Wine Experiences Hills of Pesaro

The “Hills of Pesaro” refers broadly to the rolling uplands that flank the Adriatic coast around the city of Pesaro and its hinterland, extending inland into the Marche hills and river valleys. This area overlaps with the Colli Pesaresi DOC and touches zones of the Bianchello del Metauro DOC. Vineyards lie between low coastal elevations and higher slopes, capturing both maritime breezes and more continental warmth. The landscape is dotted with historic hamlets, narrow lanes, olive groves, and panoramic viewpoints that frame a quieter, less‑touristed side of Marche’s wine country.

Wine tourism here is intimate and local. Small family estates open for guided tastings or short vineyard walks—e.g. Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo in the vicinity offer 2‑hour tours. Another accessible stop is Azienda Agricola Bruscia in San Costanzo with a 1.5‑hour tasting. Also, within the San Bartolo Natural Park zone, there are wine‑experience offerings combining nature walks with sampling local labels. Because wineries are small, it’s best to book ahead, especially in high season.

In the Hills of Pesaro, cuisine is shaped by proximity to the sea and by hill agriculture. Seafood dishes (grilled fish, shellfish, fried Adriatic specialties) appear near the coast, while inland spots favor rabbit, pork, legumes, and locally grown vegetables. Cheese, cured meats, and extra‑virgin olive oil complement the table. The wines here—often crisp whites or elegant reds—make fitting partners for both light seafood preparations and herb‑accented meat dishes.

Under the Colli Pesaresi DOC, both white and red varieties are cultivated. On the white side, Biancame (Bianchello) plays a role among Albanelle / Trebbiano / Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc blends. Reds lean toward Sangiovese, Pinot Nero, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The Colli Pesaresi zone is divided into sub‑zones, e.g. Roncaglia, favoring whites, and Focara, more red‑oriented.

The ideal window to visit runs from late spring through early autumn. In spring the vineyards flourish; summer brings warm, often moderated days from sea breezes; September into early October heralds harvest energy. In winter the region is quieter—some wineries have reduced operations, though the moderate climate rarely brings extreme chill. The transitional shoulder months (May, September) offer good balance of temperature, scenery, and fewer crowds.

Start in Pesaro and head inland into the Colli Pesaresi hills, mapping a wine route through villages like Mondavio, Fano, San Costanzo, Saltara, and parts of the Metauro corridor. Schedule tastings in the mornings or late afternoons. Seek contrasting expressions (coastal vs inland) or experimental bottlings. Mix wine stops with cultural visits—hilltop fortresses, artisan shops, scenic trails, olive groves. Stay in agriturismi or hill lodgings to soak up the views. Time your trip to coincide with harvest or village food fairs to layer in local flavor.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Hills of Pesaro:

• Cantina Bruscia
• Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo - Urbino Resort Hotel
• Azienda Agricola De Leyva

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Hills of Pesaro:

• Tour and Wine Tasting at Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo
• Guided tour and wine tasting at Azienda Agricola Bruscia
• Wine Experience in the heart of the San Bartolo Park