Merano WineFestival 2026
The future of wine comes together in Merano.
This is the idea that shapes the 2026 edition: from award-winning excellence to new interpretations of wine, from historic regions to emerging producers, and on to the trends that are redefining the relationship between quality, authenticity and new ways of enjoying wine.
For five days, the Kurhaus and the city of Merano will welcome producers, chefs, winemakers, professionals and enthusiasts from many different backgrounds, brought together by the desire to share experiences, knowledge and visions.
Our sincere gratitude goes to all those whose work and passion make this event possible.
We invite you to experience the Merano WineFestival 2026 with curiosity, and to let yourself be surprised not only by what the world of wine is today, but also by what it may become tomorrow.
35 years of excellence. The future begins once again in Merano.
A special lead-up event to the 35th edition of the Merano WineFestival, set in the striking surroundings of the Merano Racecourse. A day where wine, territory and lifestyle meet, with a selection of outstanding food and wine and tastings designed to give a foretaste of the Festival atmosphere.
The Anteprima Merano WineFestival in Lagundo offers a tasting of more than 200 Italian labels selected by The WineHunter Helmuth Köcher, paired with outstanding regional and Italian gastronomic specialities.
An event that anticipates the themes, trends and atmosphere of the 35th edition of the Merano WineFestival, giving visitors a first taste of the experience that will come to life in Merano in November.
Official opening of the Merano WineFestival & the Earth Market, Slow Wine Alto Adige
The summit will focus on the new frontiers of scientific research applied to viticulture and oenology, with particular attention to the challenges posed by climate change and the opportunities offered by technological innovation.
With contributions from researchers at several Italian universities, it will explore strategies to protect the vine from environmental stress, the applications of artificial intelligence in wine preservation, and the role of wine's components in quality and sensory perception. A dedicated session will also look at terroir and its influence on the identity of wines, with an in-depth focus on South Tyrolean Gewürztraminer.
Please note: the summit will be held in English.
A tasting route devoted to the most innovative and sustainable visions of wine, bringing together producers and companies that interpret the future through research, respect for the environment and contemporary winemaking creativity.
On tasting: organic, biodynamic and natural wines, SQNPI, amphora wines, UnderWaterWines, no/low alcohol, PIWI
An exclusive tasting route created by Helmuth Köcher, bringing together the 10 best Italian oenologists, personally selected by him.
Meet the oenologists in person and talk with them about their production philosophy and technical choices.
Selected partners and exhibitors present high-quality products, innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies in harmony with the world of wine and gastronomy.
The WineHunter Area is the official enoteca of the festival, bringing together labels from all over Italy and abroad, selected for their excellence and their ability to interpret the latest trends in the world of wine.
The GourmetArena is entirely devoted to the Food, Spirits & Beer tasting route, with more than 100 selected companies – gastronomic producers, wine and food protection consortia and regions – enriched by show-cooking sessions.
The GourmetArena also hosts two dedicated sections: the No/Low Alcohol area, focusing on the new trends in low- and zero-alcohol drinking, and the WineHunter Rosé Selection, dedicated to showcasing rosé wines.
Along the red carpet that runs down Corso Libertà, the beating heart of Merano, talks, tastings and show cooking follow one another, turning the city into a place of sharing, discovery and food and wine culture.
By the Enoteca’s chefs
Lunchtime aperitivo
Black pork prosciutto and a selection of typical Abruzzo charcuterie: salame aquilano, mortadella di Campotosto, ventricina vastese and ventricina teramana
Local cheeses: canestrato di Castel del Monte, pecorino di Farindola and goat’s cheese
Sourdough bread from the Marsica with new-season extra virgin olive oil
Bread and ventricina teramana
The chef’s special
Lunch
Legume and grain salad with white onion from Fara Filiorum Petri
Dinner
Fracchiata, ferfellone e sardelle – Chickpea and grass pea polenta with sweet pepper from Altino and desalted sardines
Scrippelle ’mbusse – Crêpes in a broth of black Atri hen, filled with its meat
Press office managed by SM Studio
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
A discussion on the relationship between wine, health and longevity, exploring the value of moderation and conviviality in the light of scientific evidence. An opportunity to discuss the role of wine in the Mediterranean Diet and the importance of promoting a culture of responsible consumption, without overlooking its risks.
