Festa del Verdicchio

Verdicchio Celebrated in the Heart of the Castelli di Jesi

Perched at over 400 meters on the hills overlooking the Vallesina valley, the small village of Staffolo, in the province of Ancona, has always been considered one of the prime locations for Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, the great white wine of the Marche region. Every year, towards the end of August, the streets and squares of the historic center fill with stalls, wine glasses, and music for the Festa del Verdicchio, one of the longest-standing and most beloved food and wine events in the region. In 2026, the event will mark its 61st edition, confirming a tradition that dates back to the 1960s.

Tastings, Wineries, and Sommeliers

The heart of the festival is, of course, the wine. Along the food and wine route that winds through the village, local wineries offer their Verdicchio, while FISAR sommeliers guide visitors through guided tastings, organized by district, to discover the different interpretations of this grape variety. Piazza Leopardi becomes the focal point for tasting experiences, complemented by food stalls offering Marche regional cuisine paired with the local white wine.

Music, Shows, and Activities

Beyond the wine, the Festa del Verdicchio is four days of widespread entertainment: live concerts, shows, exhibitions, artisan displays, and cultural events liven up every corner of the town until late at night. Recent editions have included live music in the squares, events for families and children like the Verdicchio Bike, and guided tours aboard vintage Fiat 500s through the vineyards of the Castelli di Jesi. Also not to be missed is the Museum of Wine and Peasant Art, with its adjoining wine shop, which preserves the memory of the region's rural heritage.

A Village to Discover

The festival is also the perfect opportunity to visit Staffolo, a walled gem nestled in the Marche hills, and the surrounding vineyard landscape. The event, with free admission, is organized with the support of the Municipality of Staffolo and is now a fixture on the Marche summer calendar, attracting wine enthusiasts and curious visitors from all over the region and beyond.