You think new wine is just soulless industrial grape juice? Come to Pitigliano in November to discover the Santi Vinai, a raw celebration of the terroir where Bianco di Pitigliano and new oil dictate their law.
The problem is that you miss the essence of Maremma by avoiding the low season. I'll explain how to savor these volcanic gems directly in the cellars carved into the tuff, far from the summer tourist circus.
Santi Vinai in Pitigliano: why you must forget the tourist fairs
Santi Vinai
A festival of new wine and oil, on the first weekend of November, with tastings and entertainment in the tufa borgo of Pitigliano
Tosco A little tip from the wild boar piglet: don't just settle for the new wine, go and taste the freshly pressed oil on grilled Tuscan bread, its peppery kick in the depths of the tuff cellars is incomparable!
The festival of Santi Vinai in Pitigliano celebrates every November the new wine and olive oil on the Piazza della Repubblica. This authentic event brings together local producers and winemakers from the Cantine nel Tufo for a weekend of sharing.
The calm of November restores Pitigliano's mystical dimension, far from the summer hustle. It's the ideal time to discover the raw flavors of Maremma without the usual marketing filters.
The Piazza della Repubblica to the rhythm of the wine press
Piazza della Repubblica Pitigliano
Pitigliano, a village carved into the tuff nicknamed Little Jerusalem, combines a 15th-century Jewish ghetto, a synagogue, the Palazzo Orsini and gorges along the Vie Cave
Tosco Slip under the great arches of the Medici aqueduct in the late afternoon: it's the perfect angle to see the tufa of the Palazzo Orsini glow under the raking light!
The bustle on the main square is palpable. The village turns into a giant wine press. The smell of fresh must finally replaces that of the summer months' sunscreen.
Local producers are there, without unnecessary marketing. They serve you their raw production, the one they drink themselves. It's the ideal time to chat with the real people of the tuff.
Pitigliano regains its mystical silence in this month of November. You can finally move through the narrow streets. No more bumping into a group of lost tourists at every street corner.
The Strada del Vino Colli di Maremma association brings together Pitigliano and its neighbors like Scansano, Manciano or Magliano in Toscana to protect this unique terroir.
New wine is not grape juice for children
The local new wine has body, believe me. Forget the bland industrial drinks. Here, the juice is still fermenting and keeps a wild, almost earthy energy, which surprises the palate.
Tasting this wine is an essential social rite here. To understand this fervor, check out the Maremma calendar or compare it with the cellar festival of Manciano.
The tastings span the whole weekend, starting November 7, 2026. Concerts liven up the evenings while the glasses are emptied. The atmosphere becomes electric in the cellars carved into the rock.
Bianco di Pitigliano and new oil: what you really taste
But wine is not the only protagonist of this festival, because the new oil comes to shake up your taste certainties.
Bianco di Pitigliano DOC
Bianco di Pitigliano, among Italy's first DOCs, is born from the tufa lands of the old town, where the Cantina di Pitigliano brings together the grapes of the cru
Tosco Forget for a moment the great Tuscan reds: the volcanic minerality of this white works absolute wonders if you pair it with a good, nicely rustic *acquacotta*!
November oil: the green gold that stings the throat
Fresh oil must scratch the back of your throat. It is the sign of a massive concentration of polyphenols. Without that spiciness, your oil is already dead.
The olives are picked while still very green. Yield is sacrificed to save the aromas. You will find cut grass and artichoke there.
Supermarket oil has nothing to do with this nectar. Don't be fooled by vague labels. Demand a precise origin and a dated harvest.
- Emerald green color
- Fresh grass aroma
- Characteristic peppery note
- Very low acidity level
The tuff terroir: when rock gives character to the glass
The Bianco di Pitigliano is a dry volcanic white. It is vibrant and taut on the palate. The minerality of the soil is expressed in every sip.
The porous tuff forces the vine roots to dig deep. To understand this link, explore the complete guide to Pitigliano. Also don't miss the local market to taste the production.
A handful of roasted chestnuts is enough to elevate a bottle. Simplicity is the absolute rule here. This is unpretentious Maremma gastronomy.
| Product | Characteristic | Perfect pairing |
|---|---|---|
| New Wine | Wild and earthy notes | Toasted bread and garlic |
| New Oil | PGI Tuscany, intense spiciness | Fettunta (toasted bread) |
| Bianco di Pitigliano | DOC, volcanic minerality | Sheep cheeses |
| Chestnuts | Floury and smoky sweetness | Ciliegiolo red wine |
How do the Cantine nel Tufo save the taste of Maremma?
To understand this aromatic power, you must go underground, where winegrowers fight against the standardization of taste.
The Etruscan heritage beneath your feet
You are walking on a vertical labyrinth. This network of cellars carved into the rock is a direct legacy of the Etruscans. Every wall testifies to centuries of arduous manual labor.
The rock maintains a constant temperature all year round. This is the secret of the tuff villages. This natural rampart protects the wine, far better than the’Medici aqueduct of Pitigliano protected the water.
Here, no machine can enter. The winegrower carries his crates by hand. He watches over every barrel with an attention that the industry has forgotten for a long time.
