In Vino Veritas

A village festival that has become a staple of the Aniene Valley

In Vino Veritas began in 2003 in Riofreddo, a small town in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the northeastern part of Lazio. In just over twenty years, it has become the most anticipated event of the Riofreddo summer. The festival traditionally takes place on the Friday and Saturday preceding the first Sunday of September, when the summer heat fades and the village, perched along the Via Tiburtina Valeria just over an hour from Rome, comes alive for its open-air evenings.

The event is entirely organized by the Pro Loco of Riofreddo, with the patronage of the municipal administration—an association with over fifty-five years of history that also manages other local events, such as the Spring Gnocchi Festival.

The opening of the barrels: seven wines from Lazio

The heart of the festival is wine. Each evening, the opening of the barrels takes place: by purchasing the official festival wine glass, visitors gain access to free tastings of seven wines from the Lazio region, ranging from the whites of the Castelli Romani to the red labels of the province. It is a simple, inclusive concept that has built the event's reputation over the years, inviting guests to wander between the stalls at their own pace.

To ensure safety, the association Altre Strade is present in the square with free breathalyzer tests, a permanent service that highlights the organizers' commitment to responsible drinking.

The cuisine: gnocchi, wild boar pappardelle, and arrosticini

Food stalls open at 7:00 PM and remain active throughout the evening. The signature dish is wild boar pappardelle, but the menu changes annually and typically includes:

• gnocchi with meat sauce, a traditional Pro Loco family recipe;
• fettuccine with mushrooms;
• sheep arrosticini grilled over charcoal, a legacy of the nearby Abruzzo tradition;
• sausage sandwiches and French fries;
• crepes and desserts to end the night.

The square transforms into a large village banquet where residents and visitors from Rome, the Aniene Valley, and the Marsica region share the same tables.

The stage: singer-songwriters and dance nights

The musical program is another distinctive feature of In Vino Veritas, boasting a quality rarely seen at village festivals. Over the years, the Riofreddo stage has hosted Modena City Ramblers, Sud Sound System, Bandabardò, Banda Bassotti, and Donatella Rettore. The 20th-anniversary edition in 2024 concluded with a tribute to Raffaella Carrà, a concert by Neri per Caso, and a massive 90s-themed party, with the first night selling out completely.

In 2025, the 21st edition featured a tribute to Ivan Graziani by the Officina Musicale Graziani, a DJ set by Giorgio Prezioso, and concerts by Mariella Nava and Danilo Sacco, the historic voice of the band Nomadi. Admission and concerts are always free: you only pay for the tasting glass and the food at the stalls.

Staying in the area: the Pratarea camper site

Visitors arriving from afar can find the free parking area of Pratarea about 800 meters from the center, equipped for campers and tents—a popular solution for those wanting to stay for both nights without having to drive back.

Riofreddo and the Aniene Valley

Riofreddo is a village of a few hundred inhabitants overlooking the valley on the border between Lazio and Abruzzo. It is known for the "Villa Garibaldi" Museum of Cultures, housed in the villa built in 1888 by Ricciotti Garibaldi, and for the Gothic frescoes in the Oratorio dell'Annunziata, built in 1422. Visiting during In Vino Veritas is the perfect opportunity to combine the festival with a walk through the historic center and a hike in the Monti Ruffi or towards the Monti Lucretili Regional Natural Park.