The world may still have a long way to go when it comes to free-flowing alcohol from public fountains, but it certainly is off to a boozey start. Earlier this month, a wine fountain was unveiled in Caldari di Ortona, Italy, which dispenses local red wine (Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, to be exact) for free, 24/7, to anyone who wants it. The wine fountain is the result of a collaboration between the local vineyard Dora Sarchese Vini and an organization that promotes the Cammino di San Tommaso pilgrimage route. Thousands of pilgrims and tourists make the trek each year, walking the 194-mile path from Rome to Ortona in order to see what remains of St. Thomas, one of Jesus’ disciples.
While there are plenty of water fountains, or nasoni, in Italy, the wine fountain is the first of its kind to offer a constant flow of wine. The moveable panel above the fountain can be rotated to start or stop the flow of wine, and a bell will sound to indicate that the wine has been served. The fountain is open to locals and tourists alike, and there is no charge to use it.
Unlike traditional bottled and glass-served wine, the wine fountain’s pouring method exposes the wine to more oxygen, which gives it a fresher taste and aroma. It also allows for a quicker pace of consumption, which is ideal for groups of people. This type of wine fountain is often used for large parties and events, such as weddings and bar mitzvahs. These wine fountains are usually made of silver and can be customized to fit the size and shape of each event.
For those looking for a more individualized experience, there are also small wine fountains that can be used at home. These are perfect for parties or gatherings where guests can choose their own glass of wine. They can also be a great way to introduce younger family members to the joy of wine. Unlike the larger wine fountains, these small fountains can be easily stored in a cupboard or on a counter top.
Although the idea of a beer or wine fountain may seem strange, they are actually quite common. The city of Bruges, Belgium, for example, has a two-mile-long beer pipeline that pumps over 1,000 gallons per hour throughout the streets of the historic town. Hopefully this will be just the beginning of a global trend for wine and beer fountains, as we’re sure they would be very popular here in the U.S.