Wine Festival Calendar

Italy's national open-cellar weekend, when hundreds of wineries across all 20 regions throw open their doors for tastings, vineyard tours, and food pairings. Organised by the Movimento Turismo del Vino, it is the country's largest coordinated wine tourism event and a fantastic way to discover small producers.

The world's most celebrated charity wine auction, held at Meadowood Napa Valley since 1981. Three days of exclusive barrel tastings, vintner-hosted dinners, and the signature live auction have raised over $200 million for community health and education. Attendance is limited and tickets sell out rapidly.

The legendary Château Musar — one of the Middle East's most iconic wineries — opens its Ghazir cellars and historic caves for an annual open day. Vertical tastings spanning multiple decades, cellar tours, and winemaker talks celebrate a house that famously never stopped production during the Lebanese Civil War. A pilgrimage for wine lovers worldwide.

One of the world's largest international wine and spirits trade fairs, held at the Bordeaux Exhibition Centre. Industry professionals gather for business meetings, tastings, and trend showcases from producers across 30+ countries. A biennial event that alternates with Bordeaux Fête le Vin.

A major regional trade fair and public festival celebrating Champagne wines and local products of the Aube department. Combines large-scale exhibitions with champagne tastings from smaller grower-producers rarely found outside the region. A more local, less tourist-heavy alternative to Épernay events.

The Dão wine region's annual showcase in the historic city of Viseu, featuring tastings from 50+ producers of Touriga Nacional and Encruzado wines. The festival takes place in the atmospheric old town, with live music and regional gastronomy. An excellent introduction to one of Portugal's most underrated wine regions.

The rolling hills of Goriška Brda — Slovenia's answer to Tuscany — host this beloved dual celebration of cherries and wine each June. Local rebula (ribolla gialla), malvazija, and merlot flow freely alongside fresh cherries, cherry liqueurs, and regional delicacies. The festival takes place in the hilltop village of Šmartno with panoramic views across the vineyards to Italy.

Bordeaux's signature wine festival transforms the UNESCO-listed Garonne riverfront into a four-day celebration of regional wines and gastronomy. Over 80 appellations set up pavilions along the quays, with masterclass tastings, live music, and fireworks. Held biennially in even years since 1998, it draws half a million visitors.

The world's greatest concentration of centenary wineries, clustered around Haro's historic railway station, opens for a single weekend. López de Heredia, Muga, CVNE, Roda, Bodegas Bilbaínas, and La Rioja Alta pour their finest wines in their own cellars. An extraordinary, intimate tasting experience at iconic bodegas.

A nationwide celebration of English and Welsh wine, coordinated by WineGB. Over 150 vineyards across England open their doors for tastings, tours, and special events. The week highlights England's world-class sparkling wines — increasingly compared to Champagne — along with still Bacchus, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir. It's the best way to explore England's booming wine scene.

Porto's riotous midsummer festival is the city's biggest party, with the port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia playing a central role. While officially a saints' day celebration, port wine flows freely along the Ribeira waterfront, and several lodges host special tastings and events. Fireworks over the Douro at midnight are legendary.

Thousands of people drench each other in red wine on the hillside of Riscos de Bilibio above Haro each June 29th. This centuries-old celebration honouring San Pedro and San Felices is Spain's messiest wine festival — participants arrive in white and leave dyed purple. A joyous, raucous tradition.

A summer cultural festival in the medieval abbey town of Cluny, combining classical music performances with wine tastings from southern Burgundy producers. Concerts take place in the Romanesque abbey ruins, and vignerons from Mâconnais and Beaujolais pour during intervals.

A summer tasting event at the Santo Wines cooperative, perched on the Santorini caldera rim with views of the volcano and sunset. Santorini's volcanic Assyrtiko wines are the star, paired with Greek meze and live music as the sun sets over the Aegean. One of the most spectacular wine tasting settings on Earth.

Sussex — the epicentre of English sparkling wine — hosts this celebration of its chalky-soiled vineyards along the South Downs. Producers like Nyetimber, Wiston, Ridgeview, and Rathfinny pour their award-winning blanc de blancs and rosé fizz. Vineyard tours, sabrage demonstrations, and local charcuterie make it a quintessentially English affair.

The largest wine festival in the eastern United States, held at Watkins Glen International raceway. Over 80 Finger Lakes wineries pour their Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, and cool-climate reds, alongside food vendors, live music, and craft vendors. Camping on-site is available for a full weekend experience.

The Muscadet wine region's annual celebration in the Italianate town of Clisson, near Nantes. Producers from the Sèvre et Maine, Côtes de Grandlieu, and Coteaux de la Loire pour their sur lie wines alongside local seafood. The picturesque riverside setting adds charm to this affordable, authentic festival.

Montpellier's celebration of Languedoc wine brings together producers from across France's largest wine region. Held on the Place de la Comédie, the festival showcases the extraordinary diversity of Languedoc terroirs — from coastal Picpoul to mountain Minervois — at remarkably affordable prices.

A celebration of Portugal's iconic Vinho Verde in the beautiful medieval town of Ponte de Lima. Producers from across the Minho region pour their fresh, light wines alongside local cuisine. The festival highlights the astonishing diversity of Vinho Verde — from sparkling Loureiro to still Alvarinho.

In the high-altitude vineyards of São Joaquim, Santa Catarina (at 1,400m elevation), this winter festival celebrates Brazil's most exciting new wine frontier. Altitude wines from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc grown in volcanic soils rival traditional regions. The crisp mountain air, occasional frost, and dramatic highland scenery create a unique tasting experience quite unlike the tropical Brazil most visitors expect.

Japan's most prestigious wine competition and accompanying public tasting festival, held in Kōshū, the heartland of Japanese winemaking in Yamanashi Prefecture. Over 700 wines from across Japan are judged, and the public tasting event allows visitors to sample award-winners alongside local food. The event has been instrumental in raising the profile of Japanese wine internationally.

The world's premier Pinot Noir event, held on the campus of Linfield University in McMinnville since 1987. Three days of masterclasses, al fresco meals prepared by top chefs, and blind tastings featuring 70+ Pinot Noir producers from Oregon, Burgundy, and beyond. A bucket-list event for Pinot lovers.

Hampshire's vineyards, spread across the chalky slopes of the North and South Downs, open for a weekend celebration of the county's growing wine reputation. Producers like Hambledon Vineyard — one of England's oldest commercial vineyards — and Hattingley Valley pour their sparkling and still wines. Workshops on English viticulture and food matching are popular features.

Celebrating véraison — the moment grapes change colour — this medieval festival takes over the hilltop village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Costumed parades, street theatre, troubadours, and tastings from the village's famed domaines create an authentically Provençal atmosphere.

The birthplace of Albariño celebrates its star grape with Spain's oldest wine festival, running since 1953. Producers from across Rías Baixas pour their crisp whites alongside Galician seafood on the main square. Declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, it is the definitive Albariño experience.

One of England's oldest and largest vineyards, Three Choirs in Gloucestershire hosts a popular summer open day with guided vineyard walks, winery tours, and tastings of their award-winning still and sparkling wines. Set in 75 acres of vines in the Severn Vale, it's a perfect introduction to English winemaking with a restaurant, lodge accommodation, and gift shop on site.

Three days of food and wine experiences at 40+ Barossa Valley wineries. Each winery pairs a signature dish with their wines, prepared by local chefs. The format encourages leisurely exploration of the valley, with each stop offering a unique culinary and wine pairing. One of Australia's top food and wine weekends.

Ten days of Rheingau wine in the elegant spa city of Wiesbaden, where over 100 Rheingau producers set up stands along the Wilhelmstraße promenade. The festival celebrates the Rheingau's world-class Rieslings and Spätburgunders, with live music stages, food vendors, and a relaxed, sociable atmosphere.

Manduria's celebration of its signature Primitivo grape in the heart of Puglia's sun-drenched wine country. Local producers pour rich, fruit-forward Primitivo di Manduria DOC alongside traditional Puglian street food. The festival highlights the renaissance of southern Italian winemaking and the ancient vine heritage of Salento.

