Festa dell'Uva di Cerreto d'Esi

One of the oldest grape harvest festivals in the Marche

The Festa dell'Uva di Cerreto d'Esi is a historic event in the Ancona hinterland: the first edition dates back to 1929 and, since then, the event has been held almost uninterruptedly, becoming one of the longest-running grape harvest sagre in the entire Marche region. Every year, in mid-September, the streets of the historic center of this small medieval village in the province of Ancona come alive for four days of celebration centered around wine, peasant traditions, and local products.

Verdicchio di Matelica takes center stage

The true star of the festival is Verdicchio di Matelica DOC, the emblematic white wine of this area of the Marche. It is a particularly precious designation: Verdicchio di Matelica is produced only in the municipalities of Cerreto d'Esi and Fabriano, with a minimum content of 85% Verdicchio grapes. During the festival, the village wineries open their doors to visitors for tastings, while local stands and associations offer typical Marche cuisine paired with the local wine.

Floats, processions, and markets in the historic center

The Festa dell'Uva blends agricultural tradition with spectacle. Allegorical floats decorated with grape bunches, costumed processions, and folk groups parade through the village streets, while craft markets, food stalls, and shows engage the entire community. There's also entertainment and games for children, photographic exhibitions, and evening concerts, all in a festive atmosphere celebrating the work in the fields and the grape harvest.

The Corsa delle Botti della Sinclinale Camerte

The most anticipated and spectacular moment is the Corsa delle Botti della Sinclinale Camerte (Barrel Race), held on Sunday afternoon: a fun and adrenaline-fueled competition where teams from eight municipalities in the Camerino and Fabriano areas compete — Camerino, Castelraimondo, Cerreto d'Esi, Esanatoglia, Gagliole, Fabriano, Matelica, and Pioraco. The barrels are pushed along a city route, combining strength, technique, and local pride, providing one of the most cherished moments of the event.

A village to discover

The Festa dell'Uva is also an opportunity to discover Cerreto d'Esi, a municipality nestled among the rolling Marche hills on the border with the province of Macerata and Umbria, with its historic center, walls, and famous tower. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Cerreto d'Esi with the patronage of the Municipality and the collaboration of local associations.