Wine Tour and Tasting at Le Marche’s Oldest Wine Estate

This experience made our article of 15 Best Tours In Ancona (With Prices).

Experience the Charm of Italy’s Oldest Winery in Le Marche

Imagine stepping into a winery that’s been in operation since 1850, where the stone walls and traditional barrels tell stories of centuries past. This Wine Tour and Tasting at Le Marche’s Oldest Wine Estate offers just that—an intimate look at one of Italy’s historic vineyards located near Ancona, with a price of around $34.39 per person. The tour lasts about an hour, making it perfect for a quick yet enriching experience.

What we love about this tour is the opportunity to explore a privately owned, unchanged historic cellar—a chance to see where wine has been crafted for over 170 years—and the chance to taste three native varieties in a setting that effortlessly combines heritage and flavor. Plus, the pairing of wines with a regional meats and cheeses platter elevates the whole experience.

One minor consideration is that because it’s such a short, focused tour, those looking for an in-depth wine education or a longer tasting session may want to look for alternatives. Still, if you value authenticity, beautiful scenery, and local flavors, this experience hits the mark. It’s ideal for travelers who enjoy small, private tours and want a taste of Italy’s wine-making heritage with some excellent local food.

Key Points

• Historic Setting: Visit a winery that’s been producing wine since 1850 within its original cellar.
• Native Wines: Sample three regional varieties, including Verdicchio, Lacrima, and Rosso Piceno.
• Authentic Experience: Guided tour through the private vineyards and historic production areas.
• Tasting & Food Pairing: Enjoy wines paired with local meats and cheeses for a well-rounded experience.
• Scenic Views: Take in the landscape from outdoor tasting areas overlooking the vineyards.
• Personalized Tour: Only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed, tailored experience.

Unpacking the Experience: What to Expect

When we think about what makes a wine tour memorable, it’s often the details—how well the experience is curated, the knowledge of the guides, and the setting itself. This tour delivers on all fronts, starting right at the historic wine cellar, which continues to produce wine using unchanged traditional methods. Our guide, Christina, received praise for her warmth and knowledge, making the visit both educational and engaging.

The tour begins with a walk through the original production areas, where you’ll see the same barrels and equipment used for over a century. Here, you’ll learn about the founders’ history and the legacy of this family-owned estate. A highlight for many visitors is viewing the bottle archive, offering a peek into the winery’s past, including some fascinating native wines like Verdicchio and Lacrima.

After the cellar tour, you’ll be led to a viewing area that offers sweeping vistas of the vineyards—a perfect setting for some relaxed photo opportunities. Depending on the weather, you might walk amongst the grapevines, getting a feel for the land that produces these regional specialties.

The tasting itself takes place either inside the historic barrel room or outside overlooking the vineyards. This flexibility is appreciated, especially on a sunny day. You will be presented with three native wines paired with a delicious platter of local meats and cheeses. The wines include Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi, a crisp white; Lacrima di Morro d’Alba, a flavorful red; and Rosso Piceno, another red, all representing the region’s best.

What makes this tasting memorable, according to reviews, is the delicious combination of wines and regional foods. Guests often comment on how flavorful and well-paired the offerings are. One guest noted, “Il vino e l’olio d’oliva sono deliziosi!” (The wine and olive oil are delightful!).

For those interested in exploring beyond this tasting, the estate offers a variety of other still and sparkling wines, grappa, and extra-virgin olive oils, available for purchase. This provides good value for travelers who want to take home a piece of Italy’s viticultural tradition.

The Value of a Short but Authentic Tour

At roughly $34.39, this experience strikes a good balance between affordability and depth. While it’s not a lengthy experience, the personalized, private setting ensures you’re not just a number. For wine lovers, particularly those keen on native regional varieties, this offers a rare glimpse into Italy’s wine-making traditions.

Guests have raved about the friendly, knowledgeable guides—noting that Christina, in particular, made the visit enjoyable with her warmth and storytelling. The scenic views, combined with the authentic cellar visit, create a sense of stepping back in time, which many travelers find more meaningful than a generic tasting.

The inclusion of regional meats and cheeses elevates the experience, making it a perfect lunch or early afternoon treat. Plus, the outdoor options mean you can enjoy the fresh air and scenic landscape.

Possible drawbacks?

Some travelers might find the duration too short if they’re hoping for an extensive wine education. Also, since most of the wines are native to the region, if you’re looking for internationally famous varietals, you might want to explore other options or purchase additional bottles.

This tour is best suited for travelers who value authenticity, intimate settings, and regional flavors, especially those interested in history and local food culture.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Introduction

You’ll meet at Antica Cantina Sant’Amico in Morro d’Alba, a charming small town in Le Marche. The experience begins with a guided walk through the original wine cellar, where you’ll see centuries-old barrels and learn about the estate’s history. It’s like stepping into a living museum—an authentic slice of Italy’s wine past.

Tour of the Production Areas

Next, you’ll explore the purpose-built areas for wine production, where traditional methods are still used. Our guide explained how the founders’ legacy continues today, maintaining the quality and authenticity of each bottle.

Vineyard and Landscape Views

From here, you can enjoy spectacular views of the vineyards, which stretch across the landscape. The opportunity to walk among the grapevines allows for a tangible connection to the land, and allows for some memorable photographs.

Tasting in the Historic Barrel Room

The final part is the tasting session, where you can relax and sip the native wines, each paired with carefully selected local meats and cheeses. The outdoor terrace offers panoramic views, adding to the sense of place.

The Wines and Food

The Verdicchio white is known for its crispness and minerality, making it a refreshing start. The Lacrima is prized for its aromatic, fruity profile, while the Rosso Piceno offers a full-bodied experience with well-rounded tannins. These wines showcase the region’s diversity and tradition.

The accompanying meats and cheeses reflect the local flavors, with guests often praising the quality and freshness of the platter. This pairing exemplifies the classic Italian approach—simple, flavorful, and regionally authentic.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book This Tour?

This wine tour is a perfect choice for history buffs, food lovers, and small-group travelers wanting a glimpse into Italy’s vintage wine tradition. The personalized nature and the stunning scenery make it especially appealing for those who enjoy authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

If you’re after a short, rich, and scenic taste of Italy’s viticulture, this tour offers excellent value. The knowledgeable guides, delicious regional wines, and beautiful setting ensure it will be a highlight of your trip to Le Marche.

It’s less ideal for those seeking a long, in-depth wine course or a large-group experience. But if you appreciate intimate stories, craftsmanship, and regional authenticity, this is definitely worth your time.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about one hour, making it a quick yet meaningful stop.

What is included in the tasting?
You will sample three native wines—including Verdicchio, Lacrima, and Rosso Piceno—paired with a platter of local meats and cheeses.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience, so only your group participates, ensuring a relaxed and personalized atmosphere.

Can I visit if I don’t speak Italian?
Most travelers can participate, and guides are generally friendly and helpful regardless of language skills.

Are there other products available?
Yes, the estate offers other wines, sparkling wines, grappa, and extra-virgin olive oils for purchase, which are highly recommended by visitors.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is Antica Cantina Sant’Amico in Morro d’Alba, conveniently located in the heart of the vineyard region.

To sum it up, this authentic, well-priced wine tour offers a taste of Italy’s heritage and regional flavors in a beautifully preserved setting. It’s perfect for those who want a personal, scenic, and educational experience that captures the essence of Le Marche’s wine-making tradition. Whether you’re a casual wine drinker or a dedicated enthusiast, you’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the craftsmanship behind Italy’s native wines—and hopefully some bottles to enjoy back home.