The Annapolis Valley's celebration of its distinctive cool-climate wines, featuring the unique Tidal Bay appellation — North America's first geographically defined wine. Winery tours, lobster and wine pairings, and live music set against the beauty of the Bay of Fundy. The festival highlights L'Acadie Blanc and other hybrids suited to the maritime climate.

The largest wine fair in Alsace, running for 10 days at the Colmar Exhibition Centre. Over 300 Alsatian winemakers pour their Rieslings, Gewürztraminers, and Crémants alongside live music, food stalls, and cooking demonstrations. It is the single best place to taste the breadth of Alsace wine in one visit.

The Garden of England opens its vineyard gates for a weekend trail linking over 20 Kent wineries. Visitors follow self-guided routes through the Weald and Downs, sampling still and sparkling wines at each stop. Chapel Down, Hush Heath, Biddenden, and Gusbourne are among the participating estates. Local food producers, live music, and vineyard picnics complete the experience.

The Middle Mosel's largest wine festival, set in the picture-postcard half-timbered town of Bernkastel-Kues. For five days each September, the town's medieval market square transforms into an open-air wine bar, with over 40 Mosel Riesling producers pouring. Fireworks over the river and a festival parade are highlights.

The hilltop castle town of Palmela hosts the Setúbal Peninsula's biggest harvest celebration. Grape-stomping in the castle courtyard, wine tastings from Castelão-based producers, a harvest parade through cobbled streets, and fireworks make this one of the most atmospheric harvest festivals near Lisbon.

Georgia's ancient grape harvest (rtveli) is a communal family tradition in the Kakheti wine region. Families and guests participate in picking, treading grapes in traditional qvevri (clay vessels), and feasting at supra banquets with polyphonic singing. An 8,000-year-old winemaking tradition made accessible to visitors.

Madeira's annual wine harvest festival takes over Funchal and the island's vineyards throughout September. Highlights include grape-treading at Câmara de Lobos, folkloric performances, live music on the waterfront, and tastings of Madeira's unique fortified wines. The backdrop of Atlantic ocean and volcanic mountains is unforgettable.

Logroño's week-long harvest festival in September includes the ceremonial grape treading, free wine distribution from the fountain in Paseo del Espolón, concerts, bullfights, and fireworks. The highlight is the grape-stomping contest and the blessing of the must at the Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda.

China's premier wine industry event, held annually at the Ningxia International Convention Center in Yinchuan. The expo brings together producers from the Helan Mountain appellation alongside international wineries, with large-scale tastings, trade sessions, and vineyard tours across the Helan Mountain East Foothills. It is the single most important showcase for China's rapidly developing wine scene.

Held in the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, this festival showcases wines from the Târnave, Lechința, and Alba Iulia sub-regions of Transylvania. Over 40 local producers pour indigenous varieties like Fetească Albă and Fetească Regală alongside artisan foods. The UNESCO World Heritage setting makes it one of Romania's most atmospheric wine events.

Ontario's largest wine festival has been running since 1952, featuring a Grande Parade through downtown St. Catharines, 100+ events at wineries across the region, and the Discovery Pass for self-guided wine touring. The September timing coincides with the main harvest, making it ideal for vineyard visits.

The world's most convivial marathon winds through 59 prestigious Médoc châteaux, with wine and food stations instead of energy gels. Runners dress in elaborate costumes and the route passes through some of Bordeaux's greatest vineyards. The atmosphere is more carnival than competition.

Held in the central piazza of Greve in Chianti each September, this festival brings together Chianti Classico producers for an annual tasting showcase. Visitors taste wines from across the DOCG while enjoying the Tuscan hill-town atmosphere, local food, and live music. One of the most accessible ways to explore Chianti Classico.

The ancient Phoenician coastal town of Batroun hosts this celebration of its emerging wine district. Wineries like IXSIR, Atibaia, and Adyar pour wines grown in the limestone hills above the Mediterranean. The festival's seaside setting, fresh seafood, and blend of local and international visitors make it one of Lebanon's most relaxed wine events. Batroun is increasingly recognised as a serious wine terroir.

The official proclamation of the Côtes du Rhône harvest, held in Avignon's Palais des Papes. The ceremony includes a blessing of the grapes, barrel tastings of the new vintage, and a grand outdoor dinner in the papal courtyard. A formal but festive opening to the southern Rhône harvest season.

The Douro Valley's official harvest festival in Peso da Régua, celebrating the ancient grape-treading tradition in granite lagares. Visitors can join the treading, taste ports and Douro reds, cruise the river, and enjoy live fado music. The terraced vineyard scenery along the Douro River is spectacular.

A centuries-old ceremonial harvest proclamation by the Jurade brotherhood, held from the top of the Tour du Roy in the medieval village of Saint-Émilion. The ceremony includes inductions of new members and a public proclamation of the harvest, followed by open-air tastings and festivities throughout the village.

The world's largest wine festival, despite its misleading name ('sausage market'). Held annually since 1417, the Wurstmarkt draws over 600,000 visitors to this Pfalz town for nine days of wine drinking from the giant Dürkheimer Fass (world's largest wine barrel) and dozens of wine stands. Pure German Gemütlichkeit.

Panzano in Chianti's intimate September festival, where the village's legendary producers — including Dario Cecchini's famous butcher shop — host open tastings in their cellars and on the piazza. A deeply authentic, village-scale event that feels more like a neighbourhood party than a wine fair.

Prince Edward County's premier food and wine event showcases this emerging Ontario wine region's cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay. Winery open houses, chef collaborations, and farm-to-table dinners highlight the region's artisan food scene. The charming county's limestone terroir is increasingly compared to Burgundy.

A grape harvest celebration in the heart of Piedmont's Barolo DOCG zone. The weekend features vineyard walks, open-cellar tastings at top producers, truffle hunts, and a grand palio-style procession through the hilltop village. An authentic, non-commercial experience in one of Italy's greatest wine villages.

Held in the Yoichi wine district outside Sapporo, this festival highlights Hokkaido's rapidly growing wine scene. Cool-climate varieties like Pinot Noir, Kerner, and Zweigelt thrive in Hokkaido's terroir, often compared to Germany and Alsace. Local seafood pairings — uni, crab, and scallops — make this a unique gastronomic wine experience.

A running event through Istria's vineyards with wine and food stations along the route, combining sport with Croatian wine tourism. The route passes through olive groves and vineyards, with stops at family wineries for Malvazija and Teran tastings. Shorter walk options make it accessible to non-runners.

The professional wine trade fair of South America, held in Bento Gonçalves, the heart of Brazilian wine country. Over 300 exhibitors from Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and international producers present to trade buyers. Technical seminars, winemaker panels, and innovation showcases focus on the future of South American wine. An essential event for understanding Brazil's wine industry beyond the tourist trail.

The medieval walled town of Laguardia celebrates the Rioja Alavesa harvest with grape-stomping, traditional txalaparta music, wine tastings in the centuries-old underground cellars beneath the town, and a harvest-queen crowning. The stunning setting — perched on a ridge with vineyard views — makes this one of Spain's most photogenic harvest festivals.

In the hills of northeastern Romania, Cotnari celebrates a winemaking tradition stretching back to the 15th century. This harvest festival focuses on the famed Grasa de Cotnari dessert wine and the Tămâioasă Românească aromatic variety. Vineyard walks, traditional Moldavian cuisine, and folk performances make it a genuine rural wine experience.

Lebanon's heartland wine region — the Bekaa Valley — celebrates its grape harvest with open-cellar days at major estates including Château Ksara, Château Kefraya, and Domaine des Tourelles. The Bekaa's unique terroir at 1,000m elevation, with 300 days of sunshine and cool nights, produces distinctive reds from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, and indigenous varieties. Harvest picnics in the vineyards with panoramic views of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains are the highlight.

Dobrogea's largest wine harvest celebration at the historic Murfatlar vineyards near the Black Sea coast. Traditional grape stomping, folk dancing, and open-air tastings of the region's signature Muscat Ottonel, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. The warm maritime climate makes for a reliable late-September celebration.