In collaboration with Signorvino.
Speakers: Giovanni Scapagnini, Federico Veronesi and Helmuth Köcher.
Tastings guided by producers, oenologists and outstanding speakers: every Masterclass is a sensory journey through a territory, a grape variety or a production philosophy.
- Calvisius with Le Anfore Di Elena Casadei, Marisa Cuomo, Casale Del Giglio: Rotta Italia: Three Lands, Three Wines, Three Calvisius Caviars
- Bottega SpA - Stefano Bottega: Identity in motion: the expressions of Prosecco. From the root to the glass.
- Blasi Cantina: discovering upper Umbria
- Tenuta Malavasi and its winemaking peculiarities on Lake Garda
- Tenute Ballasanti and Etna: a Dialogue between Science and Archetypes
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
Presentation of the European project “Grapes of Change”, dedicated to gender equality in the wine sector, sharing the first results of the first European Observatory on gender discrimination in the world of wine. An initiative led by Italy, aimed at promoting greater equity and inclusion in the sector.
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
More than 60 Rieslings from wineries all over Italy will take centre stage at the tasting on Friday 6 November.
At 4.00 pm the winner of the Giornate del Riesling will be announced.
A celebration of excellence in the world of food and wine, with the presentation of the Honour Awards and the Cult Oenologist recognitions, together with the award ceremony for the products honoured with the prestigious The WineHunter Award Platinum.
Luigi D’Alife is a Calabrian DJ, journalist, radio host and television presenter, active for years in communication, music and entertainment.
Daniele Palma is a versatile, eclectic saxophonist and a qualified saxophone teacher in secondary schools, on an artistic path that joins a solid academic training to a strong calling for the stage and live performance.
A Gala Dinner bringing together distinguished guests, VIPs, journalists and buyers.
The stars of the evening will be five chefs who are members of Teritoria (a collection of more than 300 Maisons et Tables sensationnelles in Europe, with Alain Ducasse as Brand President), who will create an exclusive culinary journey, accompanying the evening and the award ceremony of The WineHunter Stars.
The Teritoria Chefs:
1. Arcangelo Tinari - Villa Maiella: 1 Michelin Star
2. Massimo Spigaroli - Antica Corte Pallavicina: 1 Michelin Star
3. Giacomo Devoto - Locanda De Banchieri: 1 Michelin Star
4. Anna Ghisolfi - Anna Ghisolfi Ristorante
5. Sarah Bertocchi and Fabrizio Molteni - Frosch Restaurant
The WineHunter Stars 2026:
1. Roberto Cipresso (Winemaker)
2. Beppe Palmieri (maître-sommelier of Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana)
3. “Peppone” - Giuseppe Calabrese (RAI TV presenter)
4. Azienda Livio Felluga (in memory of Livio Felluga)
5. Cristina Mercuri (first Italian woman Master of Wine)
The section dedicated to the finest Italian wineries, selected for their ability to express the authentic character of their territory and interpret it with excellence. Here, great names and small artisan producers meet, united by quality and a passion for their work.
The section dedicated to the finest Italian wineries, selected for their ability to express the authentic character of their territory and interpret it with excellence. Here, great names and small artisan producers meet, united by quality and a passion for their work.
A stage dedicated to the best producers from all over the world, where excellence and diversity come together in one great tasting experience.
From the Old to the New World, every sip becomes a bridge between different cultures and stories, letting you explore the variety and richness of the global wine scene.
CERVIM, the leading international body for the promotion of heroic and mountain viticulture, brings to the Merano WineFestival a selection of labels from Italy and more than 10 other countries, expressions of extreme terroirs, distinctive native grape varieties and unique productions.
