Wine Festival Calendar

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The world's most famous charity wine auction, held annually since 1859 in Beaune. 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 Sotheby's-managed auction.

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.

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.

New Zealand's most beloved wine festival transforms the village of Martinborough into a walkable open-air wine and music event each November. Over 20 Wairarapa wineries set up in the village square and surrounding lanes, with live music stages, food stalls, and picnic rugs on the lawn. The village-scale format and Pinot Noir focus make it New Zealand's most charming wine day.

The world-famous release of the year's Beaujolais Nouveau on the third Thursday of November. While celebrated globally, the real party is in Beaujolais itself, where Beaujeu, the historic capital, hosts celebrations with fresh Gamay.

The annual presentation of the new Brunello di Montalcino vintage. Held in Montalcino, all consortium members present their wines for evaluation. The event includes a vintage assessment and press conferences on quality. A must for serious Brunello collectors and wine trade professionals.

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.

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 world's only festival dedicated exclusively to méthode cap classique (MCC) — South Africa's answer to Champagne — held in the village of Franschhoek each December. Over 40 producers pour their traditional-method sparkling wines across multiple venues in this Huguenot heritage village. With Boschendal, Graham Beck, and L'Ormarins pouring, it is the definitive South African bubbly experience.

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 with champagne bars and cellar visits in the Houses' courtyards (paid separately).

The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival's winter series: an Icewine Discovery Pass of food and icewine pairings at wineries across Niagara, plus the Icewine Village in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

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.

The 12th annual CoVa WineFest brings together statewide Virginia wineries, cideries, distilleries, and craft breweries under one roof at the Virginia Beach Convention Center for a premier two-day indoor tasting experience. Over 20 producers including fan favorites Lake Anna Winery and Prince Michel pour their full ranges alongside a Distillery Den, Craft Beer Garden, and live entertainment all weekend. The most comprehensive survey of Virginia's beverage scene outside of the Expo.

A four-day resort wine and food experience at Mohegan Sun casino in Uncasville, Connecticut, featuring 1,000+ varieties of wine, beer, and spirits alongside appearances by celebrity chefs including Robert Irvine, Scott Conant, and Michael Symon. The Celebrity Chef Dine Around, Vintage Cru hosted by the USA Wine Team, and the Patio Ice Bar make this event unlike any other wine festival in New England. Easy access from New York City and Boston.

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.

One of the most exclusive and consequential charity wine events in the world, the Naples Winter Wine Festival brings legendary vintners, Michelin-level chefs, and master sommeliers to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón for three days of vintner dinners, live auction, and a Champagne Brunch. Ticket packages begin at $17,500 per couple and 100% of proceeds benefit children's charities through the Naples Children & Education Foundation — which has raised over $300 million. The live auction lots are legendary, often featuring private vertical tastings of cult Cabernets.

Burgundy's beloved patron saint celebration rotates between villages each January. The host village decorates its streets, opens its cellars, and thousands of visitors taste wines from across the Côte d'Or. It's the best way to experience Burgundian village life and community spirit.

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.

The Salon des Vins de Loire is a trade fair for wine professionals and buyers, not a public tasting. The organiser describes it as an event reserved for wine buyers. Held at the Parc des Expositions in Angers on 1–2 February 2027 (Monday 09:30–19:00, Tuesday 09:30–18:00).

Portugal's premier wine event, held in Porto's magnificent Palácio da Bolsa. Over 300 producers from all Portuguese wine regions pour their wines across four days, making it the most comprehensive tasting of Portuguese wine under one roof. Masterclasses, food pairings, and wine talks complement the grand-hall tastings.

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.

A nine-day celebration of Virginia wine held at Richmond's spectacular Main Street Station, featuring 24 events including walk-around grand tastings, education seminars, spirit pairings, and sparkling wine celebrations. The 15th annual expo spotlights 370+ wines and 160 spirits from Virginia and international producers, cementing Richmond as a serious wine destination. An exceptional platform to taste the full depth of Virginia's winegrowing regions.

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 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.

Over 100 Sonoma County wineries open their barrel rooms for two weekends in March, offering tastes of wines still aging in barrel. Visitors get preview access to unreleased vintages and the chance to purchase barrel futures at discounted prices. One of the most popular wine events in California.

