Urbi e Torbi

Urbi e Torbi: Abruzzo wines through the streets of Rocca di Mezzo

Urbi e Torbi is a wandering food and wine festival held in the historic center of Rocca di Mezzo, a town in the province of L'Aquila situated on the Altopiano delle Rocche, in Abruzzo. Organized by the Pro Loco Rocca di Mezzo, the event turns the alleys and squares of the medieval village into a sprawling tasting trail where fine wine meets traditional flavors and folk music.

A wandering trail through wineries and food stalls

The heart of the festival is the wandering tasting experience: dozens of Abruzzo wineries and local food vendors set up shop along the charming streets of the old town. Visitors, equipped with a tasting kit, move from station to station to sample regional labels paired with traditional dishes, all while discovering the picturesque corners of the village.

Participating wineries showcase a wide range of regional production, from Montepulciano d'Abruzzo and Trebbiano to Pecorino and Cerasuolo, while the food stalls offer mountain specialties from the Altopiano delle Rocche.

Music and atmosphere in the village

Beyond wine and gastronomy, Urbi e Torbi focuses on creating a festive atmosphere. Live folk bands perform throughout the evening, bringing rhythm and cheer to the streets. The event traditionally begins in the late afternoon, with festivities kicking off around 7:00 PM.

A territory to discover

Rocca di Mezzo sits at an altitude of over 1,300 meters within the Sirente-Velino Regional Natural Park, offering a mountain landscape that glows with intense autumn colors. As it is a high-altitude location, organizers recommend dressing warmly for the crisp evening temperatures. The festival is a key event for promoting the region and its culinary heritage, attracting thousands of visitors from across the area every year.