The WineHunter Area is the official enoteca of the festival, bringing together labels from all over Italy and abroad, selected for their excellence and their ability to interpret the latest trends in the world of wine.
Selected partners and exhibitors present high-quality products, innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies in harmony with the world of wine and gastronomy.
The GourmetArena is entirely devoted to the Food, Spirits & Beer tasting route, with more than 100 selected companies – gastronomic producers, wine and food protection consortia and regions – enriched by show-cooking sessions.
The GourmetArena also hosts two dedicated sections: the No/Low Alcohol area, focusing on the new trends in low- and zero-alcohol drinking, and the WineHunter Rosé Selection, dedicated to showcasing rosé wines.
Tastings guided by producers, oenologists and outstanding speakers: every Masterclass is a sensory journey through a territory, a grape variety or a production philosophy.
- Monsupello and its Metodo Classico wines - Pinot Nero and Chardonnay: the elegance of time
- Bosio: Franciacorta Riserva Pas Dosé “Girolamo Bosio”: vertical tasting
- Nicola Biasi Consulting Srl: The Eleventh Collection – directed by Nicola Biasi
- Ferrari: Guardians of Time - Six Magnums from the Ferrari Trento Family Archive
- Azienda Agricola Gozzelino Sergio: Lorenzo Gozzelino's Monferrato between innovation and tradition
- Leoni Wine Cosulting Srl: beyond Organic – the ZEI Protocol & VINE without chemicals
- CERVIM: Heroic Viticulture: when nature, climate and people push beyond the limits
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
Relatori: Andrea Pala, Giorgio Stock
With Karine De Souze, Helmuth Koecher, Nelson de Andrade Junior (Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture – MAPA), Prof. Marcello Vargas (lecturer and trainer in the Brazilian wine sector), Cristian Silva (Brazilian wine producer)
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
A talk dedicated to the stories of 90 women who are leading figures in the world of wine, told through their experiences, passions and professional journeys.
An opportunity to discover first-hand women's contribution to change and to the evolution of the wine sector.
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
Luigi D’Alife is a Calabrian DJ, journalist, radio host and television presenter, active for years in communication, music and entertainment.
Daniele Palma is a versatile, eclectic saxophonist and a qualified saxophone teacher in secondary schools, on an artistic path that joins a solid academic training to a strong calling for the stage and live performance.
A toast to the identity of the territory, an authentic dialogue on an engaging journey between the historical heritage of the Women's Museum and the native excellences of the Donne del Vino of Trentino-Alto Adige.
Along the red carpet that runs down Corso Libertà, the beating heart of Merano, talks, tastings and show cooking follow one another, turning the city into a place of sharing, discovery and food and wine culture.
By the Enoteca’s chefs
Lunchtime aperitivo
Black pork prosciutto and a selection of typical Abruzzo charcuterie: salame aquilano, mortadella di Campotosto, ventricina vastese and ventricina teramana
Local cheeses: canestrato di Castel del Monte, pecorino di Farindola and goat’s cheese
Sourdough bread from the Marsica with new-season extra virgin olive oil
Bread and ventricina teramana
The chef’s special
Lunch
Vegetables in scapece (marinated in vinegar)
Dinner
Chitarrina alla teramana with small beef meatballs and a three-meat sauce
Goat Nereto-style, with Montepulciano wine and peppers
Press office managed by SM Studio
The Giosuè Mazzei Trio offers an evening of great musical sensitivity, where jazz meets the Italian singer-songwriter tradition. The repertoire combines original compositions with well-known songs reimagined through improvisation and reinterpreted with pared-back vocals, woven together with acoustic nuances and the careful dynamics and colours of the drums. The result is a refined and engaging setting, designed to lead the audience through a fluid listening experience between melodic sensitivity and rhythmic drive.
The section dedicated to the finest Italian wineries, selected for their ability to express the authentic character of their territory and interpret it with excellence. Here, great names and small artisan producers meet, united by quality and a passion for their work.