Argentina's greatest harvest festival and the largest wine celebration in the Americas. A week of parades, concerts, and cultural events culminates in the spectacular Acto Central — an outdoor theatre performance with thousands of performers, fireworks, and the crowning of the Harvest Queen. Over half a million people attend.

Australia's largest food and wine event transforms Melbourne for ten days each March. The World's Longest Lunch — 1,600 seats along a single table — is the festival's iconic event, alongside masterclasses, restaurant pop-ups, and producer markets. Over 200 events span the CBD, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, and regional Victoria.

One of the largest and most prestigious wine festivals in North America, running since 1979. Over 160 wineries from 15+ countries pour at the Vancouver Convention Centre. The week-long programme includes themed tastings, winemaker dinners, and educational seminars. Each year features a different spotlight region from around the world.

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.

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.

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.

One of America's most glamorous food and wine weekends, Pebble Beach Food & Wine takes place each April at The Inn at Spanish Bay along the Monterey Peninsula — setting 135+ acclaimed chefs and 150+ world-renowned wine producers against the Pacific Ocean backdrop. The 2025 lineup featured Alice Waters, Nancy Silverton, and a roster of Michelin-starred talent, while tasting pavilion access and the Walk-Around Package make it more accessible than its luxury reputation suggests. Wine country road trip potential is high: Carmel Valley and Monterey are minutes away.

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.

Nelson's celebration of its craft beer, cider, and cool-climate wines in the sunniest city in New Zealand. Held at Founders Heritage Park, Marchfest showcases the Nelson/Tasman region's Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Riesling alongside the local craft beer scene. A relaxed, family-friendly event in a historic steam-engine park setting.

The world's largest wine trade fair, held annually at Verona's Fiera since 1967. Over 4,000 exhibitors from across Italy and 30+ countries pour for 100,000+ visitors across four days. Vinitaly is where Italian wine business gets done, but the surrounding OperaWine and Vinitaly and the City events open to the public.

Australia's longest-running wine festival, held biennially since 1947. A week of vineyard events, open cellar tastings, food experiences, and community celebrations across the Barossa Valley. The festival preserves the valley's German-Silesian heritage with traditional foods, brass bands, and barrel-rolling competitions.

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 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.

Adelaide's biennial celebration of Australian food and wine brings together the nation's top producers and chefs for a week of events spanning the city and surrounding wine regions. The open-air festival hub in Victoria Square hosts free tastings, while ticketed events cover everything from a Barossa sunrise breakfast to a Coonawarra masterclass. Australia's most ambitious culinary festival.

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 sixth annual St. Augustine Food + Wine Festival brings 300+ varieties of wine, beer, and spirits alongside celebrity chefs and local culinary talent to America's oldest city over four days in early May. The Grand Tasting at Ancient City Farmstead is the anchor event, but chef dinners, mixology classes, and the historic Old Town backdrop make it a true destination experience. St. Augustine's historic architecture and beaches create one of the most charming festival settings in Florida.

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.

The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance's flagship public festival, featuring 120+ local wineries at the Paso Robles Event Center across a long weekend of grand tastings, winemaker dinners, and culinary experiences. The Grand Tasting on Saturday is the headline event, but the multi-format weekend — from intimate Paired Paso dinners to the Sunday sparkling showcase — rewards those who stay the full weekend.

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.

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.

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.

The ultimate convergence of world-class music, food, and wine, drawing 120,000 fans over three days at the Napa Valley Expo. Celebrity chefs share stages with A-list headliners while 200+ wineries pour at curated tasting stations throughout the grounds. The Culinary Stage — where rock stars and Michelin chefs collaborate live — is unlike anything else in the festival world.

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 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.

The broader Auction Napa Valley weekend extends beyond the main auction to include vineyard tours, curated barrel tastings at private estates, and the iconic Napa Valley Wine Train Legacy Experience — all coordinated around the charity auction centrepiece. For those who can't secure main auction tickets, peripheral weekend events offer significant Napa Valley access during the region's most convivial few days of the year.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thousands of people drench each other in red wine on the hillside of Riscos de Bilibio above Haro each June. 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.

Freiburg's summer wine festival on the Munsterplatz. Baden producers pour Spatburgunder, Grauburgunder, and Gutedel alongside Black Forest cuisine.

