Strada del Vino Rosso Conero, or enotourism in the Italian Marche region

Strada del Vino Rosso Conero, or enotourism in the Italian Marche region

June 18, 2025

The Marche region, located in the eastern part of Italy on the Adriatic Sea, is a true paradise for wine and enotourism lovers. The Strada del Vino Rosso Conero is a scenic wine trail that runs through the hills of Monte Conero, where some of Italy's best red wines are made. The region's signature Rosso Conero DOC wine, made primarily from the Montepulciano grape, delights with its deep ruby color, intense aroma and velvety flavor. Traveling along this route, you will visit charming vineyards and historic cellars, where traditional winemaking methods are combined with modern technologies. It's ideal for those who want to combine tasting fine spirits with discovering the picturesque landscapes, local cuisine and rich history of this region of Italy still undiscovered by mass tourism.

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The northern part of the Rosso Conero route - vineyards overlooking the Adriatic

The northern part of the Strada del Vino Rosso Conero route offers an unforgettable oenotourism experience with breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. It is here, on the slopes of Monte Conero, that you will find some of the Marche region's most prestigious vineyards.

Cantine Moroder is a family-owned winery with traditions dating back to 1967. Located in the Montacuto fraction near Ancona, it offers visitors not only tastings of excellent wines, but also unforgettable views of the Adriatic Sea and the Monte Conero regional park. The winery is primarily famous for its production of Rosso Conero DOC and DOCG wines, which are aged in traditional oak barrels in underground cellars. During your visit, you can learn about the entire winemaking process, from grape harvest to bottling. Cantine Moroder stands out for its organic approach to viticulture - no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used. The price of the tasting is moderate, and the package also includes local delicacies that pair perfectly with the tasted wines.

Nearby, in the village of Osimo, is the Umani Ronchi Wine Shop - an outlet for selling and tasting wines from one of the region's most famous vineyards. Umani Ronchi is a true institution in the world of Italian winemaking, with a history dating back to the 1950s. The winery produces both red Rosso Conero and white Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi wines. The Wine Shop offers tastings of different vintages and varieties of wines, and professional sommeliers provide expert knowledge and advice. Tasting prices range from affordable to exclusive, depending on the wines selected. Umani Ronchi stands out for its modern approach to traditional winemaking and international recognition - their wines have won prestigious awards around the world.

La Calcinara is a small, family-owned winery located in the picturesque Candia area, near Ancona. Run by siblings Eleonora and Paolo Berluti, the winery focuses on quality rather than quantity. Cultivation is carried out on just 10 hectares, which allows for careful control of each stage of production. La Calcinara specializes in Rosso Conero DOC and DOCG wines, but also produces interesting white wines from the Verdicchio grape. A visit to this winery is a true feast for the senses - tastings are held on a terrace overlooking the sea, and the hosts speak passionately about their wines. Prices are average, and the atmosphere is much more intimate than at larger wineries. La Calcinara is distinguished by its approach to winemaking - it uses biodynamic principles and minimizes interference with the natural fermentation process.

Cantina Lanari, located in Varano near Ancona, is another gem on the Rosso Conero trail. This family-owned winery, now run by the third generation of the Lanari family, offers an authentic oenotourism experience. During your visit, you can not only taste delicious wines, but also tour the winery and the cellars where the liquors mature. Cantina Lanari is famous for its Rosso Conero DOC and DOCG wines, which are characterized by intense aromas and excellent structure. Tasting prices are affordable, and the package also includes local specialties. The winery is distinguished by its traditional approach to winemaking and the hospitality of the owners, who often give personal tours to guests.

Comparing the northern wineries of the Rosso Conero route, it is worth noting that each has its own unique character. Cantine Moroder offers the most comprehensive experience with tours of its extensive vineyards and modern processing facility. Umani Ronchi Wine Shop is an excellent choice for those who want to explore a wide range of wines from different parts of the Marche region. La Calcinara attracts with its intimate atmosphere and biodynamic approach to winemaking, while Cantina Lanari charms with its authenticity and family atmosphere. All of these places have one thing in common - the passion for wine and hospitality typical of the Marche region.

