Le Marche

The region of The Marche has hilly lands and clay soil that provide an excellent environment for grape-growing. While white grapes such as Trebbiano Toscano, Verdicchio and Biancame were once the only types grown here, red varieties such as Sangiovese and Montepulciano now also thrive. Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC is the most well-known wine in the region.

Wine Trail-From north to south
* Visit Mancini at Via dei Colli 35 (tel. 0721895491) in Pesaro.
* In Fano, stop at Morelli at Viale Romagna 478 (tel. 07218223352). * In Ancona, Moroder at Via Montacuto 112 (tel. 071898232) is at the forefront of wine-making techniques.
* Leopardi Dittajuti (tel. 0717390116) at Via Marina II 26 in Numana grows Montepulciano, Sauvignon, Trebbiano and Cabernet Sauvignon.
* In Montecarotto, Terre Cortesi Moncaro at Via Piandole 7a (tel. 073189245) grows some vines organically.
* Offida's main winery, Vinea (at Via Garibaldi 75, tel. 0736880005), produces 90 percent of the province of Ascoli Piceno's wine output.

Festivals and Culinary Events
* July: Montecarotto-Verdicchio in Festa
* August: Gradara-National Wine and Olive Oil Show
* September: Staffolo-Verdicchio Festival
* October: Cupra Montana-Grape-Harvest Festival