Cheese Saturnia
Three days dedicated to cheese and the flavors of the Maremma in the village of Saturnia
About Cheese Saturnia
The cheese festival in the heart of the Maremma
Cheese Saturnia is the food and wine event that transforms the small village of Saturnia, a hamlet of Manciano (Grosseto province), into a showcase for the flavors of the Tuscan Maremma every early May. The festival takes place just a stone's throw from the famous Cascate del Mulino and the Saturnia thermal complex, set against a backdrop of rolling hills, ancient rural traditions, and high-quality local products.
The heart of the event is, naturally, cheese: the Manciano area was recognized in 2023 as an ONAF City of Cheese (National Organization of Cheese Tasters), a title that testifies to the region's deep-rooted dairy vocation. Among the key players is the Caseificio Sociale Manciano, a historic institution that offers tastings of its products and shares the daily work of a community of farmers, cheesemakers, and enthusiasts.
Tastings, masterclasses, and workshops
Along the food and wine trail, visitors can sample not only cheeses but also extra virgin olive oil, Morellino di Scansano, and other Maremma wines, alongside dishes from the local Maremma cuisine served at the food stand. The program includes masterclasses led by prestigious local figures: sommeliers, AICOO experts for extra virgin olive oil, and ONAF tasters for cheeses, with sessions also dedicated to Maremma wines.
- Cheese and local product tasting trails
- Masterclasses on wine, extra virgin olive oil, and cheese
- "Mr. Cheese" workshops for children
- Trekking and mountain bike excursions through the Maremma hills
- Guided tours and special openings of the Pietro Aldi Cultural Center
- Concerts and live music, featuring the Amilcare Ponchielli Philharmonic
An event for the whole community
Cheese Saturnia is organized by the Pro Loco of Saturnia APS with the patronage of the Municipality of Manciano and the collaboration of the Pietro Aldi Cultural Center and the local Amilcare Ponchielli Philharmonic. The event combines gastronomy with a rich cultural and musical program designed for families, curious visitors, and fans of local products. With the arrival of the beautiful spring season and the proximity to the thermal baths, it is the ideal opportunity to discover this authentic corner of southern Tuscany.
Cheese Saturnia — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Cheese Saturnia was held from May 1st to 3rd in the village of Saturnia, a hamlet of Manciano (Grosseto), with a renewed format that combined tastings, culture, and entertainment. The stars of the show were local cheeses, Maremma wines, extra virgin olive oil, and traditional Maremma dishes served at the food stand.
Alongside the tasting trails, there were masterclasses led by sommeliers and experts, cheese-themed workshops for children, trekking and mountain bike excursions through the hills, a conference on agriculture and the new generation, as well as concerts and live music curated by the Amilcare Ponchielli Philharmonic of Saturnia.
Programme Cheese Saturnia 2026
Thursday, May 1st
- 10:00 AM — Guided trekking "Il Maggio Saturnino" (sold out)
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the tasting trail
- 11:30 AM — Children's workshop "Mr. Cheese" with Maria Bordo
- 12:00 PM — Workshop "Flavors and Emotions to Behold" (Pietro Aldi Cultural Center)
- 12:30 PM — Opening of the food stand
- 4:00 PM — Parade of the Amilcare Ponchielli Philharmonic
- 5:00 PM — Masterclass on Maremma wines with sommelier Andrea Menichetti (Da Caino Restaurant)
- 6:00 PM — "Brace" (Embers), gastronomic event by "I Due Cippi"
- 7:30 PM — Opening of the evening food stand
- 9:00 PM — Live music: "Scapigliati a tutto Swing"
Friday, May 2nd
- 9:30 AM — Conference "The new generation and agriculture"
- 12:30 PM — Opening of the food stand
- 3:00 PM — Children's workshop "Mr. Cheese" with Graziano Petreni
- 4:00 PM — Opening of the tasting trail
- 5:00 PM — Cheese masterclass by ONAF
- 6:00 PM — "Brace" (Embers), gastronomic event
- 7:30 PM — Opening of the evening food stand
- 9:00 PM — Live music: "The Sound of Strings"
Saturday, May 3rd
- 9:30 AM — Guided mountain bike excursion (Marea Bike)
- 11:00 AM — Opening of the tasting trail
- 11:30 AM — Extra virgin olive oil masterclass (AICOO Grosseto), free
- 12:30 PM — Opening of the food stand
- 3:00 PM — Children's workshop "Mr. Cheese"
- 5:00 PM — Concert by the Amilcare Ponchielli Philharmonic
Highlights Cheese Saturnia 2026
- Masterclass on Maremma wines with sommelier Andrea Menichetti (Da Caino Restaurant, 2 Michelin stars)
- Cheese masterclass by ONAF tasters
- Extra virgin olive oil masterclass with AICOO Grosseto
- "Mr. Cheese" workshops for children
- Concerts by the Amilcare Ponchielli Philharmonic
Prices Cheese Saturnia 2026
Practical information — Cheese Saturnia
How to get there
Saturnia is a hamlet of the Municipality of Manciano, in the province of Grosseto. By car, it can be reached from the SS1 Aurelia road by taking the exit for Albinia and continuing inland into the Maremma; the nearest train station is Albinia (Rome-Grosseto line), from where you can continue by car or bus.
Where to stay
Saturnia and its surroundings offer numerous farmhouses (agriturismi), B&Bs, and thermal resorts; Manciano and the nearby Maremma villages (Montemerano, Pitigliano, Sovana) are excellent bases for your stay.
Tips
The event pairs perfectly with a visit to the Cascate del Mulino and the Saturnia thermal baths. Some activities (trekking, masterclasses) have limited capacity and must be booked in advance. For information: Pro Loco of Saturnia, [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Cheese Saturnia
Saturnia (frazione di Manciano)