Wine Tastings Metauro

The Metauro valley lives along the river of the same name in northern Marche, and it lends its name to one of Italy’s most distinctive white wine areas: the Bianchello del Metauro DOC. The production zone spans from the Adriatic shoreline inland into the rolling Cesane hills, threading through gentle terrain, small villages, and riverine landscapes. Though lesser known compared to some Italian appellations, the region’s charm lies in its combination of pastoral tranquility, maritime influence, and a wine style that mirrors its subtlety.

Visiting Metauro invites a slower, more intimate wine tourism experience. Rather than major, well‑advertised estates, many producers are family farms or boutique operations offering small‑group tastings, vineyard walks, and wine flights paired with local food. In summer and early autumn you’ll find wineries opening for “open door” events, festive tastings, or guided tours of vineyard parcels. Your route might wind through villages like Fano, Cartoceto, Fossombrone, San Costanzo and beyond, combining wine stops with historic walks. Maps created by local promoters help orient visitors to wineries, stories, and points of interest along the Metauro corridor.

The food landscape of Metauro bridges coast and hills. In the coastal zone, seafood, shellfish, grilled fish and fried preparations dominate; inland, dishes turn to white meats (such as rabbit or poultry), legumes, garden vegetables, and local olive oil. The delicate, fresh character of Bianchello del Metauro makes it a natural partner to both simple seafood and lighter meat courses. Cheeses, rustic breads, and cured salumi play a supporting role in the region’s gastronomic tapestry. The wine’s acidity and mineral edge help it cut through oiliness or fried textures while complementing subtle flavors.

The cornerstone grape of the region is Biancame (also known locally as Bianchello or Biancuccio). Under DOC rules, the wine must be at least 95% Biancame; a small allowance (up to 5%) of Malvasia Bianca Lunga is permitted. The terroir—from sandy clay soils near the coast to more clay‑arenaceous inland deposits—gives rise to variants in expression. Near the sea, wines tend toward brighter, more aromatic notes; further inland, they can reveal soft floral and stone fruit complexity. The DOC also recognizes Superiore, Spumante, and Passito versions of the wine, each offering a different nuance of the base Biancame grape.

The best visiting window runs from late spring through early autumn (May to September). In spring the vineyards awaken with green shoots and wildflowers. Summer brings warmth tempered by sea breezes that moderate daytime highs. By September and early October you can catch the harvest season’s buzz. Winters are largely mild and quiet—a time when some wineries may limit public access—but the region’s soft climate helps protect the vines from extreme cold or frost risk.

Begin from coastal gateways like Fano or Cartoceto and follow the Metauro river inland. Schedule tastings in the mornings or late afternoons to enjoy cool light in vineyards. Ask wineries for contrasting expressions (coastal vs inland) or experimental bottlings (Spumante, Passito). Interweave wine visits with cultural stops—hilltop towns, artisanal markets, scenic hikes, cooking workshops. Stay in agriturismi or country lodgings to soak in vineyard views. Time your trip to coincide with local food and wine events (harvest celebrations, village festivals) to savor both flavors and ambiance.

Here are the top wineries to visit in Metauro:

• Cantina Bruscia

Here are the best wine tastings to book in Metauro:

• Guided tour and wine tasting at Azienda Agricola Bruscia