Bruno Astorre Prize

An award in the spirit of remembrance

The Bruno Astorre Prize was established in the town of Colonna, in the heart of the Castelli Romani and the Prenestini Mountains, to honor the memory of Senator Bruno Astorre, a widely respected political figure remembered as 'the man who always knew how to find the right words.' More than just an institutional ceremony, the event has become a cornerstone of collective memory, a moment when a small community pauses to honor someone who left a profound mark far beyond his political role.

Promoted by the Municipality of Colonna in collaboration with the Associazione Versanti and the Pro Loco, the prize celebrates the region's cultural excellence every year, weaving together the appreciation of the spoken word with that of the land's other great protagonist: wine.

Literature and Wine: the 2026 edition

The fourth edition, held on June 27, 2026, in the evocative setting of the Ercole Tofanelli Park and Amphitheatre, was dedicated to the theme 'Literature and Wine.' The awards ceremony, which began in the late afternoon, paid tribute to various local cultural figures, including Professor Luigi Miraglia of the Accademia Vivarium Novum, the Dante scholar and writer Aldo Onorati, the journalist and author Roberto Di Sante, and the journalist Luigi Iovino. Significant attention was also given to young talent, with awards dedicated to local students.

The Night of Wines under the stars

The cultural portion is followed by the Night of Wines, curated by the Associazione Versanti in partnership with local producers: a tasting journey through the best labels of the Castelli Romani, accompanied by traditional cuisine, musical performances, and guided stargazing by experts from Frascati Scienza. Amidst lighting displays and 80s music, the evening continues well past midnight, turning the village into an open-air lounge.

A different theme every year

The distinctive feature of the Astorre Prize is its ability to reinvent itself: each edition pairs wine with a different cultural field. It has evolved from 'Archaeology and Wine' to 'Journalism and Wine,' then to 'Science and Wine,' and finally, in 2026, to 'Literature and Wine.' This common thread allows for a new facet of the Castelli Romani identity to be explored each time.

Colonna and the Castelli Romani

With its few square kilometers, Colonna is the smallest municipality in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, perched among the vineyards of the Castelli Romani in Lazio. A land of white wines and ancient farming traditions, it offers visitors an intimate village atmosphere, sweeping views of the Roman countryside, and warm hospitality. The Bruno Astorre Prize is currently one of the best opportunities to discover it, combining culture, food, and wine in a single summer evening.