(Verona, 10 March 2026) – The heart of Verona beats once again to the rhythm of wine as, from 10 to 12 April, the city transforms for Vinitaly and the City, the off-show event dedicated to wine enthusiasts from across Italy that each year accompanies the opening of Vinitaly with initiatives and events focused on promoting products, territories and, above all, wine culture.
With a rich mosaic of events ranging from tastings to masterclasses, guided tours to literary encounters, talks to evening dance events, the three-day programme offers a unique opportunity to discover—through the lens of a glass of wine—the wonders of this UNESCO World Heritage city and beyond.
“Alongside what will take place at the trade fair, this year Vinitaly and the City is also accelerating its focus on wine tourism,” said Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere. “We have strengthened the urban offering, starting from the experiences on show and expanding our scope with initiatives and activities that continue even after the event, involving numerous local wineries. This pilot initiative confirms a continuously evolving format, already successfully exported to Sibari in Calabria and currently being studied for implementation in new regions.”
While the much-anticipated marathon of around 70 events—including wine talks, tastings, guided tours and literary appointments—is confirmed, this year the tasting and experience tokens step up a gear. Among other initiatives, they will open the gates of the Arena and launch a journey along the Valpolicella Wine Route, with a programme of tastings in 15 wineries running from 13 April to 3 May.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Friday 10 April (official opening at 6:00 pm), with a toast featuring Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie, the official wine of the 2026 edition, and the opening of the stands in the historic city centre. Once again, the focal point will be the triangle formed by Piazza dei Signori, Cortile del Tribunale and Cortile Mercato Vecchio.
In Piazza dei Signori, under the gaze of Dante, the Loggia di Fra’ Giocondo will host the Grand Enoteca of the Consorzio Tutela Vini DOC Delle Venezie, while the Loggia Antica will be dedicated to the art of mixology, featuring some of today’s most renowned bartenders. At the centre of the square, visitors will find the stand of the Fiera del Riso of Isola della Scala and the Banca Passadore Lounge, offering an experiential space where art and wine meet amid the evocative architecture of what was once the Scaligeri Court.
Cortile Mercato Vecchio—also home to the Wine Talks curated by Sissi Baratella and the Santa Barbara Mining Route Foundation—will become the ambassador space for the wines of Calabria and Sardinia. The wine and food journey continues in Cortile del Tribunale, featuring Abruzzo, Campania (Campania.Wine project) and Molise (Palazzo del Capitanio), alongside Esselunga’s space and a selection curated by Gambero Rosso.
The iconic “postcard toasts” return to the terrace of the Torre dei Lamberti, 84 metres above the city, this year signed by the Consorzio Vini d’Abruzzo. Among the new highlights already announced is the Salotto dei Vini Rari curated by Paolo Massobrio.
Wineries participating in the extended Vinitaly and the City programme include: Boscaini Carlo Soc. Agricola, Cà Rugate, Coali – Tenuta Savoia, Corte Archi, Corte Martini, Corte Odorico, La Dama, Azienda Agricola Mizzon, Masi, Nicolis Winery, Siridia, Tedeschi, Villa San Pietro Winery, Santa Sofia and Vogadori Vini.
Activities accessible with the Experience Token can be found at:
https://www.vinitaly.com/eventi/vinitaly-and-the-city/token-esperienza/
Vinitaly and the City opening hours are: Friday 10 April from 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm; Saturday 11 April from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm; and Sunday 12 April from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Tasting packages can be purchased online until 9 April at a cost of €18. During the event days, they will be available online and at the Piazza dei Signori ticket offices at €22.
Vinitaly and the City is organised by Veronafiere in collaboration with the Municipality of Verona, the Province of Verona and Fondazione Cariverona.
Official Partners: Generali Italia, Banca Passadore, Vip Energy, Ploom, BYD.
Official Wine 2026: Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie.