. Alongside it are other distinctive grape varieties, such as Pecorino, Passerina and Lacrima, together with the many expressions of the region’s red wines, completing a varied wine landscape rich in nuances.Wines from the Marche stand out for their ability to engage with local cuisine and enhance its flavours. The reds, intense, fragrant and full-bodied, pair naturally with meat, grilled dishes and the more flavourful specialities of the inland areas. The whites, on the other hand, with their fresh and fruity aromas, complement the specialities of the Adriatic with balance and finesse: from fish and soups to pasta dishes and traditional baked-in-foil preparations. Each glass thus becomes part of a broader gastronomic story, capable of highlighting the quality of the ingredients and creating harmonious combinations of flavours.But in the Marche, wine is not simply something to taste. Above all, it is an experience to be lived. It means stepping into a winery, meeting the people who work the land every day, listening to the stories of the producers and discovering the gestures and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. It means walking among the vines, observing the landscape as it changes with the seasons, and understanding how climate, soil and human craftsmanship come together to shape every bottle.Among the oldest expressions of the Marche’s food and wine tradition are vino di visciola, sapa and vin cotto, products that tell of the deep connection between rural culture, vineyards and the fruits of the land.Vino di visciola is made using the traditional method of processing visciole, a type of sour cherry, which are left to macerate with sugar and then blended with the must of red grapes. Sapa is produced by slowly cooking and concentrating grape must: the long boiling process reduces its volume and intensifies its sweetness, resulting in a thick syrup with a deep colour and a distinctive caramelised, honeyed flavour. Vin cotto is also made by cooking grape must and is distinguished by its rich, smooth and lingering taste, which develops through maturation.The Marche thus invite travellers to set off, wine glass in hand, and discover a land where every wine has a story to tell and every place holds a flavour to remember. A journey into the heart of Italy, among vineyards, villages, sea and hills, in search of that authentic taste that makes the Marche a destination to experience slowly and savour to the fullest.

• Taste Verdicchio Among the Rolling Hills of Le Marche. Step into the heart of Verdicchio wine country to visit local wineries, stroll through vineyards, and sample one of Le Marche’s signature wines while discovering its unique character, history, and ideal food pairings.
• Experience the Grape Harvest at a Winery. Take part in the most evocative moment of the winemaking year, from grape picking to the first stages of vinification, guided by producers who share their expertise and passion for the land.
• Discover Wine Through Historic Villages. Combine culture and wine experiences on itineraries that lead through charming villages, castles, and historic residences, featuring tastings of local wines and encounters with the winemakers who shape the region’s identity.
• Enjoy Marche Wines Paired with Local Flavors. Immerse yourself in a complete gastronomic experience by matching Marche wines with regional cuisine, from Adriatic seafood specialties to traditional inland products and recipes, on a journey through authentic local flavors.
• Raise a Glass at Sunset Between Vineyards and the Adriatic Sea. Let yourself be captivated by the landscapes of Le Marche with a wine tasting surrounded by nature, among vineyard rows, rolling hills, and sea views. A relaxing experience that celebrates both the region’s wines and its authentic atmosphere.

1. Verdicchio Has a One-of-a-Kind Bottle. In the 1950s, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi became famous not only for its quality but also for its iconic amphora-shaped bottle, designed by Antonio Maiocchi. The distinctive container became a symbol of Marche wine around the world. 
2. The “Tear” That Gave the Wine Its Name. Lacrima di Morro d'Alba takes its name from a unique characteristic of the grape. When fully ripe, the skin slightly splits and tiny drops of juice appear, resembling tears. This detail inspired the name of one of Le Marche's most historic wines. 
3. Pecorino is not just a cheese! It is one of the best-known white wines from the Marche region. According to a popular tradition, its name comes from the fact that sheep were particularly fond of its grapes when they grazed among the vineyards. However, contrary to the widespread sheep-related legend, the name is believed to derive from the late vernacular term picor/picorinus, referring to the wine’s characteristic lively and slightly spicy taste. 

• Verdicchio – the region’s flagship grape variety, especially in the areas of Jesi and Matelica.
• Montepulciano – widely used for red wines, particularly in the southern part of the Marche region.
• Sangiovese – mainly used for red wines and in blends.
• Lacrima – typical of the Morro d’Alba area.
• Pecorino – a white grape variety, mainly found in the southern part of the region. 
• Passerina - another important white grape variety, widely grown in the Piceno area. 
• Bianchello – characteristic of the Fano area and northern Marche.

The Marche region is famous for its excellent wines and numerous festivals dedicated to wine, grapes and the grape harvest.

• June-July: events and wine tastings dedicated to local wines, especially Verdicchio (in Montecarotto Verdicchio Festival). 
• August: the Vernaccia Festival in Serrapetrona, the Verdicchio Festival in Staffolo and the Vino Cotto Festival in Loro Piceno.
• September: the Rosso Conero Festival in Camerano, the Grape Festival in Cerreto d’Esi, the Grappolo d’Oro Festival in Potenza Picena and the Grape Festival in Arcevia. These festivals offer wine tastings, local food, music and entertainment.
• October: the Grape Festival in Cupramontana and the Visciola Wine Festival in San Paolo di Jesi, dedicated to the traditional wine made from sour cherries.
• Autumn: “Open Cellars during the Harvest” allows visitors to discover wineries, producers, wines and the traditions of the grape harvest. 

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• Marche Wine Protection Institute
• Wines with DOC, DOCG and IGT designations