October is by far the best time to visit Rome. Temperatures are slightly cooler and grape season is in full swing. Wine is overflowing everywhere and bunches of fresh picked grapes are ready to be eaten – especially in the medieval town of Marino, where the “Sagra dell’Uva” attracted hundreds to drink up last year’s reserve to make room for this year’s vino novello. Since 1925, the town of Marino (south of Rome) has graciously shared with locals their abundant source of produce and wine by handing out over 150 tonnes of grapes and providing 3,000 litres of local white wine during their four-day festival. The highlight of the event is when they turn the water from the city’s main fountain into sparkling white wine, giving visitors a taste of Marino’s famous wine.

The grape festival, which is one of the oldest in Italy, commemorates the return of Admiral Marcantonio Colonna to his home in Marino after his victory over the Turks at the Battle of Lepanto in October 1571. The sagra is celebrated during the month of October to give thanks for the safe return of more than 250 sailors sent to battle.

After all these years, Romans continue to show their appreciation for this victory and long-standing tradition by visiting Marino’s annual wine and grape festival.

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Rome Today went behind kitchen doors at Bar Pompi – the one place in Rome known for making the best Tiramisu in town. Besides making the classic Tiramisu, Bar Pompi also makes a strawberry and a unique pistachio flavored version. For those of you who love dessert, Bar Pompi is the place for this heavenly delight. In this video, Bar Pompi shares with us three tips to making anyone’s personal recipe even better. After 50 years in business, it’s little wonder why they are often referred to as “Il Regno del Tiramisu” or “Kingdom of Tiramisu”.