Finding La Dolce Vita in Everyday Moments
Discovering the beauty of slow living during Le Marche’s winter months
In Le Marche, La Dolce Vita isn’t about luxury. It’s about noticing the beauty on ordinary days. It’s a slower, more intentional way of living, where joy is found not in what you do, but in how you do it.
The region slows even further in winter. Mornings begin with quiet streets, markets feel more intimate, always filled with seasonal produce and familiar faces, and days end with a glass of wine in the local trattoria.
What is La Dolce Vita? 🍷
For many, La Dolce Vita simply means “the sweet life”. But in Le Marche, it’s more than that.
It’s about a quiet appreciation for your surroundings.
It’s about connection: to people, to food, to places...
It’s about slowing down long enough to appreciate the details: the taste of homemade olive oil, the warmth of a familiar trattoria, the view that still takes your breath away no matter how many times you’ve seen it. Everything changes with the seasons, and all offer something new.
“Le Marche seems to have it all. The sea, the mountains, incredible food and wine, and very friendly people.” Stephanie Harrington
The calm of the countryside 🌿
At this time of year the beaches are empty, the roads quieter, and the countryside seems more spacious giving you even more time to breathe. Locals go about their routines, the markets bustle with residents, and there’s a quiet charm to seeing the region at its most authentic.
“Le Marche is stunning and this part of Le Marche is particularly beautiful. The hilltop towns and villages are remarkable, the bigger cities a must to visit, these being bordered by the Adriatic beaches and the Sibillini Mountains… Is there anywhere better?” Judith Scull
The taste of the season 🍝
This time of year, life feels unhurried, so meals stretch longer into the night. Tables are filled with fresh, seasonal food that warms from the inside out. Here are some of our favourite dishes:
Tagliolini al Tartufo - handmade ribbons of pasta tossed with butter, Parmesan and freshly shaved truffle. Simple, fragrant and unmistakably Italian.
Risotto alla Zucca - creamy rice cooked slowly with local pumpkin, a hint of nutmeg and a generous handful of aged Parmigiano. The perfect dish for a cold evening.
Tagliatelle Fritte - A famous local dish from Monterubbiano. Large balls of tagliatelle mixed with bechamel sauce, egg and mozzarella, covered in breadcrumbs and then deep fried. Served with a rich, tangy ragu sauce and topped with a beautiful mature parmigiano, all paired with a local glass of Rosso Piceno wine…… It doesn’t get better than that.
“Our biggest decisions are: shop local and eat in, or dine out? Of course, we do both. There is always at least one new restaurant to explore and the value and quality are nearly always impressive.” Ian & Carol Gray
The warmth of community ✨
For many Appassionata owners, La Dolce Vita is felt in the community they have naturally become a part of. It’s the neighbour who waves from their doorway, the restaurateur who remembers your favourite table and the friendships that grow year after year.
“The house is our second home now; we feel like locals in our borgo and are accepted as such. Going to our favourite restaurant where the prosecco arrives without asking makes you feel at home.” Judith Scull
Come and experience it for yourself ❤️
If you’ve ever wondered what La Dolce Vita truly feels like, a Discovery Visit is the perfect way to find out.
You’ll spend time exploring Le Marche at your own pace, meeting the family behind Appassionata to ask any questions you might have, and discovering the homes that make this lifestyle possible.
Come and experience it for yourself; you might just find your own piece of La Dolce Vita waiting…
