Grape Festival of Cerreto d'Esi
The historic harvest festival in the Verdicchio di Matelica village
Edition 2026 not confirmed to date
This edition has not been confirmed by the organiser to date. We recommend checking before going.
About Grape Festival
One of the oldest harvest festivals in the Marche
The Grape Festival of 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 harvest festivals 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 is the star
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 denomination: 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 cellars open their doors to visitors for tastings, while local stands and associations offer typical Marche cuisine paired with the local wine.
Floats, parades, and markets in the historic center
The Grape Festival blends agricultural tradition with entertainment. Allegorical floats decorated with grape bunches, costumed parades, and folk groups parade through the village streets, while craft markets, food stalls, and shows engage the entire community. There is also entertainment and games for children, photographic exhibitions, and evening concerts, all in a festive atmosphere celebrating farm work and the harvest.
The Barrel Race of the Camerte Syncline
The most anticipated and spectacular moment is the Barrel Race of the Camerte Syncline, held on Sunday afternoon: a fun and adrenaline-fueled competition where teams from eight municipalities in the Camerte and Fabriano areas compete — Camerino, Castelraimondo, Cerreto d'Esi, Esanatoglia, Gagliole, Fabriano, Matelica, and Pioraco. The barrels are pushed along a city route, requiring a mix of strength, technique, and local pride, making it one of the most cherished moments of the event.
A village to discover
The Grape Festival is also an opportunity to discover Cerreto d'Esi, a municipality nestled among the rolling hills of the Marche region, bordering the provinces 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.
Grape Festival — edition 2026
The 86th Grape Festival of Cerreto d'Esi is marked on industry calendars for the weekend of September 11-14, 2026, with the note "date to be confirmed." The event is expected to follow its established format: four days of celebration in the historic center of the village, in the province of Ancona, dedicated to Verdicchio di Matelica and harvest traditions.
As every year, open cellars with tastings, food stalls managed by local associations, parades of grape-decorated allegorical floats, craft markets, children's entertainment, and evening concerts are anticipated. The highlight remains the Barrel Race of the Camerte Syncline, scheduled for Sunday afternoon.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published: it will be released by the Pro Loco of Cerreto d'Esi and on the official Facebook page in the weeks preceding the event.
Programme Grape Festival 2026
The detailed program for the 86th edition has not yet been published. It will be announced by the Pro Loco of Cerreto d'Esi on official channels in the weeks leading up to the festival.
Based on previous editions, the usual structure includes:
- Opening of cellars and food stalls in the historic center;
- Exhibitions, craft markets, and children's entertainment;
- Shows, concerts, and DJ sets on weekend evenings;
- Sunday afternoon: the spectacular Barrel Race of the Camerte Syncline between teams from Camerino, Castelraimondo, Cerreto d'Esi, Esanatoglia, Gagliole, Fabriano, Matelica, and Pioraco.
Highlights Grape Festival 2026
The Barrel Race of the Camerte Syncline, the open cellars with Verdicchio di Matelica, and the parades of grape-decorated allegorical floats.
Prices Grape Festival 2026
Practical information — Grape Festival
How to get there
Cerreto d'Esi is located in the hinterland of the province of Ancona, near Fabriano. By car, it is accessible from the SS76 of the Val d'Esino (Cerreto d'Esi exit). Cerreto d'Esi train station is on the Civitanova Marche–Albacina line, with connections to Fabriano.
When
The festival takes place in mid-September and lasts for four days, from Thursday to Sunday. The Barrel Race concludes the event on Sunday afternoon.
Admission and costs
Access to the festival and shows is generally free; wine tastings and food from the stalls are charged according to the price lists of the cellars and associations.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the historic center and arrive early on Sunday, the main day with the Barrel Race.
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Where does it take place — Grape Festival
Centro storico di Cerreto d'Esi