Wine Experiences The Marches

The Italian region of the Marches (Le Marche), enclosed between the Apennines and the Adriatic sea, offers beautiful sceneries of soft green hills, from which glimpses of the sea can be seen. In its territory, particularly suited to the cultivation of vines, you will be able to enjoy some unique wine tastings and winery visits.

During your winery visits in the Marches, you will learn how viticulture in the region dates back to ancient times, but in the past, its production consisted mainly of wine made with various varieties and no strict techniques, mostly intended for family consumption. After World War II, better-quality vines were planted in the region’s territory and new winemaking technologies were adopted, marking the turning point for Marches’ wine production. In the 60s, the first DOCs of the region were defined. Nowadays, the Marches boast 15 DOC, 5 DOCG and 1 IGT wine.

The various wine tastings and winery visits you’ll take part in while visiting the Marches will surely whet your appetite. This won’t be a problem, as the region’s cuisine has many delicious dishes to offer. While in Marche, we recommend trying Ascolana olives (deep-fried olives stuffed with meat), Ciauscolo (a soft and spreadable salami), crescia (a sort of flatbread), rabbit "in porchetta", brodetto marchigiano (a fish and shellfish soup).

Your wine tastings in the Marches will often feature both red and white wines. The region’s production is made up of 60% white grape varieties, of which the most widespread and well-known is Verdicchio, followed by Biancame and Trebbiano Toscano. Looking at the black grape varieties instead, the most common grape types are Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Local varieties include Lacrima and Vernaccia Nera. Some international grape varieties, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, have also been successfully integrated among the vineyards of the region.

The best periods to visit the Marches to be able to combine wine tastings and winery visits with other activities such as hiking and sightseeing are either between April and June or between September and October. Visiting during these months will allow you to enjoy some long, sunny days in the beautiful region while avoiding the summer heat. Of course, during summer the Marches is a popular sea destination as well.

The Marches region has many activities to offer besides visiting its wineries. In fact, its territory is rich both in natural and architectural beauty. A few highlights that we recommend visiting include Mount Conero and its riviera, the Frasassi caves, the towns of Urbino, Ascoli Piceno and Recanati, Pilato’s Lake.

The average price of a wine tasting with winery visit in The Marches is around €32.50. Depending on the experience, prices range from €20 to €45. Booking in advance ensures availability and the best prices.

Here are the top wineries to visit in The Marches:

• Vigneti Vallorani
• Casa Vinicola Gioacchino Garofoli Spa
• D'Erasmo Vini
• IL CONTE VILLA PRANDONE
• Cantina Villa Pigna
• Brunori
• TENUTA SPINELLI
• Cossignani L.E. Tempo

Here are the best wine tastings to book in The Marches:

• Tasting experience of Rosso Piceno Superiore at Villa Pigna Winery
• Wine and Food Tasting at Terre di San Ginesio
• Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi Tasting at Tenuta Mattei
• Reserve Wine Tasting at Vigneti Vallorani
• Tour and Wine Tasting at Tenuta Santi Giacomo e Filippo
• "Cheers on the badlands": Cellar tour and wine tasting experience at Villa Imperium
• Discover Conventino di Monteciccardo with a Winery Tour and Wine Tasting!
• Wine experience through the flavors of the Conero at Fattoria Lucesole