Welcome to Homestead Hill. When we first took over this piece of land in Le Marche, we knew the views were spectacular. But as we looked out across the rolling hills surrounding Ripatransone, we quickly realized we were standing in the middle of something truly special: a relatively unknown, but vibrant, high-quality wine region!
Ripatransone is at the heart of the Piceno wine region. The unique microclimate here – caught between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennine Mountains – makes it famous particularly for the Offida DOCG (featuring the crisp Pecorino and elegant Passerina white grapes) and the robust Rosso Piceno DOC.
If you are planning a visit to Homestead Hill, exploring the neighboring vineyards is a must. To help you plan your tasting route, we have compiled a personal guide to our local favorites and a complete list of Ripatransone’s wineries.
Our direct neighbors: personal tasting notes
While we encourage exploring all the local cantinas, we naturally have a few soft spots for the wineries closest to Homestead Hill. These are the places where we’ve shared stories, learned about the land, and where we will undoubtedly bring our friends and family in the years to come.
1. Numa – The Perfect Welcome
Located just about 3 kms from Homestead Hill, Numa holds a special place in our hearts. It was the very first winery we visited when we arrived in Ripatransone. We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the area; it was a pitch perfect welcoming to Le Marche hospitality. This fully organic, boutique winery produces exceptional Rosso Piceno Superiore and a fantastic Offida Pecorino that you must try.
2. Le Caniette – award winning wine
Equally wonderful, though possibly a bit more “touristic” due to their international acclaim, is Le Caniette. This winery is located literally about 500 meters from where we are located. If you look towards the setting sun from our homestead, you are looking at their organic vineyards. Despite their fame and award-winning wine (like their iconic ‘Morellone’), the team at Le Caniette takes their time for you. They offer a deeply personal experience, which we truly appreciate.
3. Colli Ripani – Our view across the valley
When you look from Homestead Hill at the other side of the valley, Cantina dei Colli Ripani is right there. This is the largest producer in the area. A massive cooperative with over 330 members. Their shop is a must-visit if you are just here for a quick stop. Because of their size, they contribute a lot to the wine-making region, something that we can only appreciate.
Understanding the Ripa wine Style
As we got to know our neighbors, a few key themes emerged that make Ripatransone unique. When you drink wine here, you are drinking from a territory that values history and sustainability.
- One of the greenest wine areas in Italy. The number of bio parcels in Ripatransone is large. This isn’t just marketing: it’s a commitment. Almost every major family estate, including regional giants like Cocci Grifoni, Le Caniette, and Santori, has moved to certified organic production.
- The Pecorino Pioneer. You can’t discuss Ripatransone wine without mentioning Tenuta Cocci Grifoni. This historic winery is credited with saving the Pecorino grape from extinction in the 1980s, rediscovering it in a high-altitude ravine. Today, most wineries here lead with Offida Pecorino DOCG as their flagship white, thanks to their pioneering work.
- Cooked wine. While the standard Piceno DOCs are incredible, Azienda Frattini Laura is famous for Vino Cotto (cooked wine). This is a traditional local dessert wine made using a fascinating medieval technique, reducing the grape must in copper cauldrons over an open fire before aging. It’s a true taste of local history.
The complete list of Ripatransone wineries
If you want to create your own Tour de Ripatransone, here is a comprehensive table of all the wineries strictly located within our municipality, sorted by size.
| Winery | Est. Vineyard Hectares | Bio Status | Main Wine Types |
| Cantina dei Colli Ripani* | ~650–800 ha* | Partly Bio | Massive range: Offida Pecorino/Passerina DOCG, Rosso Piceno (Organic line available) |
| Ripa Wine (Soc. Agr. Ripa) | ~105 ha | Full Bio | Offida Pecorino, Passerina, Rosso Piceno Superiore (Focus on the “Orange Flag” territory, estates like Le Frasche) |
| Villa Imperium | ~100 ha | Full Bio | Rosso Imperium, Offida Pecorino, Falerio, Passerina |
| Tenuta Cocci Grifoni | ~69 ha | Full Bio | Offida Pecorino (The Pecorino pioneers), Passerina, Rosso Piceno Superiore |
| Tenuta Santori | ~30 ha | Full Bio | Offida Pecorino, Passerina, Rosso Piceno Superiore |
| Le Caniette | ~16 ha | Full Bio | Rosso Piceno Superiore (Morellone), Offida Pecorino (Io Sono Gaia), Grenache (Bordò) |
| Damiani | ~15 ha | No Bio | Rosso Piceno Superiore, Offida Pecorino, Passerina |
| Cantina Numa | ~10 ha | Full Bio | Rosso Piceno Superiore, Offida Pecorino (Limited Edition), Passerina |
| San Michele a Ripa | ~5–10 ha | Full Bio | Artisanal/Experimental: Petit Verdot, Offida Pecorino, Ripagnan (Sparkling) |
| Le Cantine di Figaro | ~7 ha | Full Bio | Syrah (Tabatha), Passerina, Montepulciano |
| Azienda Frattini Laura | ~5 ha | Partly Bio | Specialty: Vino Cotto (Centvrione), Pecorino, Montepulciano |
* Cantina dei Colli Ripani is a cooperative with over 330 members; the hectares listed represent the combined land of all the contributing members.
We can’t wait to share this incredible wine landscape with you. When you visit us at Homestead Hill, make sure you leave time to raise a glass with our neighbors!