In the Abruzzo region, in southern Italy, there is a place where wine is not only bought in restaurants or wineries, but also flows from a public fountain open to everyone. This is Caldari di Ortona, a small town that since 2016 has become international news for being home to the so-called Fontana del Vino, a unique initiative that offers free red wine 24 hours a day and is now one of the most curious symbols of Italian hospitality.
The idea of a fountain that dispenses wine instead of water might sound like a fantasy, but in this corner of Italy, it is a permanent reality that attracts thousands of visitors, pilgrims, and curious travelers from all over the world every year.
A wine fountain in Abruzzo, Italy, that represents its culture
The Fontana del Vino was created thanks to a collaboration between the Dora Sarchese winery and the nonprofit organization Cammino di San Tommaso, which manages a pilgrimage route connecting Rome with the city of Ortona, following in the footsteps of the Apostle Saint Thomas.
The fountain was originally conceived as a welcoming gesture for those who walk this spiritual path, offering a moment of rest and celebration at the end of the day.
The wine that flows from the fountain is Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, one of the region’s most representative varieties, known for its intense flavor and deep roots in local culture. Unlike other promotional initiatives, the Fontana del Vino does not operate only during tourist seasons or special festivities: It is available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, as a permanent installation.
Although its original purpose was focused on pilgrims, over time, the fountain became a space open to any visitor. Tourists, residents, and occasional travelers can pour themselves a glass and share a moment that blends the ordinary with the extraordinary.
@iyadbacha Only in Italy 🍷⛲️ … where the fountains don’t flow with water but with wine. Cheers to la dolce vita! #dolcevita #wine #italy #abbruzzo #italia #miraculous ♬ original sound – Iyad Bacha
From a local curiosity to an international tourism phenomenon
With the rise of social media, the Fontana del Vino stopped being a well-kept secret of Abruzzo and turned into a viral phenomenon. Videos and photos of people serving themselves wine directly from a fountain began circulating on digital platforms, sparking the curiosity of thousands of users who could not believe that something like this existed outside of special events or festivals.
This media impact has had a direct effect on tourism in Caldari di Ortona. A town that once welcomed mainly local visitors is now part of the routes of international travelers seeking different experiences, far from Italy’s traditional tourist circuits. The fountain has become a must-see stop for those who want to discover another side of the country, more closely tied to rural life, wine-making traditions, and a strong sense of community.
Local authorities and the promoters of the project have emphasized that the initiative does not aim to encourage excessive consumption, but rather to promote a cultural and responsible relationship with wine, understood as a symbol of togetherness and hospitality.
In fact, the message that accompanies the fountain invites visitors to enjoy with moderation and respect, reminding them that it is a gesture of welcome, not an uncontrolled open bar.
Beyond its eye-catching nature, the Fontana del Vino represents a creative way of strengthening the region’s identity. Abruzzo, known for its mountain landscapes, vineyards, and traditional cuisine, has found in this fountain an emblem that sums up its spirit: simple, generous, and deeply connected to the land.