.png)
Sagra dell'Uva in Marino: Italy's Oldest Wine Festival Just Outside Rome
- Alessandro Loja
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Where is Marino & Why Attend the Wine Festival
Just 25 kilometers southeast of Rome, Marino clings to the slopes of the Alban Hills: a town shaped by volcanic soil, ancient vines, and a legacy of noble retreats. Its spirit is deeply rooted in the land, where rural life and Roman history have long intertwined.
While Rome takes center stage during Jubilee 2025, just 25 kilometers to the southeast, the hillside town of Marino offers a quieter, earthier pilgrimage, one rooted not in marble and basilicas, but in vineyard rows, village pride, and fountains that famously flow with wine. Perched in the Castelli Romani, Marino comes alive each autumn for the Sagra dell’Uva, a grape festival that transforms its cobbled streets into a celebration of harvest, heritage, and heartfelt tradition. Timed with the final days of September and the first whispers of October, it’s a vivid, sensory-rich detour for those seeking an authentic taste of Lazio during a sacred Roman year.
A Century of Grapes and Glory: The Origins of the Festival
The Sagra dell’Uva has been part of Marino’s story since 1925, dreamed up by local politician Leone Ciprelli as a way to celebrate the town’s farming roots and wine-making traditions. Over the years, it’s grown into a beloved event that brings the whole community together to toast the grape harvest with music, parades, and plenty of good cheer.
The highlight? When the town’s fountains magically pour wine instead of water, a playful, crowd-pleasing moment that celebrates Marino’s deep connection to its vineyards and its love for a good party.
Festival Highlights: What to Expect in 2025
Each autumn, the Sagra dell’Uva turns Marino into a living tapestry of color, scent, and sound. The streets come alive with processions in Renaissance and medieval dress, reenacting scenes from the town’s storied past. In Piazza Matteotti, the festival’s vibrant core, music pulses through the air as dancers whirl and drums echo off the stone walls, setting the rhythm for the celebration.
Winding through the alleys, the scent of roasted chestnuts, sizzling porchetta, and sweet fried dough pulls visitors from one stall to the next. Children run through confetti showers, families sip freshly pressed grape juice, and performers fill the air with laughter on every corner. Local artisans proudly display hand-crafted ceramics, woven textiles, and time-honored crafts, each piece a small echo of Marino’s enduring spirit.
The Star of the Show: Marino DOC Wine
Marino’s white DOC wine, primarily from Malvasia and Trebbiano grapes, is light, floral, and perfect for pairing with the region’s cuisine. During the festival, local winemakers offer free tastings, and several cantinas open their doors for impromptu cellar visits. From sparkling varieties to dry table wines, Marino’s production showcases the richness of Lazio’s volcanic soil and ancient winemaking techniques.
How to Reach Marino: Simple, Scenic, and Accessible
Marino is an easy day trip from Rome. Regional trains from Roma Termini reach Marino Laziale station in about 45 minutes. From there, it’s a short uphill walk into the heart of the festivities. If you’re driving, be prepared for limited access roads (ZTL) and road closures. Temporary parking areas outside town typically offer shuttle service to the main piazza.
Remember to bring comfortable walking shoes, as these are essential, as the terrain is hilly and the streets can get crowded. We recommend arriving a little early, especially on the day of the festival (usually the first Sunday of October). For real-time updates and schedules, check out the official website: www.sagradelluvamarino.it.
Where to Eat in Marino: Osteria della Stazione
If you want to feel "romano/a" for a day, then just steps from the train station, Osteria della Stazione is a favorite among locals who know where to find real Roman cooking. The atmosphere is warm and relaxed (Roman-style), and the kitchen consistently delivers high-quality dishes rooted in Roman tradition but with a local twist.
The menu draws inspiration from classic Roman recipes, using regional ingredients to make them stand out. Pasta is a definite highlight, don’t miss the tonnarelli cacio e pepe infused with wine, or the fettuccine “ripassate,” a crisped pasta dish tossed with rich ragu that’s unlike anything you’ll find in central Rome. Their porchetta is also a must: tender, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
We love the wine list because it highlights local producers, especially Marino’s own DOC labels. Whether you’re seated indoors or at an outdoor table, this is a perfect lunch or dinner stop during the festival, or a way to wind down afterward with generous portions and honest food. Be sure to reserve ahead; tables fill quickly during Sagra weekends.
Tips for Visiting Marino During Jubilee 2025
With Jubilee 2025 drawing more travelers to Rome and its surroundings, planning is essential, especially if you’re hoping to experience the Sagra dell’Uva. Accommodations in the Castelli Romani can book up fast, particularly on festival weekends, so it’s wise to reserve your stay early.
Late September to early October brings mild, changeable weather, think warm afternoons followed by crisp evenings. Pack layers, and don’t forget to download offline maps; the signal can be spotty when the crowds are at their peak.
As always, a little cultural awareness goes a long way. Modest attire is appreciated at church services, and parts of the festival include blessings and processions that blend local faith with celebration. It’s all part of what makes this corner of Lazio feel so rooted and so alive.
The Sagra dell’Uva in Marino is not a manufactured tourist attraction, it’s a heartfelt tradition celebrated by people who live the story they tell. For those visiting Rome in the Jubilee 2025, it offers a meaningful, festive, and uniquely local experience. In a world of over-curated travel moments, Marino’s grape festival reminds us that the best memories are often fermented slowly, shared generously, and poured into a glass held high in good company.