Germany's largest sparkling wine festival on the Rhine promenade in Eltville. Over 30 Sekt producers pour alongside live music and river views.

Bordeaux's signature wine festival transforms the UNESCO-listed Garonne riverfront into an open-air celebration of regional wines and gastronomy. Wines of Bordeaux and Nouvelle-Aquitaine are poured on the quays, with winemaker meetings, introductory workshops and local specialities. There is no 2026 edition; the next one runs 7 to 11 July 2027, timed to coincide with the Tall Ships Races.

The only beachside wine festival in California, held at Chase Palm Park along the Santa Barbara oceanfront with unlimited tastings of hundreds of premium California wines. The backdrop of the Pacific, combined with the city's architecture and 300+ sunny days per year, creates an atmosphere no inland wine festival can match. Both food and musical entertainment add to the weekend programme.

A wine festival set along the medieval town walls of Freinsheim. Pfalz producers serve wines from stalls built into the wall towers and archways. Atmospheric and intimate.

An intimate mountain food and wine event held each summer at Mountain Village — the ski resort community perched above Telluride at 9,500 feet — Telluride Reserve attracts a curated mix of Michelin-starred chefs, James Beard Award winners, sommeliers, and artisan producers for three days of tastings, seminars, and chef dinners. With a maximum of around 400 guests and gondola access to the festival grounds, it delivers an exclusive high-altitude experience unavailable anywhere else. Multiple ticket tiers accommodate both full immersion and à la carte event selection.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A beloved two-day outdoor festival at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck celebrating 25+ years of Hudson Valley wine, food, and craft beverages. With 200+ vendors spanning regional wineries, breweries, distilleries, and artisan food producers, it captures the full breadth of the Hudson Valley's agricultural bounty. The riverside setting and autumn foliage make it one of the most scenic wine festivals in the Northeast.

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.

America's highest-altitude wine festival, held at Riverbend Park in Palisade against the dramatic backdrop of the Grand Mesa and Colorado National Monument. The 35th annual edition in 2026 is going intentionally smaller — under 2,000 attendees — creating an intimate festival format with Colorado's best mountain wineries. The Grand Junction/Palisade valley produces surprisingly serious wines from Cabernet Franc and Riesling.

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.

NYC's premier five-day culinary extravaganza featuring 50+ events including walk-around tastings, intimate chef dinners, master classes, and FoodieCon. Set against the backdrop of the historic Seaport in Lower Manhattan, it draws world-renowned chefs, Food Network stars, and top sommeliers. One of the most celebrated destination food-and-wine events in North America.

The annual presentation of the Vinea Wachau producers' association, held in the baroque Stift Dürnstein on the Danube. Over 200 wines from the Wachau's top producers are available for tasting, categorised into Steinfeder, Federspiel, and Smaragd quality tiers. A focused, quality-driven tasting in a stunning riverside setting.

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.

A five-day celebration pairing Wachau wines with international guest chefs in the UNESCO-listed Danube valley. Events take place at vineyards, historic abbeys, and restaurants along the Wachau, with Grüner Veltliner and Riesling the stars. The festival combines Austrian culinary precision with breathtaking Danube scenery.

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.

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.

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 Limassol Municipality's wine festival in the Municipal Garden, organised since 1961 and run over nine days from late September into early October.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

An annual gathering of Etna wine producers in the medieval hilltop town of Castiglione di Sicilia. Vignerons present wines organised by contrada (vineyard district), allowing tasters to explore the extraordinary terroir diversity of Mount Etna's volcanic slopes. A serious, producer-driven event.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

The annual preview tasting of the new Vino Nobile vintage, held in the historic Fortezza di Montepulciano. Producers present their latest releases to press and public, offering a rare chance to taste the full range of this prestigious Sangiovese-based appellation in its stunning hilltop home.

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.

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.

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 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 (Ziua Națională a Vinului) took place in central Chișinău on 3–4 October 2026, its 25th edition.

Moldova's National Wine Day took place on 3–4 October 2026 in Chișinău's Great National Assembly Square.

A spring wine fair in Chișinău where Moldova's top winemakers unveil their new vintages. Held at the National Exhibition Centre, it combines professional tastings with public events, wine competitions, and masterclasses on indigenous varieties like Fetească Neagră and Rară Neagră.

