Satisfy your culinary curiosity in the GourmetArena, one of the unique changes during the Merano WineFestival. A tend structure covers the passeggiata lungo passirio and serves as an extension of the Kurhaus. During the WineFestival your usual walk turns into a culinary journey through the rows of Food Spirits & Beer. A journey through the most authentic products of their regions. Carefully selected and awarded with the The WineHunter Award, the products of Food Spirits & Beer unveil a wide range of premium spirits, meticulously chosen craft beers, and gourmet delights sure to pique your curiosity. Each product, from artisanal creations to the interesting culinary endeavors, is handpicked to ensure highest quality. Let yourself be swept away by a symphony of tastes, colors, and aromas inside of GourmetArena, and dive into a world where gastronomic excellence is evident in every bite.

This dedicated section celebrates the diversity and excellence of wines from every corner of the globe. Discover prestigious labels, unique terroirs, and fascinating stories behind each bottle, offering an overview of the international wine scene. Exceptional tastings, meetings with producers and importers, and oenological discoveries await you, ensuring an unforgettable journey through the flavors and aromas of the world’s best wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the richness and variety of “Wine International”.

Discover the heart of winemaking expertise gathered in a single place, the WineHunter Area. A dedicated space, on the stage of the Kursaal, where wine enthusiasts meet the a refined selections of over 280 different producers, curated by our Sommeliers. Immerse yourself in tastings, discussions, and a journey through the interesting vintages, all under one roof in the WineHunter Area. Experts can guide you to find the perfect tast you were looking for among these 280+ wines.

The doors of The Festival open to a universe of handpicked companies, each a vessel of stories and traditions, carrying a chorus of wines from Italy and the world. Products awarded with the The WineHunter Award are distinguished by their high quality, unparalleled production techniques, and the art of expressing the spirit of their territory. Each glass is a journey, each sip a discovery, in a maze where flavors intertwine in an eternal dance.

Surrounding the beating heart of The Festival are initiatives and revelations: “Territorium”, the section revealing the hidden treasures of the most vocated territories for viticulture; and “Consortium”, where the Consortiums stand as guardians of the tales and enhancers of the native products from Italy’s most esteemed regions.

Dive into this odyssey, let the Merano WineFestival envelop you in its scents and tastes, revealing the mysteries and wonders of a world where wine is poetry, and discovery is endless. With each step, with each sip, immerse yourself deeper into the narrative, and let the oenological journey transport you through the centuries and flavors, on an endless voyage.

Dive into our exclusive series of Masterclasses, meticulously crafted to unravel the intricate layers of wine. Led by expert connoisseurs, each WineHunter Masterclass offers a treasure trove of knowledge and nuanced flavors. From rare vintage fragrances to contemporary blend harmonies, immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of terroir, learning to discern the most delicate notes and unveiling the mysteries of the world’s most elite wines. Seize this golden opportunity to elevate your wine appreciation, interact with like-minded enthusiasts, and savor the pinnacle of vinous excellence.

Program

• Sala dei 30
  • 11:00-12:00 – AGB Selezion “Abelé 1757 – Prendre le temps”
  • 13:00-14:00 – Castelfeder “La tradizione di Chardonnay e Pinot Nero”
  • 16:00-17:00 – Cobo Winery “Eccellenze dall’Albania”
  • 18:00-19:00 – “I bianchi campani che sfidano il tempo”
• Sala dei 40
  • 10:30-11:30 – Allegrini “L’Amarone – evoluzione di uno stile identitario”
  • 12:30-13:30 – Terre D’Oltrepo’ “… Il Principio… del Pinot Nero”
  • 14:30-15:30 – Meraner Weinhaus “Icon Pinot Nero e Chardonnay Germania Austria e Alto adige: Nuove stelle oltre la Borgogna”
  • 16:30-18:00 – Consorzio Oltrepo Pavese “Oltrepo’ Pavese, terra di Pinot Nero… ma non solo”

Round Table
Abruzzo Sostenibile


The sustainability visions and strategies of Abruzzo and New Zealand unraveled and compared in an exclusive roundtable discussion. Experts in ecology, economics, and agriculture will share innovative approaches and common challenges towards a greener, more responsible future.