Western Canada's largest wine celebration transforms the Okanagan Valley into a 10-day tasting extravaganza. Over 170 events across 100+ wineries include vineyard dinners, grape stomps, barrel tastings, and the famous Burrowing Owl concert. The harvest-season timing means freshly crushed juice is flowing alongside finished wines.

Romania's most prestigious red wine region celebrates its harvest with open-cellar weekends across wineries in Dealu Mare. Producers like SERVE, Budureasca, and Lacerta open their doors for vertical tastings, vineyard tours, and pairing dinners. The rolling hills of Muntenia provide a stunning backdrop for this emerging wine tourism destination.

Moldova's biggest annual celebration of its winemaking heritage takes over central Chișinău for two days. Over 70 wineries set up tasting pavilions, with folk music, traditional food, and grape-treading contests. The event highlights Moldova's 5,000-year winemaking tradition and its massive underground cellars at Mileștii Mici and Cricova.

The town of Katsunuma in Yamanashi Prefecture — Japan's answer to Napa Valley — hosts this lively grape and wine festival each October. Visitors can pick Kōshū grapes, join open-cellar tastings at over 30 local wineries, and enjoy grape-stomping competitions. It's the most accessible Japanese wine event for international visitors, with many wineries offering English materials.

Lebanon's premier wine festival transforms the Hippodrome du Parc de Beyrouth into a three-day celebration of Lebanese wine. Over 30 producers from the Bekaa Valley, Batroun, Mount Lebanon, and the South pour their wines to an enthusiastic Beirut crowd. Live music, DJ sets, and Lebanese mezze create a uniquely vibrant atmosphere. The event has become a cultural touchstone for Lebanon's wine renaissance.

Paris's beloved grape harvest festival celebrates the tiny Clos Montmartre vineyard in the 18th arrondissement. Five days of parades, concerts, fireworks, and tastings transform the hilltop neighbourhood. Despite being in Paris, it's a genuine harvest celebration — they really do pick grapes from the 2,000 vines.

The Drăgășani wine region in Oltenia celebrates its harvest with a weekend of local wine, food, and folk traditions. Known for indigenous grape Negru de Drăgășani and the aromatic Crâmpoșie, this festival highlights a lesser-known but rapidly improving corner of Romanian winemaking. Live music, grape-stomping, and traditional costumes add to the charm.

Virginia declares October its official wine month, with 300+ wineries across the state hosting special events, tastings, and harvest celebrations. The concentration around Charlottesville and Monticello wine trail is particularly strong, with open houses, food pairings, and live music at estates in the Blue Ridge foothills.

The world's most prestigious truffle market held every weekend in October-November in Alba. White Alba truffles (Tuber magnatum pico) auctioned and sold alongside Barolo and Barbaresco from 50+ producers; truffle hunters, cooking demos, wine pairings. Running since 1929, it draws chefs, sommeliers, and food lovers from across the world to the Langhe hills.

The historic town of Tokaj celebrates the harvest of its legendary sweet wine grapes with a weekend of folk music, traditional grape-treading, open cellars, and a harvest parade. Tokaji Aszú, once called 'the wine of kings,' is the star, alongside dry Furmint wines that are rapidly gaining international acclaim.

Aranda de Duero's harvest festival celebrates the Tempranillo grape in Spain's other great red wine region. Grape-treading contests, tastings in the medieval underground bodegas beneath the town, roast lamb from the famous wood ovens, and a harvest queen parade. The underground cellars are a unique and atmospheric tasting venue.

The capital of Cava country celebrates its sparkling wine heritage with a weekend of tastings, vineyard tours, food pairings, and live music. Over 30 Cava houses open their doors, and the town's main square becomes an open-air tasting room. The best place to discover artisan Cava from small producers.

Nagano Prefecture, Japan's second-largest wine region, hosts this annual summit showcasing wines from its four distinct sub-regions: Kikyōgahara, Chikumagawa, Tenryūgawa, and Nihon Alps. Over 40 Nagano wineries pour alongside local cheeses, soba noodles, and mountain cuisine. The event coincides with Nagano's spectacular autumn foliage season.

While primarily a truffle fair, Alba's iconic autumn market is inseparable from Piedmont wine culture. Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, and Barbera tastings accompany the white truffle auction and market. Running since 1929, it draws chefs, foodies, and wine lovers from around the world to the Langhe hills.

One of Europe's largest public wine tastings, held aboard twelve ships moored on Lake Zurich. Over 4,000 wines from 180 exhibitors across Switzerland and the world are available for tasting in the unique floating venue. Running since 1954, it has become a Zurich institution every November.

A weekend of food and wine events across 30+ Hawke's Bay wineries and restaurants. Each venue creates a unique event — from long-table lunches in barrel halls to seafood picnics in the vines. The region's Art Deco heritage and Mediterranean climate add a distinctive character unlike any other NZ wine event.

A boutique wine festival at the National Museum of Art, showcasing over 50 Romanian producers alongside international guests. Winemakers pour their own wines and discuss terroir directly with visitors. Focus is on premium and natural wines from Dealu Mare, Drăgășani, and emerging regions.

Romania's largest consumer wine fair takes over the Romexpo exhibition centre in Bucharest each November. Over 150 Romanian wineries and a growing international contingent pour everything from indigenous Fetească Neagră to world-class Pinot Noir. Masterclasses, sommelier competitions, and a popular people's choice award round out the programme.

A global celebration of sherry coordinated from Jerez, with events in 30+ countries. In Jerez itself, the week features bodega open days, tapas routes, sherry cocktail competitions, and educational masterclasses. The best time of year to visit the sherry triangle's three towns: Jerez, El Puerto, and Sanlúcar.

On November 11, Slovenians celebrate Martinovanje — the day when grape must officially becomes wine, blessed by St. Martin. The tradition is observed in wine regions across the country with ceremonial 'baptisms' of new wine, roast goose and duck dinners, and village festivals. The Štajerska (Styria) and Vipava Valley celebrations are among the largest and most atmospheric.

A five-day festival combining independent film screenings with Napa Valley wine tastings and culinary events. Films screen at venues across Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga, with winemaker receptions and vintner-hosted dinners between screenings. A unique fusion of wine country and cinema culture.

Western Australia's premier food and wine festival, featuring international celebrity chefs, beachside dinners, and vineyard tastings across the Margaret River region. Events range from intimate winemaker dinners to large-scale beach barbecues. The combination of world-class wine, surf coast scenery, and culinary excellence is unique.

The annual WineGB Awards ceremony and public tasting in London brings together the best of English and Welsh wine under one roof. Award-winning producers showcase their latest vintages to trade professionals and enthusiasts alike. It's the single best opportunity to taste the breadth of British winemaking, from Sussex sparkling to Welsh Bacchus.

The world's most famous charity wine auction, held annually since 1859 in the historic Hôtel-Dieu. Part of the three-day Les Trois Glorieuses celebrations across Beaune, Meursault, and Clos de Vougeot. Barrels from the Hospices' own vineyards fetch record prices at Christie's-managed auction.

A celebration of Nice's tiny AOC Bellet appellation, one of France's most exclusive wine zones. Local vignerons pour their rosés, whites, and reds in the hillside village of Saint-Roman-de-Bellet above Nice. One of the few chances to taste these rare wines outside of Niçois restaurants.

The world-famous release of the year's Beaujolais Nouveau at midnight on the third Thursday of November. While celebrated globally, the real party is in Beaujolais itself — Beaujeu, the historic capital, hosts the largest celebrations with fireworks, barrel rolling, and rivers of fresh Gamay.

Organised by the Union Vinicole du Liban, this annual celebration brings together all of Lebanon's major wine producers under one roof in Beirut. It serves as both a trade showcase and a public tasting, with educational seminars on Lebanese wine history dating back 5,000 years to the Phoenicians. Over 40 wineries pour, making it the most comprehensive tasting of Lebanese wine available.

