Tucked into the volcanic hills of upper Lazio, the medieval town of Montefiascone hosts one of Italy’s most characterful wine celebrations every August: the Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone wine festival. The event blends ancient legend with enogastronomic pleasure, drawing visitors from Rome and beyond to a town that overlooks Lake Bolsena.
The festival is more than a tasting; it revives a nine-century-old story of a wine-loving bishop and his clever cupbearer. For travelers building a trip around Viterbo and the lake, it offers a superb way to experience local DOC wine and a town that feels frozen in time.
The Legend of Bishop Defuk and the 'EST' Mark
The tale begins in 1111, when Henry V of Germany traveled to Rome to be crowned Holy Roman Emperor. Accompanying him was Bishop Johannes Defuk, a prelate with a passion for fine wine. Knowing his master’s taste, the bishop’s cupbearer Martino rode ahead to scout out the best taverns.
They agreed on a secret code: when Martino found a good wine, he would scrawl the Latin word “EST” (meaning “it is”) on the door of an inn. According to one account, the mark was an abbreviation of “EST BONUM,” or “it is good.” The more “ESTs,” the better the wine.
When Martino reached Montefiascone, he tasted the local white wine and was so impressed that he wrote “EST! EST!! EST!!!” on the tavern door – a triple declaration of quality. Bishop Defuk arrived, sampled the wine, and agreed wholeheartedly. He even extended his stay and, according to legend, eventually died from drinking too much of it.
The bishop was buried in the Church of San Flaviano, where his tombstone still bears the inscription “EST! EST!! EST!!! PROPTER NIMIUM EST EST HIC JOANNES DE FUK DOMINUS MEUS MORTUS EST” – a humorous epitaph meaning he died because of too much “Est.” As a thank-you, Defuk left the town an endowment, with the condition that a bottle of wine be poured over his grave each year, a tradition that continues today.
What Is Est! Est!! Est!!! Wine? (Grapes, Flavor, and Food Pairings)
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is a dry white wine with Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status, recognized since 1966. The grapes – primarily Trebbiano and Malvasia – are grown in the volcanic soils around Montefiascone, giving the wine its distinctive character.
Pour a glass and you’ll notice a straw-yellow color with greenish glints. The fragrance is fruity, with notes of pineapple and citrus. On the palate, it’s dry and savory, with a lively acidity that makes it refreshing and food-friendly.
Served chilled, Est! Est!! Est!!! pairs beautifully with seafood, poultry, vegetables, and omelettes. Locally, it’s a classic partner for spaghetti cacio e pepe, the peppery sheep’s milk cheese pasta that is a Roman and Lazio staple.
If you’re planning to taste the wine at the festival, note that the event focuses on local producers, making it an ideal chance to compare different interpretations of the DOC and discover which style you prefer.
The Annual Wine Fair in Montefiascone: What to Expect
The Montefiascone Wine Fair, or Fiera del Vino, takes place every August and typically runs for about a week. The exact dates shift from year to year, so it’s best to check the official event calendar closer to your visit.
The fair celebrates the famous Est! Est!! Est!!! wine of upper Lazio, but it is also a historical-cultural review of the town. You’ll find stands where local wineries, and some from elsewhere in the region, offer tastings of their wines – a great way to sample beyond the main DOC.
Because the event mixes wine promotion with medieval pageantry, expect a lively, festive atmosphere rather than a formal tasting hall. It’s an opportunity to meet winemakers, chat with locals, and learn about the territory’s oenological heritage.
The Historical Procession and Medieval Events
A highlight of the festival is the historical procession that re-enacts the arrival of Bishop Defuk and his servant Martino. Participants dress in medieval costumes, parading through the narrow streets of Montefiascone to recreate the legend.
The celebration also features live medieval entertainment: archers and knights compete in races, taverns host troubadours, and dancers perform traditional steps. A medieval market fills the piazzas, and a special Mass is celebrated in the Church of San Flaviano, where Bishop Defuk is buried.
These events create a family-friendly ambiance, appealing not only to wine lovers but also to history buffs and travelers seeking an authentic taste of local tradition.
Where the Festival Happens: Montefiascone and Its Setting near Lake Bolsena
Montefiascone sits at the top of the highest hill of the Volsini Mountains, offering sweeping views over Lake Bolsena, the largest volcanic lake in Europe. The town’s strategic location made it a key stronghold in the Middle Ages, and its historic center still bears traces of that era, from the imposing Rocca dei Papi to the medieval quarters.
