A festival that seems straight out of an ancient Greek tale, with references to the cult of Dionysus and the atmosphere of a grand communal banquet, featuring the iconic wine fountain as its symbol. This festival, with over a century of history, is today one of the most beloved events in Rome and its surroundings. Every year, between late September and October, it brings the village to life with tastings, events, and traditions that celebrate wine in all its forms. A historic event— one of the oldest in Italy—that highlights the deep connection between the region and its wine production, attracting thousands of visitors just a few kilometers from the capital.
The fountain that dispenses wine
Established in 1925, the Merino Grape Festival is one of Italy’s oldest food and wine festivals and a symbol of the tradition of the Castelli Romani. Conceived to celebrate the end of the grape harvest and promote local wine production, over the course of a century it has become a landmark event capable of attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year. Combining folklore, history, and conviviality, this event is a true tribute to wine culture, deeply rooted in the region since Roman times.
One of the most eagerly anticipated moments is undoubtedly the famous “fountain that dispenses wine”: for a limited time, water is symbolically replaced by wine, which actually flows from the fountain and is distributed to those present. Alongside this event, you’ll find countless food stands and local wineries offering tastings of wines from the Castelli Romani, including the prized Frascati DOCG, as well as traditional dishes from the Lazio region.
How to get to Marino Laziale from Rome
From Rome, you can reach Marino Laziale in less than an hour. By train, the trip takes about 35 minutes from Roma Termini, and a round-trip ticket costs €4.20. Alternatively, you can reach Marino Laziale by car in about 45 minutes.