Évora's celebration of Alentejo wine takes place in the UNESCO World Heritage city centre. Producers from across this sunny southern region pour their rich reds and fresh whites, paired with Alentejano cuisine. The festival typically includes vineyard excursions to nearby estates as part of the programme.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Romania's premier international wine fair brings together over 120 exhibitors from Romania, Moldova, and across Europe at the Timișoara Exhibition Centre. Professional tastings, blind competitions, and gala dinners make it both a trade event and a public celebration. The event has helped put Romanian wine on the international map since 2010.

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.

On the Karst plateau above Trieste, this festival celebrates Teran — the intensely coloured, iron-rich red wine unique to the Slovenian Karst region. Winemakers pair Teran with local pršut (dry-cured ham), sheep's cheese, and štrukli. The festival is held in traditional stone-built villages with stunning Adriatic views and is a pilgrimage for fans of this distinctive grape.

Maribor's celebration of spring wine releases, held in the cellars beneath the old town that house the world's oldest living grapevine (Žametovka, planted over 400 years ago). Winemakers from Podravje, Posavje, and Primorska regions present their new vintages alongside traditional Slovenian cuisine. The Old Vine House is the atmospheric centrepiece of the event.

Nova Gorica hosts Slovenia's only festival dedicated entirely to sparkling wine. Producers from the Primorska region and beyond showcase méthode traditionnelle sparklers made from rebula, chardonnay, and pinot noir. The event highlights Slovenia's growing reputation for quality bubbles and includes blind tasting competitions and food pairing workshops.

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.

The Vipava Valley, sheltered from Alpine winds by the Nanos plateau, opens its cellars for a weekend wine trail each May. Over 40 family wineries pour distinctive zelen, pinela, and vitovska whites alongside hearty local dishes. The valley's warm Mediterranean microclimate and dramatic karst landscape make this one of Slovenia's most scenic wine events.

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 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.

The annual showcase of Priorat wines in the small town of Falset, capital of the DOQ Priorat. Over 50 producers pour their powerful, mineral-driven wines from old-vine Garnacha and Cariñena, making this one of the most concentrated tastings of a single DO anywhere in Spain. Paired with local food and cultural events.

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.

Jerez's legendary horse fair is equally a sherry festival. The casetas (private party tents) flow with Fino, Manzanilla, and Amontillado, while Andalusian horses parade and flamenco fills the night. A week-long explosion of Andalusian culture where sherry is the essential social lubricant.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Switzerland's largest open-cellar weekend invites the public into 300+ wine cellars across the Canton of Vaud. Winemakers personally pour Chasselas, Pinot Noir, and Gamay while visitors stroll through UNESCO-listed Lavaux terraces and charming lakeside villages. A single pass grants entry to every participating cellar.

A curated wine fair in Morges (near Geneva) showcasing the best of Swiss and international wines. Over 200 producers pour in a modern lakeside venue, with masterclasses on Alpine wine regions, food pairings, and natural wine sections. A key event for discovering Swiss wines that rarely leave the country.

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.

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.

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.

The spring counterpart to the famous fall festival, celebrating the new vintage releases across the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia. Over 160 events at 100+ wineries include barrel tastings, progressive dinners, and vineyard picnics against the backdrop of the valley's lakes and mountains. One of Canada's oldest and largest wine festivals.

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.

The Niagara Peninsula's black-tie celebration of Canadian wine excellence, held at the White Oaks Conference Resort. Over 30 VQA wineries present their flagship wines alongside dishes from the region's top chefs. Proceeds support Brock University's Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute, making it both prestigious and purposeful.

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.

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.

The Niagara Grape & Wine Festival's September programme: a Discovery Pass of winery events across Niagara, the Grande Parade in St. Catharines and a four-day party in Montebello Park.

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 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.

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 three-day food and wine weekend in Colorado's most visited mountain town: a Friday wine pairing dinner, a Saturday Grand Tasting with unlimited pours and a VIP lounge, and a Sunday Brunch and Vines. The mountain-town resort setting makes this an easy add-on to a summer Colorado itinerary, combining serious wine and food programming with hiking and outdoor activities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.