Venice Wine Festival 2026: all info you need
Hey travellers, if you're thinking about heading to Venice in late spring or early summer, there's one event that should definitely make your trip to-do list: the Venice Wine Festival 2026. In the heart of the lagoon city, surrounded by the winding alleys, iconic bridges, and the bustling Rialto Market - one of the most unique parts of Venice - one of the most exciting festivals dedicated to wine, spirits, craft beer, and Italian food is coming back.
The festival is a cracking opportunity to explore a more off-the-beaten-path side of Venice, beyond the usual tourist trail, while rubbing shoulders with producers, artisans, and wine lovers from all over Italy.
Want to learn more about the Venice Wine Festival 2026? Check out our guide from Venice Insider Guide.
What's the Venice Wine Festival 2026 all about
The Venice Wine Festival 2026 is a love letter to Italian food and wine culture, with a real focus on Champagne and international wines. This is the place where producers, buyers, wine enthusiasts, winemakers, spirit producers, craft breweries, gourmet food companies, and sommeliers all come together.
The festival was created to celebrate tradition, sustainability, innovation and - let's face it - the love of good food and drink. It's a chance for industry insiders and visitors to get together and taste some of the authentic flavours of Italy, thanks to a collaboration with the Associazione Rialto Mio and support from Confcommercio Imprese for Italy in Venice.
And the best part? The whole thing takes place in one of the most picturesque parts of Venice, just a short stroll from St Mark's Square and right in the heart of the historic city centre.
What you need to know about the Venice Wine Festival 2026
The Venice Wine Festival 2026 is all about having a good time. You can wander round the exhibitor stands, meet the producers in person and taste your way through the event. One of the things that makes this festival so special is the chance to chat to the people behind the wine, beer and spirits. They'll tell you all about their stories, production methods and local traditions.
It's a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the stunning Rialto Market setting - surrounded by canals and Venetian architecture - makes the whole experience even more memorable.
When is the Venice Wine Festival 2026
The official dates for the Venice Wine Festival 2026 are from 11:00 to 22:00 on:
- Sunday, May 31, 2026
- Monday, June 1, 2026
- Tuesday, June 2, 2026
This guide is based on the Rialto Market dates in Venice, but previous editions of the Venice Wine Festival were also held on March 7-8, 2026.
Three whole days dedicated to Italian food and wine culture in the heart of Venice.
Tickets for the Venice Wine Festival 2026
Some great news for visitors and tourists alike: entry to the Venice Wine Festival 2026 is free! However, tastings require a Wine Card - which comes in different price tiers.
A single ticket to get in costs €25.00 at the gate or €17.40 if you buy in advance.
If you're coming with a friend, a double ticket for two people will set you back €40.00 at the gate or €29.40 if you buy in advance.
Incidentally, the first 500 advance tickets were available for a steal at €12.00, but that deal has already sold out.
If you're a HoReCa professional, you can get in for free with the right accreditation. And if you're disabled or accompanying someone who is, you'll get free tastings plus a complimentary glass and carrying strap.
Exhibitors at the Venice Wine Festival 2026
The Venice Wine Festival 2026 will be hosting over 400 exhibitors with a huge range of Italian wines and spirits, alongside wineries, spirit producers, craft breweries and Italian gourmet food companies.
For example? Villa Maria Spumanti, Tenuta Micoli, Cantine Stoli, Tenute Vidi, and much more.
The event is all about getting artisanal excellence in front of an international audience, and giving visitors a taste of Italy's rich food and drink heritage.
If you're an exhibitor yourself, the festival wants to hear from you and hear about your products - it's a great chance to get your brand seen and to connect with the industry.
Where is the Venice Wine Festival 2026 taking place
The Venice Wine Festival 2026 is being held at the Rialto Market, Campo della Pescaria, Venice. While this guide focuses on Rialto Market, previous editions have been held at Forte Marghera, a stunning 19th-century fortress on the Venetian mainland.