• Dott. Andrea Radic
  • Moderatore
• On. Luigi D’Eramo
  • Sottosegretario all’agricoltura
• Dott. Emanuele Imprudente
  • Vicepresidente Giunta regionale Abruzzo e assessore presso il comune di L’Aquila
• Dott. Gennaro Strever
  • Presidente Camera di Commercio Chieti Pescara
• Dott. Austin Brick
  • Console generale Nuova Zelanda in Italia
• Dott.ssa Roberta Cafiero
  • Dirigenza Masaf (Ministero dell’agricoltura, della sovranità alimentare e delle foreste)
• Dott. Pietro Gasparri
  • Dirigenza Masaf (Ministero dell’agricoltura, della sovranità alimentare e delle foreste)
• Dott. Michele Scognamiglio
  • Specialista in Scienza dell’Alimentazione, biochimica e patologia clinica
• Dott. Paolo Velino
  • Presidente Gal Gran Sasso Velino
• Dott.sa Elena Sico
  • Direttore Dipartimento Agricoltura – Regione Abruzzo

Dive into a captivating discussion on the “International Geopolitics of Wine”, where the nectar of the gods becomes the protagonist of intricate power and trade dynamics. Let’s explore together how wine, a symbol of culture and identity, influences global balances, drawing boundaries and building bridges. We will delve into the interaction between politics, economy, and terroir, revealing how the invisible currents of the market and international agreements shape the global wine landscape. A journey through labels and strategies, to understand how wine positions itself on the geopolitical chessboard, between wine diplomacy and historical rivalries, in a world where every bottle tells a story of land, passion, and power.

• Prof. Fulvio Mattivi
  • Professore ordinario di Chimica degli Alimenti, presso il Centro Agricoltura, Alimenti, Ambiente (C3A) dell’Università di Trento
  • Moderatore
• Prof.ssa Claudia Nioi 
  • Insegnante-ricercatrice (Professore associato) all’Istituto di Scienza della Vigna e del Vino (ISVV) a Bordeaux, Francia.
  • “Derivati di lievito: un’alternativa promettente per la prevenzione dell’ossidazione dei vini bianchi”?
• Prof. Matteo Marangon
  • Professore associato, Università degli studi di Padova
  • “Identità e diversità compositiva dei vini bianchi italiani”
• Prof.ssa Paola Piombino
  • Professore associato, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
  • “Conoscere e valorizzare l’identità e la diversità sensoriale dei vini bianchi italiani”

Piazza della Rena – Sandplatz

On the occasion of the opening of the “Mercato della Terra” promoted by Slow Food in Alto Adige, a special show cooking will take place. This culinary event will highlight the richness and quality of Alto Adige’s local products, showcased and transformed by expert chefs. Guests will have the opportunity to discover refined culinary techniques and taste dishes prepared with skill and dedication. A not-to-be-missed appointment for food lovers and those wishing to delve into the gastronomic tradition of the region.

Corso Libertà – Freiheitsstraße

In the vibrant heart of Merano, the Corso Libertà – Freiheitsstraße transforms into the most luxurious corner of the city. A streak of deep red carpet, a symbol of passion and elegance, runs through the entire street, welcoming both festival visitors and the general public in a celebration that extends beyond the doors of the Kurhaus.

The Red Wave – Fuori Salone  is not just an extension of the festival, but a place where destinies intertwine, where tales of wines and flavors merge with the city’s vitality. Some exhibitors reserve their delicacies solely for festival visitors, while others welcome every passerby, making the magic of the Merano WineFestival felt at every corner.

Discover the Red Wave exhibitors in the visitor area.