Merano WineFestival 2027 – Italy

Overview

Merano WineFestival 2027 – Italy is one of most exclusive events in wine world, thanks to its philosophy of presenting only best of best in terms of wines and foods, selected by tasting commissions from hundreds of wineries worldwide. It takes place every year at various locations around Old Town of Merano, with historic Kurhaus in Merano providing perfect setting creating unique atmosphere.

The festival is meeting place for wine lovers, experts and producers from all over world, wine event dedicated to complexity of wines produced through sustainable and ethical practices. Originally established in 19th century as healing and entertainment destination for European nobility, Merano’s Kurhaus has evolved into cultural and tourism hub.

The 35th edition will feature 810 wineries, over 2,600 products for tasting, and four wines that have achieved top score of 100/100 in WineHunter Award Platinum for first time. Program includes over 350 Italian wineries, more than 100 international producers from 12 countries, masterclasses and in-depth discussions.

What Makes This Food Event Special

Bold heading: WineHunter Award Selection: Only best of best selected by tasting commissions, with wines awarded with WineHunter Award, brand of excellence managed by Gourmet’s International that attests products, including first-ever 100/100 WH Award Platinum winners.

Bold heading: Historic Kurhaus Venue: Historic Kurhaus di Merano, 37 Corso Liberta, Merano, stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece, originally established in 19th century as healing and entertainment destination for European nobility, creating unique atmosphere.

Bold heading: International Scope: Over 350 Italian wineries, more than 100 international producers from 12 to 21 foreign countries, representing 40 percent coming from Georgia and others, with sections Wine Italia, Wine International and WineHunter Area curated by Fisar sommeliers South Tyrol.

Bold heading: Sustainable Focus: TasteTerroir bio and dynamica dedicated to organic and biodynamic wines and conscious viticulture opening program, plus wine event dedicated to complexity of wines produced through sustainable and ethical practices.

Bold heading: Multi-Venue City Festival: Takes place every year at various locations around Old Town of Merano, with Fuorisalone Merano WineCitylife along Corso Libertà ultimate red carpet featuring public-facing events, Meran Spirit, Vini Buoni d’Italia, Wine Sustainability Outlooks and more.

Food, Cuisine & Specialties

Wine Italia Selection: 300 to 350+ exhibitors in Wine Italia section, selection of national companies presenting best Italian wines, including sparkling wines, white, rosé, red and sweet wines served by students of Provincial School for Tourism SAVOY in Merano.

Wine International: 50 producers from 9 different countries for Wine International, plus over 100 international producers from 12 countries, bringing global wines.

WineHunter Area: 250 labels selected in WineHunter Area curated by Fisar sommeliers South Tyrol, plus 30+ labels at Main Stage Kursaal where wine lovers explore unique wines carefully selected by The WineHunter Helmuth Köcher with assistance of panel of experts.

Culinaria GourmetArena: Culinaria section represents gastronomic soul of Merano WineFestival, where wine excellence meets culinary artistry, in GourmetArena showcasing food excellence.

Sparkling Special: Catwalk Champagne and more tasting journey celebrating art and tradition of Metodo Classico gathering exclusive selection of Italian and international sparkling wines from outstanding wineries, with elegance of sparkling wine meets art of cuisine in gastronomic path designed to highlight every aromatic nuance of bubbles.

Food and Spirits: Over 2,600 products for tasting including wines, foods, spirits, with rich culinary experience alongside exquisite wines.

Chefs, Restaurants & Food Vendors

Fisar Sommeliers South Tyrol: Fisar sommeliers South Tyrol curating WineHunter Area with 250 labels, guiding tastings.

Provincial School SAVOY: Students of Provincial School for Tourism SAVOY in Merano serving wines, providing hospitality service.

GourmetArena Chefs: Chefs in GourmetArena Culinaria section where wine excellence meets culinary artistry, presenting gastronomic soul.