The section dedicated to the finest Italian wineries, selected for their ability to express the authentic character of their territory and interpret it with excellence. Here, great names and small artisan producers meet, united by quality and a passion for their work.
A stage dedicated to the best producers from all over the world, where excellence and diversity come together in one great tasting experience.
From the Old to the New World, every sip becomes a bridge between different cultures and stories, letting you explore the variety and richness of the global wine scene.
CERVIM, the leading international body for the promotion of heroic and mountain viticulture, brings to the Merano WineFestival a selection of labels from Italy and more than 10 other countries, expressions of extreme terroirs, distinctive native grape varieties and unique productions.
The WineHunter Area is the official enoteca of the festival, bringing together labels from all over Italy and abroad, selected for their excellence and their ability to interpret the latest trends in the world of wine.
Selected partners and exhibitors present high-quality products, innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies in harmony with the world of wine and gastronomy.
The GourmetArena is entirely devoted to the Food, Spirits & Beer tasting route, with more than 100 selected companies – gastronomic producers, wine and food protection consortia and regions – enriched by show-cooking sessions.
The GourmetArena also hosts two dedicated sections: the No/Low Alcohol area, focusing on the new trends in low- and zero-alcohol drinking, and the WineHunter Rosé Selection, dedicated to showcasing rosé wines.
Along the red carpet that runs down Corso Libertà, the beating heart of Merano, talks, tastings and show cooking follow one another, turning the city into a place of sharing, discovery and food and wine culture.
Lunch
By the Enoteca’s chefs
Pallotte cac’e ove – Cheese and egg dumplings in a sauce of Abruzzo pear tomatoes
Sagne e fasciule – Ancient-grain pasta with tondino del Tavo beans
Tastings guided by producers, oenologists and outstanding speakers: every Masterclass is a sensory journey through a territory, a grape variety or a production philosophy.
- Bersi Serlini: Pinotèn, Bersi Serlini's first Blanc de Noirs
- Guerrini: Pinot Nero has a new address: Umbria
- Tenuta Villa Trasqua: 1000 Miglia of viticulture
- Zýmē di Celestino Gaspari: "LA MATTONARA" Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva D.O.C.G.
- Podere La Regola: The Cabernet Franc of the Tuscan Coast - Riparbella
- Dievole: Geography of a vision – Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Estates
- Regione Campania: Campania, whites in evolution
Press office managed by SM Studio
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
Antonio Tubelli — cook and historian of Neapolitan cuisine, Napoli
Lino Scarallo — Ristorante Palazzo Petrucci, Napoli
Giuseppe Aversa — Ristorante Il Buco, Sorrento
Speakers: Francesca Dei Santi with Gioia Bacoccoli
Wines tasted:
1. Palazzone – Campo del Guardiano 2018, Orvieto Classico Superiore DOC
2. Casaioli – Fontinius 2020, Trasimeno Gamay DOC
3. Lungarotti – Rubesco Riserva Vigna Monticchio 2016, Torgiano Rosso Riserva DOCG
4. Goretti – Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG 2019
5. Antonelli San Marco – Chiusa di Pannone 2020, Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG
A talk dedicated to discovering wines, territories and producers, presented through a personal and passionate selection.
An opportunity to get to know the guide and explore the stories and excellences it features.
Luigi D’Alife is a Calabrian DJ, journalist, radio host and television presenter, active for years in communication, music and entertainment.
Daniele Palma is a versatile, eclectic saxophonist and a qualified saxophone teacher in secondary schools, on an artistic path that joins a solid academic training to a strong calling for the stage and live performance.
Grand Tasting Campania Wine, featuring the wines of the three Consortia.
With chef William Zonfa: Mezzo pacchero with mushroom concentrate, roasted mushrooms, almonds and truffle
With chef William Zonfa: Risotto with sheep’s ricotta, hazelnuts and truffle
The section dedicated to the finest Italian wineries, selected for their ability to express the authentic character of their territory and interpret it with excellence. Here, great names and small artisan producers meet, united by quality and a passion for their work.
