Fountains! We all have seen and loved fountains, all shapes, sizes and types of fountains. And why not? fountains are amazing man-made structures that beautify the water by spurting in a myriad of ways. Fountains have always been a part of folklore and urban myths for different reasons; some restoring beauty, some making your wishes come true, and one gushing out the wine. Well well well, the last one is not a folklore or an urban legend, it is the truth and it stands at the present time. This Italian wine drinking fountain lies in the region of Abruzzo, in which lies a commune—Caldari in the town of Ortona. The fountain is on the route—Cammino di San Tommaso, which is a 196 miles-long pilgrimage road from Ortona to Rome, that is taken to visit the remains of Saint Thomas. [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NF5CRBATbxw[/embed]

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The ‘fontana del vino’ what the Italians call it, is situated in the area—Dora Sarchese built the fountain in association with a non-profit group to preserve the pilgrimage route and to serve as a major attraction. The thing you are going to love about it is—it is free of charge and the cherry on top is, it is open 24 by 7.

There are no ‘between the lines’ and ‘conditions’ for the free and always spurting red wine from the fountain, although Dora Sarchese has restrictions and they say, the fountain is not for “drunkards” and “louts”. Those are some required restrictions, though the fountain is uniquely utilitarian for the thirsty pilgrims.

The inspiration to build this free wine fountain in Italy comes from a similar wine gushing fountain on a pilgrimage route in Spain, known as, Camino de Santiago de Compostela. The Fontana del vino is designed like a drinking water fountain which is a piece of stone installed as a basin. The fountain is housed under a life-sized wine barrel and the whole thing is designed by the local architect named Rocco Valentini.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the wine fountain located in Italy?

The wine fountain, known as Fontana del Vino, is located in Caldari di Ortona, in the Abruzzo region of Italy. It sits along the pilgrimage route Cammino di San Tommaso.

2. Does the fountain really serve free wine?

Yes, the fountain genuinely serves free red wine to visitors. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and anyone can drink from it.

3. Who built the Italian wine fountain?

The fountain was built by Dora Sarchese, a local winery, in collaboration with a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the pilgrimage route.

4. What is the purpose of the wine fountain?

The main purpose of the wine fountain is to offer refreshment to pilgrims walking the Cammino di San Tommaso, while also promoting local culture, hospitality, and wine traditions

5. Is the wine fountain meant for tourists or pilgrims?

While tourists are welcome, the fountain is primarily intended for pilgrims, not excessive drinking. The creators have clearly stated it is not meant for drunkards or misuse.

6. What type of wine flows from the fountain? 

The fountain serves locally produced red wine from the Abruzzo region, reflecting the area’s strong wine-making heritage.

7. Are there other wine fountains like this in the world?

Yes, the idea was inspired by a wine fountain along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain, though Italy’s Fontana del Vino is one of the most famous.