There’s a wine fountain in Abruzzo, Italy, pouring free wine for travelers exploring the stunning Way of St. Thomas.
Picture this: you’re walking through the hills of Abruzzo, and instead of stumbling on an ordinary water spout, you find a sleek little fountain pouring ruby-red Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, one of the region’s signature wines, completely free. Travelers, hikers, and road-trippers stop here to fill a glass, take a photo, and enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind moment. It’s become a symbol of Abruzzo’s legendary hospitality and its love for sharing good wine and good company.
The story began back in the 1980s, when Domenico “Mimì” D’Auria founded the Dora Sarchese Winery. Today, his son Nicola carries on the family legacy with passion and creativity (he also happens to be President of Italy’s Wine Tourism Movement).
The fountain itself, though, was inspired by two local hikers, Dina and Luigi. During their pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, they discovered a small fountain where travelers could sip wine along the route. Inspired, they returned home thinking:
“Why not create something just as special here, along the Way of St. Thomas — the path from Rome to Ortona?”
With the help of architect Rocco Valentini, the Way of St. Thomas Association, and the D’Auria family, the dream became reality — and the wine fountain was born.
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Picture this: you’re walking through the hills of Abruzzo, and instead of stumbling on an ordinary water spout, you find a sleek little fountain pouring ruby-red Montepulciano d’Abruzzo — one of the region’s signature wines — completely free.
Travelers, hikers, and road-trippers stop here to fill a glass, take a photo, and enjoy a truly one-of-a-kind moment. It’s become a symbol of Abruzzo’s legendary hospitality and its love for sharing good wine and good company.
You need to agree with the cookies and privacy policy of this external service to view the content
While Abruzzo isn’t as famous as Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast, it’s one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Here, you’ll find medieval hilltop villages, stunning beaches, national parks, and, of course, a fountain of free wine waiting for you along the pilgrimage trail.
If you’re planning a trip to Italy, consider making your way to Ortona for this unforgettable experience — because let’s be honest, a glass of wine from a fountain in the Italian countryside? That’s the kind of memory you’ll be talking about forever. 🍷
👉 You can find updated information and opening hours directly on the winery’s official website.
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