Anteprima Sagrantino

Anteprima Sagrantino is one of the wine festivals that anchors the Umbria calendar, drawing both local visitors and international wine travellers each year. It is held at Montefalco in 06036 PG, in the heart of one of Italy's most distinctive wine areas. It is an annual event with an established local audience and a consistent place in the regional calendar. Annual presentation of the new Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG vintage by the appellation's consortium. Producers in Montefalco — one of Italy's most distinctive red wine appellations, based on the densely tannic Sagrantino grape — pour current and library vintages, with masterclasses on the unusual structure and ageing trajectory of these wines. Italian anteprima events are the moments when each appellation's new vintages are formally introduced to the wine trade and the press. Producers typically pour current and library vintages side by side, with masterclasses on the vintage character, expert panels assessing the year's growing conditions, and structured comparisons across producers. The events serve as the entry point for the new wines into the international market, drawing buyers, sommeliers and journalists from around the world. Most anteprima events are weighted toward trade and press attendance, but include public-facing days or open masterclasses during the run of the event for wine enthusiasts willing to plan ahead. The event is organised by Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco, which sets the tone and direction of the programme each year. Umbria is best known for Sagrantino di Montefalco — one of Italy's most tannic indigenous red wines — and for Orvieto's blended whites from Trebbiano Toscano (locally Procanico), Grechetto and other varieties. Other appellations include Torgiano, Trasimeno and Spoleto, and the region offers a less crowded wine tourism experience than neighbouring Tuscany. Sagrantino, in particular, has gained significant international recognition over the past two decades. The 2026 edition is scheduled for Mid-February 2026 (dates TBC). Cost details: Trade and press event (some public sessions). Full programme, ticketing and updated information are published on the official site at https://www.consorziomontefalco.it/. Visitors are advised to check directly with the organiser for the latest schedule, as Italian festival programmes are sometimes updated close to the event date. Umbria is reached via Rome, Florence or Perugia airports. Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto and Spoleto are the main tourist bases. The Sagrantino zone of Montefalco sits centrally between Perugia and Spoleto. Umbrian cuisine pairs the wines with cinghiale al Sagrantino (wild boar), strangozzi al tartufo (handmade pasta with Umbrian black truffles), porchetta, and the regional pecorinos. Umbria offers a quieter, more contemplative wine tourism experience than its more famous neighbour Tuscany.