The charming seaside town of Bandol hosts this annual December celebration of the new vintage. Bandol AOC producers line the harbour promenade with tasting stands, and the festival coincides with a blessing of the wine and traditional Provençal Christmas market.

The Avenue de Champagne — home to Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët, and other prestigious houses — lights up for a spectacular winter festival. Light shows illuminate the grand facades while champagne flows freely from open-cellar tastings. The village of Hautvillers hosts parallel events at Dom Pérignon's abbey.

The world's largest celebration of icewine takes place across Niagara-on-the-Lake's wineries each January. Outdoor tastings in the frosty vineyard air, icewine-paired gourmet dinners, and the signature Icewine Gala draw enthusiasts from around the globe. Twenty Dollar Tasting Passes grant access to dozens of participating wineries.

A cultural-culinary hybrid at the magnificent Esterházy Palace in Burgenland: 12 days in September combining classical, jazz, and Balkan Roma music with Burgenland wine tastings in the palace's baroque gardens. The historic Esterházy estate surrounds the venue, and Burgenland — Austria's sunniest wine region — produces powerful reds (Blaufränkisch) and luscious sweet wines (from the Neusiedlersee fog). A luxury wine-and-music experience for the discerning traveler.

A two-day harvest celebration at one of the world's oldest and largest monastic wineries — Klosterneuburg Abbey, founded in 1114, operates 108 hectares of vineyards in the Danube wine country just 12km from Vienna. The Weingutsfest opens the historic monastery cellars for tastings of Grüner Veltliner, Riesling, and red blends, with cellar tours and abbey tours included. Intimate scale, extraordinary setting.

One of Europe's most original wine events: on one September weekend, Vienna's winemaking districts open their Heuriger (wine taverns) along four scenic hiking routes through the city's own vineyards. Route signs lead hikers through Neustift, Nussdorf, Stammersdorf, Ottakring, and Mauer — the only major European capital that produces wine within city limits. A perfect blend of outdoor Vienna and authentic local wine culture.

For one May weekend, over 100 Vinea Wachau member wineries simultaneously open their cellar doors across the entire UNESCO World Heritage Wachau Valley — one of the most scenic wine landscapes on Earth. The €40 wristband includes tastings at every participating winery plus free travel on the Wachau train, buses, and Danube ferries. The first public pouring of the new Smaragd vintage makes this a true wine-world event.

The centerpiece of Plovdiv's 2025 European Wine Capital programme: a three-day May festival in the UNESCO-listed Old Town where a Dionysian opening procession leads wine lovers through cobblestone streets to cellars poured by Bulgaria's best producers. Held over the spring, with a second 'Young Wine' edition in November when new vintages are released. Bulgaria's dramatic Thracian Valley and Rhodope Mountain wines are emerging on the world stage — this is where to discover them.

Every October, the hilltop medieval town of Motovun in Istria celebrates two of the world's great luxury ingredients together: Teran red wine and white truffles. The festival combines guided truffle hunts in the Motovun Forest (the world's densest white truffle habitat), competitive winemaker tastings, and a 11km recreational hike through the vine-covered Istrian hills. A uniquely Istrian experience that no other wine region can replicate.

Twice a year, the wineries of Croatia's Pelješac Peninsula — home to the legendary Dingač appellation (Croatia's first protected wine zone, 1962) — open their doors for public tastings of Plavac Mali-based wines. The December edition focuses on new vintage releases in Potomje, the village at the heart of Dingač production. Commandaria-like concentration from sun-baked Plavac Mali on steep karst slopes make these among Croatia's most powerful and collectible wines.

Cyprus's most beloved annual celebration and one of the Mediterranean's oldest public wine festivals — now in its 64th edition. Held each September in Limassol's leafy Municipal Gardens, all Cyprus wineries participate and tickets include unlimited wine tasting for the evening. Commandaria (the world's oldest named wine, referenced since 800 BC) is always poured here. Live music, traditional dancing, and local meze complete the experience.

One of Central Europe's most atmospheric wine events: the annual harvest festival set in the Royal Garden of Prague Castle on the first weekend of September. Czech and Moravian producers from both Bohemia and Moravia pour their wines against the backdrop of one of the world's most complete medieval castle complexes. The 18th edition in 2025 combines wine discovery with free castle garden access and live cultural programming.

Burgundy's grandest evening tasting, held annually in Beaune, where producers from across the Côte d'Or present their Grand Cru and Premier Cru wines. The event brings together Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Leroy, Rousseau, and other legendary estates in a single evening session — an almost unparalleled tasting opportunity.

The Dordogne's annual celebration of Bergerac wines, held in the historic centre of Cyrano de Bergerac's city. Producers from all 13 Bergerac appellations pour, including sweet Monbazillac and Pécharmant reds, alongside regional food producers. The festival spills through the pedestrian old town.

The world's most anticipated annual wine event: Bordeaux opens its châteaux each April for trade and press to taste the previous year's vintage still in barrel. While access is strictly controlled for professionals, the week transforms Bordeaux into an extraordinary hub of wine world activity, and satellite consumer tastings are publicly accessible.

Cahors celebrates its celebrated black wine — made from Malbec, known locally as Côt or Auxerrois — over a weekend of tastings, river boat excursions, and food pairings in the historic medieval city. The festival draws producers from across the Lot Valley appellation and champions Cahors as Malbec's true European home.

The Pyrénées-Atlantiques appellation of Jurançon — famous for its honeyed sweet whites made from Gros and Petit Manseng — celebrates the harvest with a weekend of tastings, cellar visits, and food pairings in the foothills above Pau. One of France's most under-visited quality wine regions.

A week-long celebration of wine across Paris's bars, restaurants, and wine shops, with over 150 participating venues offering special tastings, wine dinners, and producer events. Unlike a traditional wine fair, Paris Wine Week brings wine directly into neighbourhood wine bars, with a focus on natural and artisan producers.

Ribeauvillé's annual new wine celebration in the heart of the Alsace Route des Vins. The medieval market town opens its cellars and sets up tasting stands along its cobbled streets, pouring the year's first Rieslings, Pinot Blancs, and Muscat. A genuine local festival with a free wine fountain as the centrepiece.

The vignerons of Sancerre open their cellars across the hilltop town and surrounding villages for a spring tasting weekend, coinciding with the Ascension holiday. Producers from the 14 Sancerre communes pour their Sauvignon Blancs and Pinot Noirs, with panoramic views of the Loire Valley.

Held in the vineyard heart of the Var département, this summer festival celebrates Provence rosé — the world's most imitated wine style. Producers from Côtes de Provence, Bandol, and Coteaux Varois pour alongside local food stands, live music, and pétanque. A genuinely Provençal occasion.

The Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin's prestigious annual tasting competition and banquet at the historic Château du Clos de Vougeot. Around 700 Burgundy wines are evaluated against strict quality criteria. The black-tie Saturday banquet in the château's medieval cellar is one of the great wine world social events.

The Loire's great white wine village opens its famous tufa-carved cave cellars for an annual November tasting weekend. Vouvray's Chenin Blanc producers — including some of the Loire's most celebrated domaines — pour their dry, demi-sec, and moelleux wines from cellars carved directly into the chalky cliffs.

Georgia's largest single-day wine festival brings together 168 natural winemakers at Mtatsminda Park above Tbilisi each May for the ceremonial uncorking of the new harvest wines. Georgia invented winemaking 8,000 years ago and the qvevri (clay amphora) method is UNESCO-listed; this festival is the best introduction to these traditions. Entry is free, wines are sold by the glass, and the mountain park setting with views over Tbilisi is spectacular.

Rtveli — the Georgian grape harvest — takes place across the Kakheti wine region (60km from Tbilisi) from September through October, offering immersive farm-stay experiences where visitors harvest Rkatsiteli and Saperavi grapes, tread them barefoot, and fill qvevri alongside winemaking families. This is less a festival and more a living cultural tradition — the harvest season is the most authentic way to experience Georgia's 8,000-year wine heritage.

