Cesanese Festival and National Barrel Race

A historic festival in the heart of Ciociaria

The Cesanese Festival is one of the longest-running and most cherished events in Lazio. Established in the late 1950s, it has surpassed sixty-five editions and takes place every year in late August in La Forma, a district of the municipality of Serrone, in the province of Frosinone. Nestled on the slopes of Monte Scalambra, on the border between the Ciociaria and Prenestino territories, Serrone is one of the historic capitals of Cesanese wine. For four nights, the village transforms into a large open-air wine trail. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Serrone with the patronage of the municipality and is considered one of the most authentic symbols of the local popular culture.

The Cesanese del Piglio DOCG: the absolute star

The heart of the festival is the Cesanese del Piglio DOCG, the first wine in Lazio to obtain the Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin. Produced from the native Cesanese di Affile and Cesanese Comune grape varieties, it is a red wine with character, tasted here in all its variations directly at the local winery stands along the Viale del Cesanese. Guided tastings allow visitors to meet the producers, learn about the history of the denomination, and discover pairings with local cuisine. During the festival, visits to open cellars and excursions through the vineyards of the surrounding hills are also offered.

The National Barrel Race

The most spectacular event is the National Barrel Race, which reached its seventeenth edition in 2025. Teams of pushers from all over Italy, representing the 'Città del Vino' (Cities of Wine), compete by pushing 500-litre barrels along the narrow and steep streets of the village in a race as grueling as it is thrilling. The race, traditionally held on Saturday afternoon in Piazza Francesco Pais, is preceded by a historical pageant with costumed figures and flag-wavers, which in recent years have featured groups from Soriano nel Cimino.

Ciociaria flavors: Patacche De.Co. and traditional cuisine

At the food stands, the wine is paired with typical local dishes. The stars of the table are the Patacche De.Co., a handmade pasta recognized as a Municipal Designation of Serrone, served according to the traditional recipe. There is also no shortage of grilled meat, typical Ciociaria products, and local desserts, in a culinary journey that highlights the agri-food excellence of the province of Frosinone.

Music, markets, and evenings in the village

Every evening, the center of La Forma comes alive with live concerts followed by DJ sets until late at night, while craft markets enliven the festival streets. Admission is free, and the atmosphere is that of a genuine village fair, capable of attracting thousands of visitors from across the region and nearby Rome every year.

A territory to discover

The festival is also an opportunity to discover Serrone and the Valle del Sacco: the historic center perched on Monte Scalambra, the scenic trails loved by paragliding enthusiasts, the nearby town of Piglio with its Cesanese Wine Road, and the Fiuggi thermal baths just a few kilometers away. An authentic corner of Lazio, where wine culture has been a collective identity for generations.