- Constant temperature 14-15°C
- Natural humidity levels
- Absence of vibrations
- Protection from light
Preserving the wine heritage against industry
The local association plays a shield role. It protects small estates against the fierce appetite of industrial giants. Without this resistance, these cellars would end up turned into vulgar garages.
These winemakers categorically refuse chemical yeasts. They reject standardized, bland wine. They prefer a bottle that has flaws, but that possesses a true soul.
Today the young are taking over their grandfathers' tools. They refuse to let this die ancestral craftsmanship. It is a local pride that money will never be able to buy.
You can discover these unusual and authentic places during your visit. It is the very essence of the Maremma of tuf and hot springs that is savored here.
Experiencing the November festivities without looking like a lost tourist
Now that you know the secrets of the underground, here is how to blend into the crowd during the banquets.
Forget the tourist menus, here we eat what the land gives in November. Bruschetta is mandatory, rubbed with garlic and flooded with new oil. Also taste the soups made from local legumes.
For sit at the big tables, you need flair. You can unearth gems at Organic Agriturismo Corte degli Ulivi. . Also see what's happening at Gustatus in Orbetello for the atmosphere.
For the dinner-in-a-cellar events, don't wait until the last minute. Places sell out fast as soon as official registrations open. Don't count on luck once you're there.
- Bruschetta with new olive oil
- Roasted chestnuts over a wood fire
- Local salsiccia
- New wine served by the pitcher
Advance booking required for dinners in the Cantine nel Tufo. Bring warm clothes for the humidity of the cellars in November.
Pitigliano seems to float in the November sky under the mist. It is a visual spectacle that few people truly know. The atmosphere there is almost unreal, far from the crowds.
Cover up well before going to Madonna delle Grazie belvedere. The dampness seeps through if you're not prepared.
Come with humility and curiosity to these festivities. Respect the locals' pace and they will open their doors to you. Never force your way through, let the magic happen.
Maremma is not given, it is earned. Enjoy every sip like an initiate. It is here that beats the heart of wild Tuscany.
In November, Pitigliano forgets folklore to offer you the raw truth of the terroir. Between the spiciness of the new oil and the minerality of Bianco di Pitigliano, you finally discover the soul of the Maremma. Respect the work of the winemakers and savour every glass. Ready to go down into the tuff cellars?
20. Our addresses · Pitigliano
Our favorite spots around Pitigliano
Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health, consume in moderation.
Absolutely! The Santi Vinai festival in Pitigliano is a deep immersion into the soul of Maremma, far removed from wine events tailored to mass tourism. In November, Pitigliano regains its mystical calm, and the event focuses on the essentials: new wine, new oil and direct sharing with the producers. It is not a commercial fair, but a raw celebration of the terroir, where you get up close with the winemakers of the Cantine nel Tufo, who welcome you into their millennia-old cellars carved into the tuff. The atmosphere is convivial, almost family-like, and you will discover authentic flavours, without the filter of the usual marketing. The smell of fresh must replaces that of sunscreen, and the Piazza della Repubblica becomes the beating heart of a centuries-old tradition.
The authenticity of the Santi Vinai also lies in the quality of the products being tasted. The Bianco di Pitigliano, a dry and vibrant volcanic wine, is served directly by those who produce it, and you will have the opportunity to taste a new oil that tickles the throat, a sign of its richness in polyphenols. It is a unique sensory and human experience, where you can chat with the « real people of the tuff » and understand their passion. Forget the summer crowds and the queues; in November, you will have the opportunity to blend into the local rhythm and savour every moment like an insider. For a complete immersion, remember to book your accommodation in advance, perhaps in an agriturismo in Maremma, to extend this authentic experience.
During the Santi Vinai in Pitigliano, the tasting of new wine and new oil is a revelation for palates accustomed to standardized products. The local new wine, often called « vino novello », is much more than a simple grape juice. It retains a wild, almost earthy energy, as it is still in full fermentation. It has body, intense aromas and a liveliness that will pleasantly surprise you. It is a wine that tells a story, that of the volcanic terroir of Pitigliano and the know-how of winemakers who refuse chemical yeasts and standardization. You will often taste it from the pitcher, accompanied by roasted chestnuts and bruschetta, in a festive and convivial atmosphere.
As for the new oil, it is a true liquid treasure. Forget supermarket oil; here, the fresh oil must absolutely « scratch the back of the throat ». This peppery kick is the sign of a high concentration of polyphenols, a guarantee of quality and health benefits. You will find aromas of cut grass and artichoke, a brilliant emerald green colour and a very low acidity level. The olives are harvested while still green, sacrificing yield to preserve the intense aromas. It is an oil to be enjoyed on toasted bread (the famous fettunta), simple and pure. The tastings run throughout the whole weekend of the Santi Vinai, 1. , and you will have many opportunities to compare and appreciate these gastronomic gems directly from the producers, notably on the Piazza della Repubblica or in the Cantine nel Tufo. 2. . Remember to wrap up warmly as the cellars can be cool in November.
