Verona, 9 April 2026 – Everything is set for the start of Vinitaly and The City. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the 2026 edition will take place tomorrow in Piazza dei Signori at 6:00 pm, led by Laura Pirovano, Downhill World Cup winner and athlete of the Fiamme Gialle, who will attend as guest of honour on the stage of the Loggia di Fra Giocondo. She will be joined by Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere; Damiano Tommasi, Mayor of Verona; Flavio Massimo Pasini, President of the Province of Verona; and Diego Ruzza, Regional Councillor for Transport, Mobility and Public Works of the Veneto Region. Also speaking will be Roberto Nicolis, President of ASD La Grande Sfida, and Luca Rigotti, President of the Consorzio delle Venezie. The inaugural toast will feature Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie, the official wine of the event.
More than 70 events will transform Verona’s historic city centre into a grand stage dedicated to Italian wine throughout the weekend. From 10 to 12 April, squares, courtyards and iconic locations will host a wide range of initiatives designed for wine enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, showcasing the country’s rich wine heritage through engaging and diverse experiences. Guided tastings, in-depth discussions and educational sessions will be complemented by a varied programme including guided tours of the city’s cultural heritage and literary and cultural events, offering new perspectives on the relationship between territory, tradition and wine.
Among the most anticipated highlights, on Saturday evening at 8:00 pm in Piazza Bra, the immersive show “Inside There Is Italy” will take centre stage. This original production combines different artistic languages—dance, theatre and music—to narrate the soul of Italian wine. Conceived and directed by Giuliano Peparini and organized by Veronafiere in partnership with OpportunItaly, the entrepreneurial acceleration programme promoted by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ITA – Italian Trade Agency, and held under the patronage of Masaf (Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry), the performance will feature 150 performers on the steps of Palazzo Barbieri, creating a scenic narrative that intertwines landscape, memory, tradition and passion—hallmarks of Italy’s wine culture.
Opening hours of Vinitaly and The City:
Tasting passes can be purchased online until 9 April at a cost of €18. During the event, they will be available both online and at the ticket counters in Piazza dei Signori for €22.
Vinitaly and The City is organized by Veronafiere in collaboration with the Municipality of Verona, the Province of Verona, and the Fondazione Cariverona.
Official Partners: Generali Italia, Banca Passadore, Vip Energy, Ploom, BYD
Official Wine 2026: Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie