Wine, Sausage, Macaroni and Fried Cheese Festival

A signature festival of the Val Vibrata

The Wine, Sausage, Macaroni and Fried Cheese Festival in Torano Nuovo, in the province of Teramo, is one of the most deeply rooted food and wine events in Abruzzo. Every year in mid-August, this small Val Vibrata village opens its streets and squares to thousands of visitors arriving not only from the Teramo province but also from the Adriatic coast and the nearby Marche region. Over the course of six evenings, the festival records an average attendance of nearly 80,000 people, numbers that place it among the premier events of the Abruzzo summer.

The origins: from 1969 to today

The event was founded in 1969 by the Pro Loco of Torano Nuovo with the goal of promoting the town's typical products. In its early days, the festival consisted mainly of grilling the famous sausages over large fires, accompanied by excellent Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine. Over the decades, the event has grown to become a symbol of local identity: in 2019, the festival celebrated its half-century of history, cementing Torano Nuovo's reputation as the "Town of Taste" and the "Capital of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo".

The star flavors

The very name of the festival highlights the four protagonists of the Torano table, served at stands set up throughout the historic center:

• Wine: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, the heart of the winemaking tradition of the Teramo Hills, of which Torano Nuovo is one of the most renowned territories;
• Sausage: a local artisanal product, grilled according to tradition;
• Macaroni: handmade pasta, seasoned according to local recipes;
• Fried cheese: local pecorino cheese fried in batter, the specialty that gives the festival its name.

The experience is completed by local olive oil and honey, showcasing the excellence of the Val Vibrata.

Music, art, and conviviality

Beyond the tastings, the festival enlivens the village squares every evening with live music performances, DJ sets, and entertainment for all ages. In recent years, the event has enriched its offerings with art exhibitions dedicated to the landscape and vineyards, recreational spaces for families, and the reopening of historic town squares. The Municipality of Torano Nuovo and the Province of Teramo sponsor the event, which serves as a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the gastronomic and cultural heritage of this corner of Abruzzo.