International Producers: 810 wineries including over 350 Italian and more than 100 international producers from 12 countries, including Georgian producers representing 40 percent of international section, plus Cantina dei Colli Ripani and others.

WineHunter Helmuth Köcher: Founder Helmuth Köcher selecting over 200 different wines from Italy, with assistance of panel of experts, brand of excellence managed by Gourmet’s International.

Local Partners: Selection of partners and producers of Merano WineFestival participating in exclusive setting at Hippodrome Merano for Merano WineFestival meets Gran Premio Merano event.

Food Experience

The Festival Heart: November 9-11 The Festival heart of event: selection of national and international companies taking place in Merano at stunning Art Nouveau masterpiece Kurhaus, with Wine Italia, Wine International and WineHunter Area.

WineHunter Masterclasses: WineHunter Masterclasses separately ticketed guided tastings at Hotel Terme Merano offering exceptional guided tastings led by industry experts, with in-depth discussions and book presentations, plus Masterclasses are separately ticketed guided tastings.

TasteTerroir Opening: TasteTerroir bio and dynamica opening program dedicated to organic and biodynamic wines and conscious viticulture, plus space for rare Italian grape varieties.

Fuori Salone WineCitylife: Along Corso Libertà Fuori Salone unfolds as Merano’s ultimate red carpet featuring public-facing events, with Corso Libertà 10:00-20:00 Fuori Salone Merano WineCitylife, Vini Buoni d’Italia, Wine Sustainability Outlooks, Meran Spirit 18:00-01:00.

Anteprima Preview: Anteprima Merano WineFestival in Algund Lagundo village offering over 200 different wines from Italy selected by WineHunter Helmuth Köcher, taste sparkling wines, white, rosé, red and sweet wines, plus rich culinary experience and tasting at Meran winery.

Catwalk Champagne: Catwalk Champagne and more festive atmosphere to close Merano WineFestival at Kursaal Kurhaus, tasting journey celebrating art and tradition of Metodo Classico with exclusive selection of Italian and international sparkling wines, gastronomic path designed to highlight every aromatic nuance of bubbles.

Date & Schedule

Official Dates: November 2027 (Dates TBD)

Typical Schedule: Based on previous editions, festival takes place early November, with 35th edition November 6 to 10 2026 at Kurhaus in Merano. Program opens November 6 with TasteTerroir bio and dynamica, followed by main Festival November 7-9, with events such as Catwalk Champagne closing. Anteprima in Algund before main event, and Merano WineFestival meets Gran Premio Merano at Hippodrome September 27.

Daily Hours: Kurhaus events typically 10:00 am to evening, with Corso Libertà Fuorisalone 10:00-20:00, WineHunter Masterclasses at Hotel Terme Merano, Teatro Puccini Stadttheater 9:30-14:00 Vini Buoni d’Italia and 17:00-19:00 Wine Sustainability Outlooks, Meran Spirit 18:00-01:00.

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Location & Venue

Main Venue – Kurhaus di Merano: Kurhaus di Merano, 37 Corso Liberta, Merano, Corso Libertà 33, Merano, South Tyrol 39012, IT, historic Kurhaus Art Nouveau masterpiece, stunning venue providing perfect setting.

Additional Venues: Hotel Terme Merano hosting WineHunter Masterclasses and in-depth discussions, Teatro Puccini Stadttheater for Vini Buoni d’Italia, Corso Libertà Freiheitsstraße for Fuorisalone Merano WineCitylife, various locations around Old Town of Merano, Hippodrome Merano for Gran Premio event, Algund Lagundo village for Anteprima.

Location – Merano South Tyrol: Merano in South Tyrol northwest of Bolzano, Old Town of Merano with Kurhaus as central hub.

B2B Spaces: Dedicated B2B networking spaces such as WH Buyers Club and ICE Buyers Area facilitating producer-market connections.