Wineyards of the coast -. pearls of the Numana region and surroundings

The coast of the Marche region, and especially the area around the picturesque village of Numana, is a true treasure trove of wine experiences. Here, where gentle hills meet the azure Adriatic Sea, some of the most distinctive Rosso Conero wines are made.

Fattoria Le Terrazze is one of the most picturesque vineyards in the region. As the name suggests ('terrazze' means terraces), the vines here grow on terraced slopes overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The winery, founded in 1882, is now run by the Terni family, who are passionate about continuing the winemaking tradition. Fattoria Le Terrazze specializes in Rosso Conero DOC and DOCG wines, and their flagship product is 'Sassi Neri' - a wine that is aged in oak barrels for at least 12 months. During your visit, you can not only taste delicious wines, but also admire the historic villa from the 19th century and walk through the picturesque vineyards. Tastings take place on a terrace with a panoramic view of the sea, which adds a unique touch to the whole experience. Prices are average to high, but the quality of the wines and the unforgettable views fully compensate for this.

Nearby, also in Numana, is Azienda Agricola Conte Leopardi, a winery owned by descendants of the famous Italian poet Giacomo Leopardi. Its history dates back to the 16th century, and today the winery combines tradition with modern winemaking techniques. Conte Leopardi offers a wide range of wines, from classic Rosso Conero to white Verdicchio. A visit to this winery is not only a tasting of delicious liquors, but also a history lesson - the estate is full of memorabilia related to the Leopardi family and its contribution to Italian culture. Tastings are held in the historic cellars or, in good weather, in the garden overlooking the vineyards. Prices are higher than elsewhere on the route, but the unique atmosphere and prestige of the winery justify the difference. Conte Leopardi also stands out for hosting cultural events, combining wine tasting with poetry and music.

Comparing the two coastal wineries, one can see that Fattoria Le Terrazze offers a more intimate and nature-oriented experience, with an emphasis on the relationship between terroir and wine character. Azienda Agricola Conte Leopardi, on the other hand, focuses on combining winemaking tradition with a rich cultural heritage. Both wineries offer unforgettable views of the Adriatic Sea, but Fattoria Le Terrazze has the edge in terms of panoramic views thanks to its terraced vineyard layout.

Moving slightly north of Numana, towards Ancona, we come across Casa Vinicola Gioacchino Garofoli in Castelfidardo - the oldest winery in the Marche region, founded in 1871. Now run by the fifth generation of the Garofoli family, the winery is a true institution in the world of Italian winemaking. Garofoli produces a wide range of wines, from Rosso Conero to Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi. A visit to this winery is a journey through the history of winemaking in the Marche region - you can visit the historic cellars, where the wines are aged in traditional oak barrels, and the modern processing plant equipped with the latest technology. Tastings are held in an elegant lounge or on a terrace overlooking the vineyards. Prices are average, and various tasting packages are offered to suit guests' preferences. Casa Vinicola Gioacchino Garofoli stands out for its wealth of tradition and consistency in maintaining high quality wines for more than 150 years.

The coast of the Marche region is not only home to picturesque landscapes and azure seas, but also to a rich wine tradition that can be discovered by visiting these exceptional wineries. Each offers a unique experience, combining tasting delicious wines with learning about the history, culture and beauty of the region. It is worth planning a visit to several of them to fully appreciate the diversity and richness of Rosso Conero wines.

What all the vineyards of the coast have in common is a unique microclimate, influenced by the proximity of the Adriatic Sea. The sea breeze eases the summer heat and prevents frost in winter, which creates ideal conditions for growing grapes. The soil, rich in limestone and marl, gives the wines their characteristic mineral flavor, and the east-southeast exposure of the vineyards provides optimal sunlight. These unique terroir conditions make the Rosso Conero wines from the coast of the Marche region unmistakable, combining intensity and structure with elegance and freshness.

