Bertinoro’s “80 Desires of Romagna” Wine Festival

On Sunday, May 5th, 2019, the captivating Rocca di Bertinoro once again hosted the highly anticipated “80 Desires of Romagna” wine festival. This celebrated event, following the resounding success of previous years, showcased the region’s exceptional winemakers and their diverse vintages. Nestled atop the medieval village, the Rocca provided a stunning backdrop for tasting booths brimming with over 200 red, white, and rosé wines. From 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, attendees enjoyed generous pours of local favorites including Albana, Sangiovese, Famoso, Trebbiano, Bursôn, and Centesimino, while engaging with passionate vintners who shared their insights into Romagna’s viticultural heritage and winemaking philosophies. The festival also featured sparkling wines crafted using traditional, Charmat, and ancestral methods, alongside still, sweet, and dessert wines. These exquisite wines were expertly paired with delectable Romagna-inspired cuisine, including gourmet panini and flavorful appetizers served by food trucks such as Aspasso Buona Romagna, Soul Kitchen, and Retrogusto, located within the Rocca’s courtyard. The regional culinary experience was further enhanced by artisanal beers from Marialti, refreshing fruit-infused wine cocktails, and all-natural juices from Rio del Sol. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore the fascinating Interreligious Museum and the Rocca itself at a reduced price of 5 euros, blending a delightful gastronomic journey with a culturally enriching experience. The museum’s collection spans centuries, showcasing artistic traditions from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim cultures (15th-20th centuries). In keeping with the spirit of giving back, a portion of the proceeds from “80 Desires of Romagna” supported Telethon’s 2019 spring campaign in partnership with UILDM. Volunteers from the Forlì chapter of the Italian Union for the Fight Against Muscular Dystrophy (UILDM) were on-site offering treats and raising awareness for neuromuscular disease research. Participating wineries included Ballardini, Casadei, Bissoni, Bartolini, Celli, Clos Forano, Ca’ Rossa, Fattoria Paradiso, Fiorentini, Gallegati, Giovanna Madonia, Giovanna Missiroli, Guerra, La Sabbiona, Nero del Bufalo, Podere dell’Angelo, Tenuta Casali, De Stefenelli, Diavoletto, Il Plinio, La Viola, Lovatella, Uccellina, Torre San Martino, Zavalloni, and Zinzani. The 12-euro admission included a tasting glass, a carrying case, and unlimited wine sampling. Advanced tickets were available for 10 euros at Ca’ de Be’ in Bertinoro, Vineria del Popolo in Cesena, and Enoteca Pisacane in Cervia. Members of AIES, AIS, ANAG, ASPI, FIS, FISAR, and ONAV enjoyed a discounted rate of 10 euros. The event was organized by Italia nel Bicchiere and Romagna Gourmet, with the patronage of the Municipality of Bertinoro and the collaboration of the University Residential Center. Location: Rocca di Bertinoro. Hours: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Please note: Romagna a Tavola promoted the event but was not the organizer. For further information, please contact the organizers.