Gustatus – The Sense of Taste

Gustatus, the food and wine heart of the Maremma

Every year, during the long All Saints' weekend, the historic center of Orbetello (Province of Grosseto, Tuscany) turns into a grand stage dedicated to taste. Gustatus – The Sense of Taste is the event that, since 2006, has showcased the food, wine, and cultural identity of the lagoon, bringing a crowd of producers, restaurateurs, chefs, sommeliers, and visitors into the town's alleys and squares. A festival that extends beyond the summer season and has made the All Saints' weekend its signature appointment.

Flavors of the territory, from the lagoon to the hills

The common thread of Gustatus is the promotion of typical Maremma products. Along the route, you will find stalls serving Maremma cuisine, where you can sample traditional dishes such as acquacotta, scottiglia, and lagoon fish dishes, but above all the famous Orbetello bottarga, a local Slow Food presidium. Completing the picture are the local wines, extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, and meats of the Maremma, which take center stage in guided tastings with sommeliers and producers.

Not just food: entertainment, history, and music

Gustatus also features a packed program of events that bring the historic center to life over several days. The squares host historical pageants and re-enactments linked to the past of the Reali Presìdi, street performances, aerial acrobatics, roving musicians, and evening concerts in the main squares. One of the most beloved traditions is the Corsa dei Barchini (boat race) in the lagoon, while conferences and cultural meetings explore the history of the area. Recent editions have featured big names in Italian music and special guests from the worlds of culture and mixology.

A community-wide event

The event is organized by the Pro Loco Lagunare of Orbetello in collaboration with the Municipality of Orbetello and the Welcome Maremma Consortium, with the involvement of numerous volunteer associations. This collective participation makes Gustatus much more than a simple food fair: it is a celebration of taste, quality, and conviviality that expresses the soul of one of the most fascinating locations on the Tuscan coast, nestled on a strip of land between the Levante and Ponente lagoons.

A year-long wait

The anticipation for the autumn event is also marked by a spring preview, DeGustatus – The Sense of Wine Taste, dedicated to the region's oenological culture. Visiting Orbetello during Gustatus means discovering a unique village in Italy, between nature, lagoon, and tradition, fully experiencing its hospitality and culinary quality.