Verona, 1 April 2026 – Seventy events offering countless opportunities to discover Italy in a glass, all within a single experience spread across the historic centre of Verona. This is Vinitaly and the City, the Veronafiere off-show dedicated to wine lovers, which from 10 to 12 April will animate the streets and squares of the city of Romeo and Juliet with another timeless love story—Italy’s passion for wine.
The event will be brought to life not only through tastings, masterclasses and guided wine experiences, but also through a rich programme of guided tours, literary encounters and cultural initiatives, presented today at Veronafiere during the official press conference.
A major highlight of the programme is the debut, on Saturday evening at 8:00 pm in Piazza Bra, of the immersive performance “Inside There Is Italy”. This show, blending dance, theatre and music, is organised by Veronafiere and MASAF in collaboration with the ITA – Italian Trade Agency, with artistic direction and staging by Giuliano Peparini. A cast of 150 performers will take the stage on the steps of Palazzo Barbieri, narrating the land, time, transmission of knowledge and passion that have always defined Italy’s wine culture.
Institutional Statements
Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, stated: “Vinitaly and the City is the result of a successful synergy with institutions—from the Municipality and the Province of Verona to Fondazione Cariverona—alongside the involvement of the city’s cultural and business communities. We have created an immersive experience that tells the story of the wine world amidst the monumental beauty of our city. This format, while enhancing Verona, is also expanding nationally. Following the success in Calabria, which this year doubles its stops with Sibari in July and Reggio Calabria in August, it confirms itself as a unique promotional tool now being explored in other Italian regions. Strong digital engagement and active consumer participation demonstrate how wine can become the heart of a cultural narrative capable of uniting the entire country.”
Alessia Rotta, Councillor for Commerce and Events of the Municipality of Verona, added: “After the successful Olympic and Paralympic experience, Vinitaly once again places Verona at the centre of the Italian and international stage. The synergy between the city and the exhibition enables us to fully accomplish our mission of promoting the culture and tourism of the territory. The fruitful collaboration developed over the years continues to attract increasing interest and participation from businesses and commercial activities eager to be part of this great celebration.”
Marta Ugolini, Councillor for Culture and Tourism of the Municipality of Verona, commented: “This year we have sought to strengthen the connection with the city’s cultural heritage by enhancing the experience tokens, making guided tours of monuments and museums even more accessible. It will be a wonderful opportunity for both visitors and residents of Verona and the surrounding province.”
Flavio Massimo Pasini, President of the Province of Verona, said: “Each year, Vinitaly and the City brings us together in the public squares with a dual objective: to reinforce Verona’s identity as a vibrant and engaged city and to broaden community participation, including young people, families and wine enthusiasts. This is once again a successful initiative, with the continued opening of provincial palaces, granting access to rooms and spaces that are often unknown to the public.”
The press conference, moderated by journalist Paolo Massobrio, was also attended by Barbara Ferro, CEO of Veronafiere, Gianni Bruno, Deputy General Manager of Veronafiere, and Martina Valea, Event Manager of Vinitaly and the City.
Event Highlights
The event will officially open on Friday, 10 April at 6:00 pm with an inaugural toast featuring Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie, the Official Wine of the 2026 edition, marking the start of activities in the historic city centre.
The heart of the experience will once again be the triangle formed by Piazza dei Signori, Cortile Mercato Vecchio, and Cortile del Tribunale:
Entertainment will include the collaboration with Calabria and Rai Radio2 in the City, featuring a DJ set by Ema Stokholma on Saturday, 11 April at 9:30 pm at the Banca Passadore Lounge. The Torre dei Lamberti will once again host its iconic panoramic toasts at a height of 84 metres, this year under the auspices of the Consorzio Vini d’Abruzzo.
Extended Programme and Experience Tokens
The 2026 edition expands its programme beyond the city centre to the Valpolicella Wine Route, with a calendar of tastings involving 17 wineries from 13 April to 3 May.
The experience token system marks a significant step forward, granting access not only to tastings but also to exclusive cultural experiences, including:
Participating Wineries
Agricola Montenigo, Boscaini Carlo Soc. Agricola, Cà Rugate, Coali – Tenuta Savoia, Corte Archi, Corte Martini, Corte Odorico, La Dama, Azienda Agricola Mizzon, Masi, Nicolis Winery, Ripa della Volta, Siridia, Tedeschi, Villa San Pietro Winery, Santa Sofia, Vogadori Vini.