Grape, Wine and Medieval Festival

A festival celebrating the Castelli Romani grape harvest

The Grape, Wine and Medieval Festival is the September highlight that the Municipality of Lanuvio, in the province of Rome (Lazio), dedicates to the fruit that has most shaped its economy and landscape: the grape. The village, overlooking the southern slopes of the Alban Hills, lies in the heart of the Castelli Romani, a land of fragrant white wines and cellars with deep roots in the Roman countryside. For two days, the historic center transforms into a continuous trail of tasting stands, shows, and re-enactments.

From grape festival to medieval setting

Originating as a classic harvest festival and reaching its 43rd edition in 2025, the event has progressively expanded its narrative. Since 2024, the official title has included "and Medieval": alongside agricultural rituals, the festival now features costumed processions, encampments, archery tournaments, and knightly duels, reflecting the village's appearance when it was a fiefdom of the Cesarini family. This choice has given the festival a distinct identity within the dense calendar of September "Castelli" celebrations.

What to see in the village

• Local wine tastings and typical products in the town squares, featuring local producers;
• Grape stomping with bare feet in vats, accompanied by folk songs;
• The traditional barrel race, a test of strength and skill between local teams along the village streets;
• The medieval historical procession with costumed figures, moving from Villa Sforza Cesarini to the main squares;
• The medieval encampment with falconry displays, archery, and educational workshops for children;
• Evening shows featuring live music, dance, and fire performances;
• The opening of the historic Lanuvio cellar and an exhibition of ancient agricultural tools;
• Evening guided tours of the Museo Diffuso in Lanuvio.

The wine of Lanuvio

Lanuvio is part of the Città del Vino (City of Wine) network, and its production is deeply rooted in the oenological tradition of the Castelli Romani, historically linked to white grape varieties like Malvasia and Trebbiano. The festival is the perfect opportunity to taste them directly from the producers, in a format that combines tasting stands with the conviviality of the square: here, wine is not just a product to be sampled, but the thread that binds together rural memory, local identity, and hospitality.

Atmosphere and audience

The event maintains an authentically local feel: most activities are free to enter, families will find workshops and shows designed for children, while enthusiasts can focus on the paid tasting routes. In the evening, the village comes alive until late with concerts, dances, and fire shows, attracting visitors primarily from neighboring towns—Velletri, Genzano, Ariccia, Albano—but also from Rome, less than an hour away.

When it takes place

The event is traditionally held in September, historically on the weekend around the fourth Sunday of the month; in recent editions, the dates have been moved to mid-September. The exact dates are announced each year by the Municipality of Lanuvio through its official channels and the local Castelli Romani press.