The historic Wine Fair, now in its 65th year, kicks off in Montefiascone, in the province of Viterbo. Officially presented with local authorities and producers last Saturday, July 26, the event is now underway.
From August 1st to 14th, the picturesque village on the shores of Europe’s largest volcanic lake will be transformed into an immense, sprawling stage where, amidst its views, streets, and squares, one of the most anticipated summer spectacles in Tuscia will come to life.
The festival has its roots in ancient times, in 1111 to be precise, when the German baron Giovanni Defuk, with an immoderate passion for good wine, was travelling to Rome and instructed his cupbearer Martino to mark the inns with the best wine with the word EST.
In Montefiascone he found a wine so good that he distinguished it with three ESTs.
Baron Defuk drank so much of it that he died. It was 1113.
In his memory and to thank him for the significant legacy he left to the town, Baron Defuk is still honored today in Montefiascone during the historical costume parade, the highlight of the Wine Fair celebrations.
This year the event will be held from August 1 to 14, 2025, with the ribbon-cutting and inauguration on Friday, August 1 at 9:00 pm.
Fourteen days of celebration with a rich and varied program ranging from tastings to live performances every evening, from a historical parade to theatrical performances and literary insights with Panorami, included in this year’s program.
Not just wine, then, but a multi-faceted event, featuring insights into winemaking, dance and painting performances, and cultural events, as well as major national musical guests.
The event is sponsored by the Lazio Region, the Province of Viterbo, and the Municipality of Montefiascone, in collaboration with ANCIT and Genius Music & Events, and involves local institutions, partners, and cultural organizations. The first to open the impressive program of live performances will be Hotel Supramonte, one of the most beloved and recognized tribute bands dedicated to Fabrizio De André, capable of bringing all the poetic and musical intensity of the great Faber to the stage.
With a refined sound, acoustic instruments, and faithful yet lively arrangements, Hotel Supramonte celebrates the work of one of the greatest Italian singer-songwriters of all time. Their show is an emotional journey through De André’s most iconic songs—from La canzone di Marinella to Il pescatore, from Bocca di Rosa to Creuza de mä—enriched with narrative moments and atmospheres that touch the heart.
A sincere, elegant, and engaging tribute that will perfectly open the 2025 edition of the Montefiascone Wine Fair.
Meet at 9 pm in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, free admission.