Officially the world's largest wine festival, drawing over 700,000 visitors to this Palatinate spa town since 1417. Despite the name 'Sausage Market,' wine is the star — 300+ varieties from local growers flow across two weekends under massive festival tents. The Dürkheimer Riesenfass (world's largest wine barrel) alone is worth the trip.

Five days of Mosel Riesling celebration in Germany's most picturesque wine town, where the half-timbered Marktplatz sets a fairy-tale backdrop for three stages of live music and wines from 20+ top Mosel estates. The coronation of a new wine queen, a grand Sunday procession through the medieval alleyways, and floating wine boats on the Mosel make this the Mosel's most theatrical festival.

A free five-day wine week at Endertplatz in Cochem where the Mosel's wine-growing cooperatives gather to pour their finest Rieslings and sparkling wines against the backdrop of Reichsburg Castle. The Friday fireworks display over the Mosel River is a festival highlight, and the intimate scale (compared to Bernkastel) makes it ideal for unhurried exploration of Mosel wine styles.

Held across two long weekends in August, the Weinkerwe transforms the idyllic Palatinate village of Deidesheim — Germany's most wine-focused small town — into an open-air tasting room. Over 60 participating wineries, ateliers, restaurants, and shops create a wine-tourism circuit through cobblestone streets, with the famous Woigass food market on Bahnhofstraße adding culinary depth. One of Germany's most beautiful wine-village festivals.

Not purely a wine festival, but the most elevated wine-and-music experience in Germany: 130+ concerts across Schloss Johannisberg, Eberbach Monastery, and other Rheingau estates over 11 weeks. World-class classical and jazz performances paired with some of Germany's finest Rieslings in settings of extraordinary beauty. A bucket-list cultural experience for serious wine and music lovers.

Up to 350,000 visitors fill Mainz's romantic Stadtpark rose garden across two weekends in late August and early September for this beloved Rheinhessen wine market. With wines from Mainz, Rheinhessen, the Rheingau, and the Nahe all under one rose-garden canopy, it's among the most diverse regional tastings in Germany. The unique evening atmosphere under fairy lights makes it particularly popular with couples.

A long summer weekend on the Rhine in Rüdesheim — Germany's most famous wine-tourism town — celebrating Rheingau Riesling with local producers, live music, and the spectacular river backdrop. The Drosselgasse (Thrush Alley), a narrow lane famous for wine taverns, forms the festival's beating heart. In autumn, the Tage des Federweißen festival on the last two October weekends adds a harvest sequel with young, fermenting wines.

One million visitors descend on Stuttgart's historic Marktplatz and Schillerplatz every August for this beloved wine village, where 500+ Württemberg wines flow from vine-covered timber booths. The Swabian setting — cobblestones, baroque squares, regional specialities — makes this far more atmospheric than a standard festival. Running since 1978, it's the benchmark for German urban wine festivals.

For nearly 40 years, Würzburg has transformed its Baroque market square into a cozy wine village every late May, with 40 rustic gazebos offering ~100 Franconian wines from 30 local producers. Set beneath the Marienkapelle church with the Residenz palace nearby, it's one of Germany's most beautiful festival settings. Silvaner and Müller-Thurgau in the heartland of Franken wine — hard to beat.

A three-day January celebration of Xinomavro — Greece's most complex and age-worthy red grape, often compared to Barolo — held in the wine town of Naoussa in Macedonia. Now in its 10th anniversary edition, the event pairs welcome parties at local wine bars with formal producer tastings and vineyard walks in the dramatic northern Greek landscape. An unmissable winter wine event for anyone serious about Greek wine.

Three days each September when around 30 Nemea wineries simultaneously open for visits and tastings of Agiorgitiko — Greece's most important red grape, producing wines that range from light rosé to profound, age-worthy reds. The opening symposium 'The Symposium of Angels' frames the weekend's explorations, and winery access normally unavailable to tourists becomes freely granted. A must for anyone discovering Greek wine.

For 34 years, Hungary's premier wine showcase has gathered 200+ producers to pour 1,000+ wines inside Buda Castle — one of Europe's most dramatic festival settings. Overlooking the Danube and the Chain Bridge, it combines serious Hungarian wine discovery (Tokaj Aszú, Egri Bikavér, Villány reds) with theatrical cultural programming across the castle's baroque courtyards. The most important public wine event in Central Europe.

Eger's flagship summer wine event celebrates Egri Bikavér — Hungary's legendary Bull's Blood red blend — in the beautiful Archbishop's Garden (Érsekkert). Held each July, the festival brings together the region's best producers, with Eger's top restaurateurs pairing recent vintages with food. An intimate window into Hungary's most storied wine tradition, set in one of the country's most charming Baroque towns.

Hungary's premier red wine harvest celebration fills the village of Villány every first October weekend with a grand harvest procession, horseback riders, carriages, folk music, and the region's powerful Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Portugieser. Three festival venues (Rendezvénytér, Borudvar, Diófás tér) offer cellar tours and tastings from Villány's internationally acclaimed producers. The Saturday procession down the main street is one of Hungary's great folk spectacles.

The annual preview week of Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero DOCG, and Langhe Nebbiolo wines in Alba, coordinated by ALBEISA (the Piedmont wine producers' association). Winemakers present their new releases to international press and trade before public release — the most concentrated Nebbiolo tasting event in the world.

The lakeside town of Bardolino on Lake Garda hosts its annual grape harvest festival each October, with Bardolino DOC and Chiaretto producers setting up along the waterfront promenade. The combination of lake views, harvest atmosphere, and accessible Corvina-based wines makes this one of northern Italy's most pleasant wine events.

The annual celebration of Gavi DOCG — Piedmont's finest white wine, made from Cortese grapes around the medieval hilltop town of Gavi. The event includes cellar open days across the consorzio members, a grand tasting in the Forte di Gavi fortress, and food pairings with Piedmontese cuisine.

One of Tuscany's oldest and most spectacular harvest festivals, running in the hilltop town of Impruneta since 1926. Four contrade (neighbourhoods) compete with elaborately decorated floats celebrating the grape harvest, in a tradition predating the modern wine industry. The festival combines pageantry, grape treading, and tastings of Chianti Colli Fiorentini.

The Primitivo di Manduria DOC and DOCG zone celebrates its harvest with a festival in Manduria, the capital of the Primitivo zone in Puglia. Producers pour their powerful, sun-drenched Primitivo wines alongside traditional Puglian food — orecchiette, burrata, and lamb — in the historic centre of this Messapian city.

One of Europe's most prestigious curated wine events, held in the elegant thermal spa town of Merano in South Tyrol. Only pre-selected producers who pass a quality jury are admitted — around 400 Italian and international estates pour over four days in the Art Nouveau Kurhaus. Quality is consistently exceptional.

Montefalco's annual celebration of Sagrantino di Montefalco DOCG — Italy's most tannic grape variety, produced in tiny quantities in the Umbrian hills. The village streets fill with producers pouring both Sagrantino Secco and the traditional Passito sweet version, alongside local olive oil and black truffle.

A premium wine masterclass event held in the historic Palazzo Pubblico of Siena each January. Top Tuscan producers present their finest wines alongside international estates in intimate vertical tasting sessions. One of Italy's most refined wine events, limited to 1,000 visitors per day.

An annual tasting event in the medieval walled village of Soave, east of Verona, where producers from the Soave Classico and Soave DOC zones present their Garganega-based whites. The format pits classico against extended-zone wines, allowing visitors to taste the terroir debate live. The castle walls and vineyard views are spectacular.

Slow Food's biennial global gathering in Turin brings together 7,000+ food and wine producers from 140 countries. The wine section, curated by Slow Food's wine programme, features hundreds of natural, biodynamic, and artisan Italian producers alongside a global selection. The largest food-and-wine event in the world by producer count.

The annual Prosecco Superiore DOCG open weekend, hosted across the historic villas of the Valdobbiadene hills. Producers pour their Prosecco Superiore, Rive single-vineyard, and Cartizze wines in Renaissance villa gardens. The Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The annual preview of the new Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG vintage, presented in the historic palazzi of Verona's city centre over three days. All consortium members participate, and the format — tastings in aristocratic venues across Verona — makes it one of Italy's most atmospheric wine events.