3. The tuff terroir is absolutely fundamental to understanding the unique character of Pitigliano wine, in particular the Bianco di Pitigliano. 4. . These cellars, carved directly into the porous volcanic rock, are a direct legacy of the Etruscans. They form a veritable underground labyrinth that runs through the village and its surroundings. This rock maintains a constant temperature of around 14-15°C 5. all year round, as well as natural humidity. These conditions are ideal for the preservation and ageing of the wine, protecting the barrels from temperature variations, vibrations and light. It is a natural rampart that gives the wine a distinctive minerality and a particular aromatic complexity, as the vine roots must plunge deep into this volcanic soil to draw their nutrients.
During the Santi Vinai, many Cantine nel Tufo 6. open their doors. It is the perfect opportunity to go underground and discover these unusual and history-laden places. You will be able to taste the new wine et la Bianco di Pitigliano DOC 7. directly from the winemakers, who will explain their work and their attachment to this heritage. Access to some cellars can be free, while others offer dinners or more organized tastings. It is strongly recommended to inquire on site or with the Cellars in the Tufo of Pitigliano 8. association to find out the visiting times and arrangements. For dinners in the cellars, places are highly sought after, so it is imperative to book well in advance. Plan warm clothing, as the ambient humidity in the tuff cellars can be surprising in November.
To fully enjoy the Santi Vinai in Pitigliano 9. without feeling like a lost tourist, the key is humility and curiosity. Forget the idea of a fixed schedule and let yourself be carried along by the local rhythm. The event takes place from 7 to 9 November 2026, mainly on the Piazza della Repubblica and in the Cantine nel Tufo. 10. . For meals, avoid tourist menus and favour what the land provides in November. Bruschetta, 11. , rubbed with garlic and generously drizzled with new oil, 12. , is a must. Also taste the local legume soups, the salsiccia and of course the roasted chestnuts. 13. . Eating in Maremma without breaking the bank is entirely possible, especially during this type of event where the products are local and affordable. Check our guide on manger en Maremma sans se ruiner for additional tips.
14. For dinners in the cellars, which are a magical and highly sought-after experience, it is absolutely essential to book in advance. 15. . Places are snapped up as soon as registrations open. Do not hesitate to contact the organizer, the Cellars in the Tufo of Pitigliano association at +39 327 3583559, 16. , or to check the official website of the town of Pitigliano 17. for the most up-to-date information. Prepare yourself for lively evenings with live music and DJ sets, but also for more intimate moments in the cellars. Wrap up well, as November evenings can be cool and damp, especially underground. Finally, do not hesitate to chat with the locals; they are proud of their terroir and delighted to share their culture. Let the magic work and you will discover an authentic Maremma, 18. , far from the beaten track.
During the Santi Vinai in Pitigliano, 1. , the event is not limited solely to wine and oil tastings. The programme is designed to offer a complete cultural immersion into the identity of Maremma. The Piazza della Repubblica 2. and the historic centre come alive with 3. live music, 4. , evening 5. DJ sets, and 6. varied performances. 7. . You will be able to stroll through 8. craft markets 9. where local producers present their skills and typical products. It is an excellent opportunity to bring back authentic souvenirs or to discover local specialities.
10. Guided tours 11. are also organized to explore the charming village of Pitigliano, 12. , nicknamed « little Jerusalem » for its former Jewish ghetto and its unique architecture carved into the tuff. These tours will allow you to learn more about the fascinating history of the town, its connection with the Etruscans and the importance of viticulture in the region. 13. Cultural activities and 14. workshops, 15. , such as the children’s workshop « Discover Autumn » at the 16. Ex Granai di Palazzo Orsini, 17. , are also offered, making the event family-friendly. Walking and exploring the surroundings, such as the Madonna delle Grazie belvedere, 18. , offer breathtaking views of the village, especially under the November mist, creating an almost unreal atmosphere. It is a time when Pitigliano 19. reveals its mystical beauty, far from the summer hustle and bustle, and you will have the opportunity to discover little-known aspects of this jewel of Maremma.
Although the Santi Vinai in Pitigliano 19. are centred on wine and new oil, the event is not exclusively reserved for adults and offers activities that can interest families with children. The programme notably includes a children’s workshop 20. entitled « Discover Autumn » which takes place at the 16. Ex Granai di Palazzo Orsini (located on via Cavour) on Sunday 9 November at around 3:30 pm. 1. . It is an excellent opportunity for the youngest to take part in fun and educational activities around the theme of autumn and local terroir products.
2. Beyond this workshop, the festive atmosphere on the Piazza della Repubblica, with 3. live music, performances and 8. craft markets, 3. , can be very enjoyable for children. They will be able to taste roasted chestnuts, watch the molitura in diretta 4. (live olive pressing) and soak up the joyful atmosphere. Of course, wine tastings are reserved for adults, but discovering local flavours such as bruschetta, cheeses and charcuterie is a gourmet experience for the whole family. Don’t forget to wrap your children up well, as the weather in November in Maremma 5. can be cool, especially in the evening. The narrow streets of Pitigliano 6. are also a fascinating playground for exploration, with its troglodyte houses and its history that reveals itself at every street corner.
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