Nettuno Wine Festival

A food and wine stroll on the Roman coast

The Nettuno Wine Festival is the annual event that closes the Nettuno Summer season in the municipality of Nettuno, in the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, in the Lazio region. For one evening, the historic center, the main squares, and the streets leading down to the sea turn into one large gourmet showcase: you purchase a tasting kit, receive a branded glass with a holder and a tasting passport, and begin your walk from one station to the next.

The formula is simple and highly popular: no single stage, no queues at a single stand, but a widespread route that leads the public to discover corners of the village that often remain off the beaten tourist path, from the Forte Sangallo to the squares of Cesare Battisti, San Rocco, and Mazzini.

Wineries and local wines

The festival was created to showcase the viticulture of the Lazio coast, a territory less known than the Castelli Romani but with a distinct identity. At the center of attention is Cacchione, an ancient native white grape variety grown on the sands between Nettuno and Anzio, which produces savory, mineral wines that are perfect companions for seafood cuisine. Alongside the Nettuno DOC designation, wineries from the Pontine and Roman countryside participate, including well-known names like Casale del Giglio, Amor Vitae, and Cantine Santa Maria.

Tastings are accompanied by sommeliers from the Italian Sommelier Association, who guide visitors in understanding the wines and choosing the best pairings.

Cuisine from local restaurateurs

The gastronomic side is entrusted to the Ristoratori Nettuno in Tavola association: over thirty local establishments prepare dishes specifically designed for the evening, served in tasting portions. Seafood is the star, but there is no shortage of traditional inland peasant dishes and gluten-free options available at various stations.

• Over 30 local restaurateurs and establishments
• 14 Lazio wineries with tasting counters
• Artisanal gelato shops with wine-infused flavors
• Stations with gluten-free options

A national recognition

In March 2025, the Nettuno Wine Festival received the Sagra d'Eccellenza award in the Senate, granted by the national association of Italian Pro Loco: an honor that highlights events capable of combining gastronomic quality, promotion of the territory, and local community involvement. For an event born in 2018 and grown year after year, this is the confirmation of a path built with patience by the volunteers of the Pro Loco Forte Sangallo.

Music, culture, and atmosphere

Beyond food and wine, the evening is enlivened by live music, exhibitions, and cultural moments scattered throughout the squares. The evening timing, from sunset until late, and the breeze coming from the Tyrrhenian Sea make the walk pleasant even on the hottest days of late August. It is an event suitable for couples and groups of friends, but also for families, who find the artisanal gelato shops an essential stop.

When to go

The event is traditionally held at the end of August, as the last major appointment of the municipal summer calendar, and is also confirmed in the 2026 Nettuno Summer program. Tickets are limited and often sell out in the days leading up to the event: it is advisable to keep an eye on the official Pro Loco Forte Sangallo channels for online pre-sales.