Wineyards of the hinterland - discovering the wine traditions of Jesi and the surrounding area

Leaving the coast and heading inland to the Marche region, one discovers more fascinating vineyards that, although less known to tourists, offer equally delicious wines and authentic oenotourism experiences. The area around the town of Jesi is primarily famous for its production of Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi white wine, but you will also find producers of excellent red wines.

Azienda Agricola Vignamato, located in San Paolo di Jesi, is a family-owned winery that has been run with passion by the Ceci family for three generations. Although it specializes mainly in wines from the Verdicchio varietal, it also offers interesting red wines from local grape varieties. The vineyard extends over 16 hectares and is run according to sustainable farming principles. During your visit, you can tour both the vineyards and the modern processing plant, where traditional production methods are combined with innovative technologies. Tastings are held in a cozy room or, in good weather, on a terrace overlooking the Jesi hills. Prices are affordable, and the hosts are renowned for their hospitality and knowledge of local winemaking. Vignamato stands out from other wineries for its organic approach to viticulture and experimentation with different vinification methods.

Nearby, in the village of Cupramontana, is La Marca di San Michele - a relatively young winery, founded in 2009 by a group of friends with a passion for wine. Despite its short history, La Marca di San Michele has quickly gained recognition in the wine world for its high-quality Verdicchio wines. The vineyard encompasses 15 hectares cultivated using organic methods, respecting the local ecosystem. During your visit, you can learn about the winemaking philosophy, which combines tradition with innovation, and tour the modern processing plant. Tastings are held in a stylishly decorated room or in the garden overlooking the vineyards. Prices are average, and a variety of tasting packages are offered, often paired with local delicacies. La Marca di San Michele stands out for its young, dynamic approach to winemaking and its commitment to promoting the Marche region.

Continuing the journey through the inland vineyards, visit Montecappone SARL / Mirizzi di Montecappone in Jesi. This impressive estate encompasses 30 hectares of vineyards set in the hills around the town. Montecappone combines centuries-old tradition with modern production techniques to create wines that perfectly reflect the character of the region. The winery produces both white Verdicchio and red wines from local grape varieties. During your visit, you can tour the historic cellars, where the wines are matured in oak barrels, and the modern processing plant equipped with the latest technology. Tastings are held in an elegant lounge with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Prices are average to high, but the quality of the wines and the professionalism of the service fully compensate for this. Montecappone also stands out for producing an exclusive line of Mirizzi wines, which are aged in oak barrels and represent the pinnacle of the Marche region's winemaking capabilities.

Comparing the vineyards of the hinterland with those on the coast, there are several important differences. First and foremost, the vineyards in the Jesi area focus mainly on the production of white Verdicchio wine, while the coastal vineyards specialize in red Rosso Conero. These differences are due to different terroir conditions - soil, climate and vineyard exposure. The inland vineyards are located at higher elevations, which influences a greater amplitude of temperatures between day and night, favoring the development of aromas in white wines. Coastal vineyards, on the other hand, benefit from the moderating influence of the sea, which favors the ripening of red grapes.

In terms of enotourism experience, inland vineyards offer a more authentic and less commercialized visit. They are less frequented by tourists, which translates into a more personal approach to visitors. Often the owners personally guide visitors and conduct tastings, sharing their passion and knowledge. Prices are also slightly lower than at coastal wineries, making them an attractive option for those seeking an authentic experience at affordable prices.

It's worth noting that all of the wineries described, both coastal and inland, have one thing in common - a passion for wine and pride in local winemaking traditions. Each offers a unique experience to better understand and appreciate the richness and diversity of the Marche region's wines. When planning an oenotourism trip along the Strada del Vino Rosso Conero route, consider both coastal and inland vineyards to fully experience the oenological richness of this fascinating region of Italy.

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