Moldova's National Wine Day — held annually on the first weekend of October in Chișinău's vast Great National Assembly Square — is the biggest wine event in Eastern Europe, gathering 100+ wineries and up to 120,000 visitors over two days. Moldova has one of the world's highest per-capita vineyard areas, and this festival is the moment the country opens its cellars to the world. Wine School masterclasses, qvevri (clay amphora) tastings, and Feteasca Neagra discovery sessions make it unmissable for serious wine explorers.

The highlight of the Slovak wine calendar: a three-day September harvest festival in Pezinok, gateway to the Small Carpathian wine region, where local producers present their wines in the medieval town centre. The Small Carpathian Wine Route — one of Europe's oldest — passes through Pezinok, Modra, and Svätý Jur, producing Welschriesling, Grüner Veltliner, and Blaufränkisch in a landscape reminiscent of Burgundy. An underrated Central European wine destination.

Over 230 Valais winemakers simultaneously open their cellar doors across Switzerland's most important wine region for a spring weekend every May. The Caves Ouvertes offers unprecedented access to producers normally not open to the public — from the Rhône Valley floor to high-altitude terraces producing Fendant, Johannisberg, and Cornalin. Free to enter most cellars, pay per glass. An authentic alternative to organised wine tours.

The most extraordinary wine festival in the world — staged only once a generation (roughly every 20-25 years) in Vevey on Lake Geneva, listed by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. The 2019 edition gathered 355,000 visitors over 16 performances in a purpose-built 20,000-seat arena for a theatrical celebration of Swiss viticulture. Past intervals: 1999, 1977, 1955, 1927 — the next occurrence is expected circa 2039-2044.

The world's most original wine fair: 11 lake steamers moored at Zurich's Bürkliplatz serve as floating tasting halls where 160 exhibitors pour 4,000+ wines from 30 countries. Now in its 70th year, Expovina is both a trade event and a major public festival — evening sessions are particularly festive as the ships light up on Lake Zurich. The Club Ship adds a VIP dimension with exclusive masterclasses and private winemaker dinners.

Québec's emerging wine region — centred on the Dunham appellation in the Eastern Townships — holds its harvest festival across the vineyards of Bromont, Stanstead, and Dunham. French-speaking Québécois winemaking culture, pumpkin-harvested farmland, and the autumn foliage of the Appalachians make it North America's most European-feeling harvest event. Marquis de Malartic, L'Orpailleur, and Vignoble de l'Orpailleur are the landmark producers.

The Okanagan's quietest and most intimate wine festival combines winter sports with wine culture across the valley's ski resorts and city restaurants. Events include fondue and wine pairings at Big White Ski Resort, winemaker dinners in Kelowna, and icewine tastings at wineries dusted in snow. A peaceful contrast to the summer and harvest crowds.

Canada's most organic wine valley — 80% of Similkameen producers farm organically or biodynamically — celebrates its harvest with an autumn cellar door weekend. Small family-owned wineries like Clos du Soleil, Orofino, and Eau Vivre open their doors to visitors who want a less commercial alternative to the Okanagan. The dramatic canyon landscape of the Similkameen River adds a rugged character.

Canada's southernmost wine region — on an island in Lake Erie — hosts a summer festival that combines Pelee Island Winery's Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Riesling with live music in a remote island setting. Accessible only by ferry from Leamington or Kingsville, the event draws visitors who make a weekend getaway of the island's sandy beaches, cycling trails, and historic lighthouse.

New Mexico's Labor Day weekend wine event brings the state's producers back to Albuquerque for a second annual festival bookending the summer with an autumn harvest celebration. The music programming — drawing regional and national acts — gives this event a broader cultural appeal beyond wine enthusiasts. Set against Albuquerque's high-desert backdrop as temperatures cool into the ideal autumn range.

One of the largest wine festivals in the American Southwest, drawing nearly 50,000 attendees annually over Memorial Day weekend to Balloon Fiesta Park, with 200+ wines from New Mexico's best wineries poured against the backdrop of the Sandia Mountains. The festival has run for 30+ years and is one of the most important platforms for New Mexico winemakers. Live music and artisan vendors round out the three-day programme.

The most prestigious food and wine event in North America, the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen has been held annually since 1983 and consistently sells out within hours of ticket release at $2,950 per pass. Three days at Wagner Park in downtown Aspen bring together 200+ wine and spirits brands in the Grand Tasting Pavilion, over 80 seminars and chef demonstrations led by culinary luminaries, and exclusive evening events at altitude. The 42nd edition in 2025 featured James Beard winners, Michelin-starred chefs, and winemakers from around the world.

Atlanta's signature festival of Southern food, wine, and community returns to The Home Depot Backyard for four days celebrating 200+ celebrated chefs alongside top sommeliers, mixologists, and spirits producers. The expanded Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods are the centerpiece, but intimate cooking demos and Smoke & South sessions with pit masters add distinctive Southern character. The definitive event for understanding the modern South's extraordinary food-and-beverage scene.

Now in its 14th year, this three-day November festival brings hundreds of chefs, winemakers, and artisanal producers together at Auditorium Shores along the Lady Bird Lake waterfront. Signature events include Hands-On Grilling with Chef Tim Love, guided tasting sessions with Texas wines and spirits, and a Friday evening tailgate celebrating Lone Star food traditions — all against Austin's iconic skyline. It consistently ranks among the top destination food-and-wine events in the American South.

A capped-attendance summer festival at About Thyme Farm in scenic Baileys Harbor, Door County Wine Fest brings together all ten wineries of the Door County Wine Trail for a single day of unlimited tastings in a picturesque farm setting. Free shuttle service connects lodging partners and peninsula towns, and the combination of 250 VIP spots, Wisconsin cheese pairings, and live music makes it feel intimate even at capacity. The event sells out well in advance, reflecting Door County's emergence as a serious wine destination.

The nation's longest-running food and wine festival, held over 10+ weeks at the Boston Harbor Hotel from January through March, featuring 43+ events including winemaker dinners, cooking demonstrations, master classes, and themed vertical tastings. Its unprecedented longevity and depth — from casual tastings to Michelin-caliber dinners — make it the most comprehensive wine and food program in America. The waterfront setting at Rowes Wharf is spectacular in winter.

New England's largest wine event pours hundreds of wines from around the world across two afternoons at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, supplemented by 12 tasting classes led by sommeliers, winemakers, and educators. A serious consumer wine event rather than a party festival, the Expo gives wine lovers direct access to international producers and educational content rarely found outside trade events. Strong international selection makes it stand out from regional festivals.

A recurring summer food and wine series in Colorado's most visited mountain town, running across multiple summer weekends with Friday wine pairing dinners, Saturday VIP grand tastings, and Sunday brunches. The mountain-town resort setting makes this an easy add-on to summer Colorado itineraries, combining serious wine and food programming with hiking and outdoor activities.

A boutique wine festival uniquely positioned at 9,600 feet in the Colorado Rockies, blending guided mountain hikes with sommelier-curated wine lunches and a Grand Tasting. The combination of alpine scenery, outdoor activity, and serious wine education makes this one of the most original wine events in the country. It attracts a younger, adventure-minded wine audience unlike any traditional festival.

One of California's longest-running wine festivals, now in its 41st year, gathering 80+ Santa Barbara County wineries for a single afternoon tasting at an estate vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. The breadth of the county's winemaking — from cool-climate Pinot Noir to Rhône varietals — makes this an exceptional survey tasting. The vineyard setting and wine country landscape are as good as California gets.

The state's premier wine event returns to Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary for its 20th+ annual celebration, featuring NC wineries, artisan food vendors, and live music in a professionally run outdoor amphitheatre setting. A comprehensive showcase of the diversity of North Carolina wine — from Yadkin Valley Cabernet Franc to Muscadine from the Coastal Plain — in a concert-quality venue. One of the most professionally produced wine festivals in the Southeast.