Beyond the festival, visitors can explore the town’s churches, including the Romanesque San Flaviano, or the Gothic cathedral of Santa Margherita, which boasts a massive dome. The town also serves as a convenient base for exploring the lake’s charming villages, such as Bolsena, Marta, and Capodimonte.
The festival takes place within this historic context, using the town’s ambiance as its backdrop. Expect cobblestone lanes, stone buildings, and a welcoming, small-town feel.
Practical Tips for Visiting Montefiascone and the Festival
The Montefiascone Wine Fair is held in August, often during the first half of the month. Because the exact dates vary annually, it’s worthwhile to check the official tourism website of the region for the most current schedule before you plan your trip.
Montefiascone is easily reached by car from Viterbo (around 20 minutes) or from Rome (about 1.5 to 2 hours). If you’re arriving by train, the closest major station is in Viterbo, from which you can take a local bus or taxi.
Accommodation options range from agriturismos to small B&Bs, but they fill quickly during the festival. For a wider choice, consider staying in Viterbo and commuting to the event.
There is no admission fee for the festival itself, but wine tastings are typically paid. Prices and booking details vary, so it’s best to inquire at the event or check the organizer’s announcements for the upcoming edition.
For a broader perspective on Italian wine festivals and regional events, our month-by-month [Festival calendar](#) can help you decide if this one fits your itinerary.
How to Make It Part of a Viterbo and Lake Bolsena Itinerary
The Est! Est!! Est!!! festival makes a perfect addition to a longer trip through the province of Viterbo. Start in Viterbo itself, where you can admire the medieval quarter with its papal palace and thermal spas, and also visit the [viterbo santa rosa festival guide](#) for another cultural experience in early September.
After Montefiascone, head down to Lake Bolsena, where you can explore the lake’s islands, go for a swim, or visit the medieval castle of Bolsena.
Another nearby highlight is Civita di Bagnoregio, the “dying city” that clings to a crumbling tuff cliff, easily reachable on a day trip.
By basing yourself around Viterbo, you can easily combine the wine festival with other Tuscia attractions, making the region an ideal destination for travelers who love history, wine, and unspoiled landscapes.
Final Thoughts: Who Should Go and When
If you are already exploring northern Lazio in August, the Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone festival is a joyful and memorable event worth factoring into your plans. Wine enthusiasts will enjoy the tastings, while history lovers can immerse themselves in the medieval pageantry.
However, if you expect a large, polished wine expo, you might find the festival more intimate and local. It’s a chance to experience a proud community keeping its legend alive.
Verify the precise dates and schedule on official tourism sites well ahead of your trip, and then go thirsty for both wine and stories. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for one of Italy’s most curiously named vintages.
Plan Your Visit
The Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone wine festival is a highlight of the summer in the Tuscia region. Its blend of legend, history, and wine tasting makes it a memorable add-on for anyone visiting Viterbo and Lake Bolsena.
As the festival dates change annually, always verify the current year’s schedule with official sources. Whether you come for the wine or the bishop’s story, you won’t forget the exclamation points of Montefiascone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wine is Est Est Est di Montefiascone?
Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone is a dry white wine with Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status. It is made from a blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia grapes, which grow in the volcanic hills around Montefiascone. The wine typically features a straw-yellow color, fruity aromas of pineapple and citrus, and a dry, savory palate with refreshing acidity.
What does 'est est est' mean in English?
In Latin, the word 'est' means 'it is.' According to the legend, it was used as a mark on tavern doors to indicate that good wine was served. The triple 'est est est' was a sign of exceptional quality, essentially meaning 'it is, it is, it is' – as in, 'this is excellent wine.'
Where does the Est Est Est wine festival take place?
The festival takes place in Montefiascone, a medieval town in the province of Viterbo in the Lazio region of Italy. Montefiascone is perched on a hill overlooking Lake Bolsena, about 20 minutes by car from Viterbo and roughly two hours north of Rome.
When is the wine festival in Montefiascone?
The festival is held every August, typically during the first half of the month. The exact dates vary from year to year, so it is essential to check the official tourism website or local event calendar for the current year's schedule before planning your visit.