This location is one of the most iconic and authentic areas of the city, close to the famous Rialto Bridge and just a short distance from St Mark's Square.
Attending the festival is a chance to combine culture, food, and tourism in a unique and memorable way.
Getting to the Venice Wine Festival 2026
Getting to the Rialto Market is easy thanks to Venice’s great public transportation system.Visitors arriving at the train station Venezia Santa Lucia can grab a vaporetto heading along the Grand Canal and hop off near Rialto - the journey from Piazzale Roma is quick and very frequent too.
For those already staying in the historic center of Venice, the best way to get to the festival is on foot - take in the charm of Venice's winding alleys and bridges while enjoying the breathtaking views of the canals as you stroll.
Programs Venice Wine Festival 2026
The Venice Wine Festival 2026 is all about wine tastings, getting to know Italian food producers, trying out different culinary experiences, and attending masterclasses on lesser-known wine varieties and quirky production methods that show off some pretty unusual wines with loads of character.
The whole three-day event is an opportunity for visitors to explore an amazing selection of wines, craft beers, spirits and gourmet goodies all set in a really elegant but welcoming atmosphere.
Taste labels that are more than just your usual tipple - especially when paired up with some delicious Venetian cicchetti and other seasonal snacks.
The festival's all about celebrating Italy's rich food and wine heritage in a super-authentic way - so expect special sections on pairings with traditional Venetian recipes, including a cooking class where you can learn the secrets of Le Ricette della Cucina Veneziana and a workshop led by a local chef.
On the tasting menu you've got Baccalà mantecato and Risotto nero di Seppia - and don't forget the unique Gondola Experience where you can taste some great wines while on a gondola ride, all while being guided by a sommelier.
Why go to Venezia during the Venice Wine Festival 2026
Getting to Venice during the Venice Wine Festival 2026 gives you the chance to experience the city from a totally new angle.
Beyond the famous landmarks and tourist hotspots, the festival lets you connect with the real heart of Venetian culture and traditions. Walking through the Rialto Market, wine glass in hand, surrounded by all the sights and smells of gourmet food, and taking in the views of the Grand Canal - that's an experience you'll never forget. Plus the festival is also a solidarity project in Venice, with lots of initiatives to support vulnerable people.
The late May and early June period is actually a really great time to visit Venice, thanks to the lovely weather, long days and all the vibrant cultural activity the city has to offer.
FAQs
When is the Venice Wine Festival 2026?
The festival is on from May 31st to June 2nd 2026.
Where is the Venice Wine Festival 2026 taking place?
The event is being held at the Rialto Market, Campo della Pescaria, Venice.
Is entrance to the Venice Wine Festival 2026 free?
Yep - entrance is completely free.
Are the tastings included?
Yes - tastings are included in the ticket price.
What kind of things can visitors taste at the festival?
You'll be able to taste a wide range of wines, spirits, craft beers and Italian gourmet goodies.
How close is the festival to St. Mark’s Square?
The festival is just a short walk from St. Mark’s Square.
Who are the exhibitors?
Expect to see wineries, spirit producers, craft breweries and gourmet food companies.
What are the opening hours?
From 11:00 am to 10:00 pm on May 31st and June 1st, and from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm on June 2nd.
Is the festival a good bet for tourists?
Absolutely - it's the perfect opportunity for visitors to explore Italy's food and wine culture while they're in Venice.
Why should tourists visit Venice during the festival?
Because it's a really unique chance to experience the city through food, wine and local culture.
Who organised the Venice Wine Festival?
The event is being promoted by Arte del Gusto Italia – a cultural association.
Conclusione
The Venice Wine Festival 2026 is set to be one of the most exciting events for foodies visiting Venice next year.
With its mix of tastings, artisan producers and the magical atmosphere of the Rialto Market - the festival is a real must-not-miss experience that combines culture, tradition and Italian hospitality in the perfect way.
If you're planning a trip to Venice in late May or early June, then the Venice Wine Festival is a great reason to make your trip even more unforgettable.
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