One of Wisconsin's longest-running harvest celebrations, this free two-day September event transforms the National Register of Historic Places district of downtown Cedarburg into an open-air wine and harvest fair. The 51st edition in 2025 featured live music, grape stomp competitions, pumpkin boat races, a giant pumpkin weigh-off, farmer's market, artisan vendors, and a wine and beer garden — all free to attend. Set in one of Wisconsin's most charming 19th-century stone mill towns, it doubles as a fall foliage weekend.

One of the American South's most beloved culinary events, Charleston Wine + Food runs five days each March across the entire Charleston peninsula and surrounding communities, featuring 80+ unique experiences from restaurant dinners and cooking classes to the flagship Street Fest at Johnson Hagood Stadium. All events are all-inclusive — tickets cover all food and beverage — and the program spans casual crawfish boils to fine wine pairings, showcasing Lowcountry cuisine alongside national chefs. Its intimate scale and historic Charleston backdrop make it one of the most atmosphere-rich food festivals in the country.

A focused week-long immersion in the wines of the Monticello AVA, with 40+ winery open houses, barrel tastings, educational seminars, and special events across Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Less ticketed festival and more wine trail exploration framework, Monticello Wine Week offers direct access to winemakers pouring library wines and limited releases not available year-round. The ideal time to discover Thomas Jefferson's wine-growing legacy in depth.

Monticello Wine Week transforms Charlottesville into a celebration of Virginia's most prestigious wine region for six days, with tasting events, winery open houses, and the signature Grand Tasting at Ting Pavilion. Surrounded by 40+ acclaimed wineries in Thomas Jefferson's historic home county, the festival blends history, culture, and world-class Viognier, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The rolling Albemarle countryside in late June is one of America's most beautiful wine backdrops.

A lively Kentucky Derby-themed outdoor wine festival at Veterans Island in Cooper River Park in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, combining Derby hats and traditions with unlimited wine tastings from dozens of producers. The fourth annual event in 2026 runs a full five hours, creating one of the most fun and accessible wine events in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region. Dress-up culture, outdoor setting, and a diverse wine pour make it an ideal group outing.

Chicago's premier food and wine festival occupies the Harris Theater Rooftop at Millennium Park each late September, drawing James Beard Award winners and top chefs for four days of themed culinary experiences. The centerpiece Grand Cru event pairs acclaimed cuisine with fine wines and spirits in ticketed afternoon and evening sessions, while other events include Hamburger Hop, Tacos & Tequila with Rick Bayless, and Rise & Shine Gourmet brunch. With the Bean and cloud gate as backdrop, it is as much a signature Chicago experience as a food festival.

Arizona's most established wine festival, now in its 8th year, gathering 20+ Verde Valley wineries at Riverfront Park in Cottonwood with wine tastings, local craft beer, food trucks, artisan vendors, and live music. Set against the backdrop of Arizona's red rock canyon country, the festival showcases the surprising quality of high-altitude Arizona viticulture at very accessible prices.

An intimate one-day outdoor festival held in the vineyards of the North Fork of Long Island, celebrating the region's boutique wineries alongside artisan food producers. Set in the middle of a working vineyard with no hard walls — just vines and sky — it feels like a private vineyard party rather than a corporate festival. One of the best introductions to Long Island wine country.

The Southern California edition of the California Wine Festival, held at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel's oceanfront terrace in Dana Point, combining luxury resort setting with unlimited tastings from 100+ California wineries. The clifftop Pacific Ocean backdrop — genuinely unmatched among American wine festivals — creates an aspirational atmosphere that makes this a memorable couple's destination.

A charity auction benefiting healthcare for Oregon vineyard workers, held at Domaine Serene's Clubhouse in the Dundee Hills each November. The Big Board Auction & Pinot Party combines fine Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with a cause that resonates deeply in the wine community. The setting — surrounded by the same vineyards whose workers are being supported — makes this event emotionally compelling.

The 23rd annual Yadkin Valley Wine Festival in Elkin, North Carolina celebrates the state's oldest and most productive wine region with tastings from 17+ local wineries, live music, food trucks, and craft vendors at Elkin Municipal Park. Set in the Blue Ridge foothills with mountain views, it's the flagship event of the Yadkin Valley AVA — an approachable, community-driven festival that connects visitors directly with the people who grow and make the wine.

A four-day charity food and wine festival held each spring at The Heart of the Ranch at Clearfork in Fort Worth, benefiting the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation's culinary scholarship programs. Attendees enjoy 100+ wines, craft beers, and spirits paired with bites from local chefs — all-inclusive ticket pricing makes this accessible and relaxed. Events include Tacos + Tequila on Thursday, the signature Grand Tasting on Friday and Saturday, and the Big Brunch on Sunday.

Set in the heart of Texas Hill Country wine country, this October festival is Fredericksburg's premier food and wine event, spotlighting 75+ Texas wineries, chefs, distilleries, and breweries at the Marktplatz on Main Street. The Grand Tasting features unlimited samples, live cooking demos, an artisan market, and immersive activations — all within walking distance of the town's historic German-heritage downtown and tasting rooms. It anchors a full 'Preview Week' of intimate dinners, masterclasses, and winery events throughout July.

Held at the Goshen Fairgrounds in the scenic Litchfield Hills, the Connecticut Wine Festival is a relaxed summer weekend celebration of the state's growing wine trail. Local and regional wineries pour alongside food vendors and live music in an outdoor fairgrounds setting that feels authentically New England. One of the best ways to discover Connecticut's under-the-radar wine producers.

The largest wine festival in the Southwest US, GrapeFest transforms Historic Main Street in Grapevine into a four-day celebration of Texas wine culture each September. The centerpiece is the People's Choice Wine Tasting Classic — the largest consumer-judged wine competition in the Southwest — alongside an International Wine Experience, Rosé Rendezvous, and Champagne Terrace. With 200,000+ attendees, live entertainment on four stages, a carnival midway, and boutique shopping, it is a full family festival wrapped around serious wine culture.

An elegant four-day destination festival at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee featuring 200+ wines from global vintners alongside top chefs, visual artists, and performers. The charity auction has raised over $2 million for nonprofits, adding philanthropic purpose to a polished weekend of lakeside fine dining and world-class wine education. Georgia's answer to Aspen Food & Wine, set on one of the South's most beautiful lakes.

Crystal Springs Resort hosts the premier wine and food event in New Jersey for a long weekend of grand tastings, celebrity chef appearances, master classes, and exclusive winemaker dinners. The 14th annual edition in 2026 features guest chef Marco Pierre White alongside NJ's top culinary talent, with the VIP Lounge offering bites from the acclaimed Restaurant Latour and rare wines. Set in the scenic Kittatinny Mountains, it's a luxury weekend escape from New York City.

A beloved three-day immersion into one of California's greatest Zinfandel appellations, where 50+ wineries open their doors with food pairings, barrel tastings, and direct access to winemakers and founders. Now in its 35th year, the event has a loyal following and offers remarkable value — three days exploring a coherent, world-class wine region with no single large-venue crowds. The Dry Creek Valley scenery in late April is stunning.

Sonoma County Vintners' premium charity auction event, anchored by a Friday welcome reception and Saturday live auction at a prestigious Sonoma winery venue. Now evolved from the historic Sonoma Wine Country Weekend, this is the region's premier charity wine event, raising funds for Sonoma County nonprofits. The VIP access lots include private winery experiences rarely available to the public.

Northern Sonoma County's premier autumn tasting event, sending 50 Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valley wineries to open their doors with special food pairings — each winery creates a signature dish matched to their wines. The driving-tour format lets you explore the countryside at your own pace across two full days. November light in Sonoma wine country is spectacular.

A rare chance to taste wines that aren't on the market yet — alongside library wines and current releases — at wineries across Northern Sonoma County's three premier valleys. This weekend format gives collectors early access to barrel samples while connecting them directly with winemakers in the cellar. The 2026 edition celebrates Wine Road's 50th anniversary at a throwback ticket price.

