Cannaiola in Borgo and the Wines of Tuscia
A tasting journey through the alleys of Marta, on the shores of Lake Bolsena
About Cannaiola in Borgo
A village, a wine, a journey
Cannaiola in Borgo and the Wines of Tuscia is the food and wine festival that brings the historic center of Marta, a town in the province of Viterbo, in northern Lazio, to life every July. The concept is simple and effective: visitors are given a wine glass to wear around their neck and are left free to explore the village's alleys, stopping at tasting stands set up among small squares, arches, and glimpses overlooking Lake Bolsena. It is not a fair confined to a pavilion, but a slow stroll where wine accompanies the discovery of the town.
Cannaiola, a rare wine from Tuscia
The heart of the festival is the Cannaiola di Marta, a red wine made from the Canaiolo Nero grape, historically grown on the hills sloping down toward the lake. It is traditionally a semi-sweet wine with a pale ruby color and aromas of red fruit, considered rare because it is produced in limited quantities on a small vineyard area. It received DOC status in 1996 as part of the Colli Etruschi Viterbesi denomination. Alongside Cannaiola, the trail showcases other Tuscia labels, from Aleatico to the volcanic white wines of the Bolsena and Montefiascone area.
What you will find along the way
- Tasting trail with a wine glass holder and a series of local wine samples;
- Food stalls featuring typical Tuscia products: cured meats, bruschetta, cheeses, porchetta, and local pastries;
- Live music every evening in the squares of the historic center;
- Street performers and wandering entertainment through the alleys;
- Photography and painting exhibitions and video screenings dedicated to local traditions;
- Dinner under the Clock Tower, with a fixed-price menu;
- Wooden games and activities designed for families.
Marta, the lake, and tradition
Marta is one of the most characteristic villages on the southern shore of Lake Bolsena: a fishing town dominated by the Clock Tower, with its lakefront, small harbor, and a network of narrow streets climbing upward. Its identity is twofold, linked to lake fish and viticulture, and the festival brings these two souls together. The Martan calendar is marked by traditions: from the famous Barabbata in May, one of the oldest rural re-enactments in Lazio, to the summer festivals. Cannaiola in Borgo fits into this fabric as a recent but already established event, created to give visibility to an identity-defining product and to bring the historic center to life on summer evenings.
The atmosphere
The event begins at sunset, when the air on the lake cools down and the village lights up. The crowd is diverse: local families, wine enthusiasts from the province of Viterbo and nearby Umbria, and tourists staying on the lake. The tone remains that of a village festival—well-organized but informal—with Pro Loco volunteers at the stands and sommeliers from the FISAR Viterbo delegation guiding the tastings and explaining the labels. It is a great starting point for getting to know the wine production of Tuscia, often less known than that of Tuscany or Umbria but rich in native grape varieties.
When to go
The event takes place in July, usually over one or two weekends, starting in the early evening. Admission to the festival area is free: you only pay for the tasting kit and food. Those who want to combine the experience with a day at the lake can arrive in the afternoon, spend a few hours at the beach or walking along the lakefront, and reach the historic center for the opening.
Cannaiola in Borgo — edition 2026
Cannaiola in Borgo 2026: the fifth edition
From July 17th to 19th, 2026, the village of Marta, in the province of Viterbo, hosts the fifth edition of Cannaiola in Borgo and the Wines of Tuscia. The event, organized by the Pro Loco with the collaboration of the FISAR Viterbo delegation, takes place in the historic center and has its focal point in Piazzetta dell'Olmo, under the Clock Tower.
The format is the now recognizable itinerant trail: you pick up your wine glass holder and walk through the village streets tasting the Cannaiola di Marta and other Tuscia labels, while the stands offer typical local products. Each evening is accompanied by live music, with photography and painting exhibitions, video screenings dedicated to local traditions, and wooden games for families.
The evenings begin around 7:30 PM. On Friday, July 17th, the opening is preceded by a performance by the Marta town band. Admission is free: you only pay for the tasting kit and your consumption.
Programme Cannaiola in Borgo 2026
Event formula
- Friday, July 17th — from 6:30 PM performance by the Marta town band; from 7:30 PM opening of the tasting trail and food stalls; live music in the evening.
- Saturday, July 18th — from 7:30 PM tasting trail through the village alleys, typical product stands, photography and painting exhibitions, video screenings, wandering entertainment, and live music.
- Sunday, July 19th — from 7:30 PM final evening with tastings, dinner under the Clock Tower, live music, and closing of the event.
What the trail includes
- Tasting kit with a wine glass holder and a series of Tuscia wine samples;
- Stands from local wineries with Cannaiola di Marta DOC in the spotlight;
- Food stalls with cured meats, bruschetta, cheeses, porchetta, and local pastries;
- Fixed-price dinner under the Clock Tower, in Piazzetta dell'Olmo;
- Exhibitions, screenings, and wooden games along the route.
Times and details of individual evenings may be subject to change: it is advisable to check the updates published by the Pro Loco of Marta in the days leading up to the event.
Highlights Cannaiola in Borgo 2026
- Fifth edition of the event, from July 17th to 19th, 2026.
- Tasting trail with wine glass holder through the village alleys.
- Featuring Cannaiola di Marta, a wine made from Canaiolo Nero grapes, DOC since 1996.
- Guided tastings by FISAR Viterbo sommeliers.
- Dinner under the Clock Tower in Piazzetta dell'Olmo.
- Opening with the Marta town band on Friday evening.
- Live music every evening, photography and painting exhibitions, video screenings.
- Setting of Lake Bolsena, just a few steps from the lakefront.
Prices Cannaiola in Borgo 2026
Practical information — Cannaiola in Borgo
How to get there
Marta is located on the southern shore of Lake Bolsena, in the province of Viterbo. By car: from the A1 motorway, take the Orte exit, then the highway toward Viterbo and the SS of Marta; from Rome, it takes about two hours. The reference train station is Viterbo, connected to Marta by provincial Cotral buses (about 30 minutes). Nearest airports: Rome Fiumicino and Rome Ciampino.
Parking
The historic center is pedestrian-only during the event: it is recommended to leave your car in the parking areas on the lakefront and walk up toward the Clock Tower.
Costs
Free admission. The tasting trail with a wine glass holder can be purchased on-site; there is also a fixed-price dinner under the Clock Tower (drinks excluded).
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: the village alleys are steep and paved with stone. Evenings on the lake can be breezy, so it is best to bring a light sweater. For accommodation, in addition to Marta, Capodimonte, Montefiascone, and Bolsena are convenient options.
Festival-goer photos
No photos yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Noticed an error or missing information?
Help us keep this listing up to date. Every proposal is verified by our team before publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No comments yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community.
Where does it take place — Cannaiola in Borgo
Centro storico di Marta — Piazzetta dell'Olmo e Torre dell'Orologio