La Via delle Cantine

La Via delle Cantine: the village of Rocca di Botte told through a glass

Some festivals capture the essence of a region better than any guidebook. La Via delle Cantine, which enlivens the small Marsican village of Rocca di Botte (L'Aquila) every summer, is one of them. For one evening, the alleys and stairways of the historic center turn into a long gastronomic trail connecting the village's ancient rock-hewn cellars—spaces carved into the stone and used for generations to store wine and provisions. Reopened for the occasion, they become stops on a journey of tastings, stories, and encounters.

A path through ancient stone and Abruzzo wine

The concept is simple and captivating: you walk from cellar to cellar along the narrow streets of Rocca di Botte, glass in hand, sampling Abruzzo wines—from Montepulciano to Cerasuolo, native whites like Pecorino and Passerina, and mountain sparkling wines—paired with local culinary specialties. You will find grilled arrosticini, aged cheeses, cured meats, rustic soups, and traditional Marsican desserts, all prepared by local restaurateurs and families who open their cellars to visitors. Along the way, roving musicians, small performances, and art exhibitions accompany the public from stop to stop.

More than just tastings: the wine symposium

La Via delle Cantine is also a forum for reflection on Abruzzo's oenological culture. Each edition features a symposium in the Town Hall or local churches, bringing together winemakers, critics, producers, and representatives of the Abruzzo Region. Past themes have included heroic Abruzzo wines and the stories of vineyards and winemakers, while the 2025 edition focused on "Bollicine d'Abruzzo" (Abruzzo sparkling wines), highlighting the art of sparkling wine production and native grape varieties. The event is organized by the Pro Loco of Rocca di Botte in partnership with the municipal administration, often in collaboration with AssoMarSo (Marsican Sommelier Association) and under the patronage of the Abruzzo Region.

An authentic village to discover

Rocca di Botte is a medieval village nestled in the mountains on the border between Abruzzo and Lazio, a perfect destination for those seeking slow, genuine experiences. La Via delle Cantine is the ideal opportunity to explore it: you can stroll among stone houses and picturesque views, meet local producers, and savor Marsican hospitality. It is an event that blends gastronomy, folk traditions, and a sense of community, attracting visitors from across the province of L'Aquila and beyond.