Northern Sonoma County's January cure for winter doldrums — Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valley wineries open their doors mid-winter for tastings during the quietest, most intimate time of the wine country calendar. With far fewer visitors than summer or harvest season, this is when you get real winery-owner conversation time and occasionally tastings from barrels still aging.

Hermann's spring counterpart to Oktoberfest, Maifest is a one-day celebration of German heritage and the new vintage season held each May in the historic Missouri River wine town. The Maifest Market on Main Street features local artists, craftspeople, live German music, dancing, and seasonal food, with Hermann's wineries open for tasting throughout the day. It is a gentler, more local celebration than Oktoberfest — ideal for those who want the Hermann experience without the October crowds.

Every weekend in October, the Missouri River town of Hermann — home to the Hermann AVA and six established wineries — transforms into a month-long celebration of its German heritage, with wine, beer, food, and live music flowing through the historic stone downtown. Wineries along the Hermann Wine Trail host dedicated tasting events, live concerts, and seasonal pairings, while the town's brat stands, craft breweries, and artisan shops create an authentic small-town festival atmosphere amid brilliant fall foliage. It is the Midwest's most atmospheric wine-harvest celebration.

The 15th Annual Hawaii Food & Wine Festival spans three islands and three weekends each October-November, celebrating Hawaiian culinary traditions and Pacific Rim cuisine alongside wines from around the world. Events rotate across the Big Island, Maui (Kaanapali), and Oahu (Honolulu), including signature galas such as Washoku to the World at Halekulani, celebrity chef collaborations, and the flagship Decanted tasting at the Hawaii Convention Center. Roy Yamaguchi and Alan Wong anchor a roster that bridges Hawaii's top chefs with international culinary stars.

The Rogue Valley's premier wine festival, set at the historic Bigham Knoll Campus in Jacksonville — one of Oregon's most charming 19th-century towns. Over 50 Rogue Valley wineries pour alongside a judged winemaker competition, with VIP evening experiences offering reserve wines guided by winemakers. Jacksonville's Southern Oregon Shakespeare Festival backdrop makes this a genuine destination weekend.

The 44th Annual Kapalua Wine & Food Festival at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua is one of Hawaii's oldest and most distinguished culinary events, combining world-class wine seminars with celebrity chef cooking demonstrations in a resort setting overlooking the Pacific. The four-day July event features a VIP winemakers' reception, a Grand Tasting Gala, and intimate masterclasses led by internationally recognized vintners and chefs — all at sea level in one of Maui's most scenic resort communities. The $1,250 all-inclusive festival pass delivers exceptional value for the caliber of talent.

Washington's Columbia Valley wine region's largest public tasting event, held at the Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick since 1981. The evening grand tasting format focuses exclusively on local Columbia Valley producers, offering one of the deepest regional surveys available to consumers. Now in its 44th year, it's a Pacific Northwest institution for Washington wine lovers.

Held each June in Ketchum/Sun Valley, this 44-year-old charity auction benefits the Sun Valley Museum of Art and combines world-class wine with Idaho's spectacular mountain scenery. Three days of events include whitewater rafting wine-tastings (Paddle & Pour), a golf scramble (Sip & Swing), a National Geographic photographer portrait session, and a gala dinner with live auction of fine wines and art. Vintners from Napa, Sonoma, and beyond pour alongside Idaho producers, creating an art-meets-wine mountain escape.

Ohio's largest and premier wine tasting event, Vintage Ohio draws 30,000+ wine lovers to Lake Metroparks Farmpark in Kirtland each August for a two-day immersion in Ohio's award-winning wines. More than 150 wine varieties from Ohio wineries are poured across the scenic farmpark grounds, accompanied by live music, local food vendors, and artisan crafts. VIP access includes Gold Medal wine tastings in a private area, complimentary appetizers, and a dining credit at a nearby restaurant.

A two-day showcase of New York State wines, craft brews, and artisan food set against the stunning backdrop of Lake George in the Adirondacks. The 10th annual edition in 2026 features 120+ wineries, breweries, and distilleries at The Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park — with the lake as the backdrop. The scenery alone justifies the trip, and proceeds benefit local charities.

The 35th annual outdoor wine festival at Split Rock Resort in Lake Harmony brings 30+ Pennsylvania wineries and continuous live music on three stages to the Pocono Mountains for a full summer weekend. One of the longest-running wine festivals in Pennsylvania, it captures the laid-back Pocono spirit — cold wine, warm sun, and Blue Mountain views. A beloved local institution for discovering Pennsylvania's underrated wine producers.

The sister event to the Albuquerque festival, bringing 20+ New Mexico wineries to the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds for a Memorial Day weekend celebration with tastings, artisan crafts, live music, and gourmet food. Las Cruces draws from the state's southernmost wine producers in Doña Ana County, with some of New Mexico's most intriguing high-desert viticulture on display.

DC's Wine Country comes alive each spring at this two-day outdoor festival at Old Farm Winery at Hartland in Loudoun County, Virginia. Set among working vineyards an hour from Washington DC, it features tastings from a curated collection of Virginia wineries, food trucks, live music, and artisan vendors. A lively, accessible introduction to one of America's fastest-growing wine regions.

An intimate outdoor garden party and charity auction raising funds for local Livermore Valley nonprofits, held at Wente Family Vineyards — California's oldest continuously operating family winery. The afternoon format (2-5pm) features live and silent auctions of rare wines and exclusive winery experiences. A well-kept secret compared to Napa, with excellent producer access and a welcoming atmosphere.

A single-day celebration of Lodi's remarkable wine heritage, with up to 40 wineries pouring 200+ varietals in a relaxed, unpretentious setting. Lodi's status as the Zinfandel capital of the world makes this the destination festival for old-vine lovers, with many pours unavailable outside the region. Ticket prices are among the most accessible of any major California wine festival.

Pennsylvania's premier wine festival takes over the fairytale grounds of Mount Hope Estate & Winery in Manheim on Memorial Day Weekend, with 25+ wineries and distilleries offering tastings amid the Renaissance Faire's atmospheric setting of turreted castle, manicured gardens, and medieval stages. The combination of Pennsylvania wine country and a spectacular historic estate venue makes this the most visually distinctive wine festival in the state. Advance tickets only — it consistently sells out.

The 8th Annual Grand Tasting on the grounds of the Waterside Theatre in Manteo presents NC wines alongside culinary talent in one of the Outer Banks' most atmospheric venues. Set where Paul Green's 'The Lost Colony' outdoor drama has performed since 1937, the festival combines wine discovery with a storied historical setting on Roanoke Island. A unique cultural wine experience only available on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta hosts this four-day Georgia Grown celebration featuring premium wine tastings, live-fire cooking, craft beverages, and a family-friendly Sunday Funday to close the weekend. The fifth anniversary edition in 2026 spotlights Georgia-grown producers alongside international selections, with Friday's 'Fired Up' live-fire cooking event as the standout session. An excellent regional festival for discovering Georgia's emerging food and beverage scene.

McMinnville's annual food and wine celebration at the Evergreen Aviation Museum — home to the Spruce Goose — combining Willamette Valley Pinot Noir with Pacific Northwest culinary talent in a unique aviation-museum setting. The event celebrates both the region's world-class wines and the town's surprisingly vibrant food scene, making it a great entry point to the Willamette Valley wine country.

Oregon's premier fine wine auction, now in its tenth year, presenting unique lots from the Willamette Valley's top producers — primarily Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines from the 2024 vintage. The two-day format includes intimate producer dinners and a live auction that has become a major event on the Pacific Northwest wine calendar. Proceeds support the Willamette Valley Wineries Association.

One of the most glamorous food-and-wine destination events in the world, SOBEWFF draws 500+ culinary experts, celebrity chefs, Food Network stars, and top sommeliers to Miami Beach for four days of tastings, dinners, brunches, and beach parties. The Grand Tasting Village on the sands of Miami Beach is the centerpiece, but intimate chef dinners and master classes are where true wine lovers spend their time. Its 25th anniversary in 2026 makes it a landmark year.