The section dedicated to the finest Italian wineries, selected for their ability to express the authentic character of their territory and interpret it with excellence. Here, great names and small artisan producers meet, united by quality and a passion for their work.
A stage dedicated to the best producers from all over the world, where excellence and diversity come together in one great tasting experience.
From the Old to the New World, every sip becomes a bridge between different cultures and stories, letting you explore the variety and richness of the global wine scene.
CERVIM, the leading international body for the promotion of heroic and mountain viticulture, brings to the Merano WineFestival a selection of labels from Italy and more than 10 other countries, expressions of extreme terroirs, distinctive native grape varieties and unique productions.
The WineHunter Area is the official enoteca of the festival, bringing together labels from all over Italy and abroad, selected for their excellence and their ability to interpret the latest trends in the world of wine.
Selected partners and exhibitors present high-quality products, innovative solutions and cutting-edge technologies in harmony with the world of wine and gastronomy.
The GourmetArena is entirely devoted to the Food, Spirits & Beer tasting route, with more than 100 selected companies – gastronomic producers, wine and food protection consortia and regions – enriched by show-cooking sessions.
The GourmetArena also hosts two dedicated sections: the No/Low Alcohol area, focusing on the new trends in low- and zero-alcohol drinking, and the WineHunter Rosé Selection, dedicated to showcasing rosé wines.
Along the red carpet that runs down Corso Libertà, the beating heart of Merano, talks, tastings and show cooking follow one another, turning the city into a place of sharing, discovery and food and wine culture.
By the Enoteca’s chefs
Lunchtime aperitivo
Black pork prosciutto and a selection of typical Abruzzo charcuterie: salame aquilano, mortadella di Campotosto, ventricina vastese and ventricina teramana
Local cheeses: canestrato di Castel del Monte, pecorino di Farindola and goat’s cheese
Sourdough bread from the Marsica with new-season extra virgin olive oil
Bread and ventricina teramana
The chef’s special
Lunch with showcooking
Pipindun’e ove – peppers and eggs
Tastings guided by producers, oenologists and outstanding speakers: every Masterclass is a sensory journey through a territory, a grape variety or a production philosophy.
- Weingut Nikolaihof: a story more than 2000 years long, reaching the present day
- Gaffino Vigneti E Cantina: Gaffino's “volcanic” Roma DOC
- Cocchi: Alta Langa Pinot Nero and Alta Langa Chardonnay: Giulio Cocchi's Pas Dosé
- Alessio Komjanc & Figli: "Wein Secession": vines through time
- Cantine Scolari: A journey through the Valtènesi with Cantine Scolari
Speakers: Chiara Bersi Serlini, Artur Vaso
Wines tasted:
- Brut Cuvee n.4 Millesimato - a historic vintage bottle
- Surprise bottle - the emblematic bottle of our winery
- Extra brut Serì 2021 - screen-printed bottle in a limited edition of 5,000 bottles celebrating 50 years since the first harvest
- Pinotèn - 100% Pinot Nero vinified as a white wine, Dosaggio Zero, 2019 vintage
Masterclass Campania Wine, comparing the different territories and grape varieties of Campania
Gourmet Campania · «Sfumature di Gusto»: Campania’s showcookings in the GourmetArena.
Lino Scarallo — Ristorante Palazzo Petrucci, Napoli
Antonio Tubelli — cook and historian of Neapolitan cuisine, Napoli
Giuseppe Aversa — Ristorante Il Buco, Sorrento
Umberto De Martino — Ristorante Umberto De Martino, Bergamo
Speaker: Paolo Porfidio, Head Sommelier at Terrazza Gallia, Milan
Press office managed by SM Studio
A grand finale for the 35th edition of the Merano WineFestival, with a day entirely devoted to the sparkling world of Italian and international bubbles, paired with a selection of top-tier gastronomic specialities, including caviar, oysters and other gourmet delicacies.