WineCitylife: Corso Libertà ultimate red carpet featuring public-facing events along main street.

Getting to the Event

By Air: Bolzano Airport BZO closest, with Verona Airport VRN and Innsbruck INN alternatives, then train or car to Merano.

By Train: Merano railway station with connections through Bolzano, then regional train to Merano, rail travelers generally connect through Bolzano then continue by regional train.

By Car: Driving to Merano possible, but do not assume parking beside Kurhaus will be available, use parking facilities and walk to Old Town.

By Bus: Buses from Bolzano and other South Tyrol towns to Merano.

Walking: Central Merano walkable, with Kurhaus, Corso Libertà, Hotel Terme and Teatro Puccini all within short walking distance in Old Town.

Shuttle: Local shuttles and buses connecting venues around Old Town and to Algund for Anteprima.

Where to Stay Nearby

Central Merano – Closest: Hotels in central Merano near Kurhaus and Corso Libertà offer closest access to main events, stay in central Merano if festival is priority, prices previously USD 120 to USD 300 per night during festival.

Hotel Terme Merano: Hotel Terme Merano hosting masterclasses offers accommodation with direct access to tastings, prices previously USD 150 to USD 350 per night.

Algund Lagundo: Hotels in Algund Lagundo village near Anteprima venue, prices previously USD 80 to USD 180 per night.

Surrounding South Tyrol: Hotels in surrounding South Tyrol towns such as Bolzano base with train connection, prices previously USD 70 to USD 160 per night.

Budget Options: Hostels and budget B&Bs in Merano offer dorm beds USD 30 to USD 55 and private rooms USD 70 to USD 130.

Luxury: Luxury hotels and wine resorts in Merano and surrounding vineyards offer high-end stays previously USD 250 to USD 500 per night.

Things to Do Before or After the Event

TasteTerroir Opening: Attend TasteTerroir bio and dynamica dedicated to organic and biodynamic wines opening program.

Gran Premio Merano: Attend Merano WineFestival meets Gran Premio Merano at Hippodrome Merano September 27, perfect day where elegance and worldliness combine, opportunity to enter Italian wine and food world tasting delicacies of selection of partners and producers.

Anteprima Algund: Attend Anteprima Merano WineFestival in Algund offering over 200 different wines selected by WineHunter plus rich culinary experience.

Merano Old Town: Explore Old Town of Merano with Art Nouveau architecture, thermal baths and cultural sites.

South Tyrol Wineries: Visit South Tyrol wineries producing Weissburgunder Alto Adige DOC and other Alpine wines.

Merano Wine Observatory: Visit upcoming Merano Wine Observatory set to begin operations in 2027.

Restaurants & Local Food to Try

South Tyrolean Cuisine: Try South Tyrolean specialties such as speck, knödel, Schlutzkrapfen and apple strudel pairing with Alpine wines, meals previously USD 20 to USD 40 per person.

GourmetArena Culinaria: Culinaria section in GourmetArena representing gastronomic soul where wine excellence meets culinary artistry, previously included in tasting.

Kurhaus Dining: Dining at Kurhaus and surrounding Old Town restaurants offering Italian and Austrian fusion cuisine, previously USD 25 to USD 50 per person.

Wine Bars: Wine bars along Corso Libertà during Fuorisalone Merano WineCitylife offering tastings, previously USD 8 to USD 18 per glass.

Fine Dining: Upscale restaurants in Merano offering gourmet menus paired with WineHunter selections, previously USD 50 to USD 100 per person.

Algund Culinary: Rich culinary experience at Anteprima in Algund alongside exquisite wines.

Dietary & Food Allergy Information

Wine Allergens: Wines contain sulfites, with organic and biodynamic wines lower sulfite options in TasteTerroir section.

Food Allergens: GourmetArena Culinaria foods may contain gluten, dairy, nuts, with allergen information from vendors and chefs.

Vegetarian and Vegan: Vegetarian options available in Culinaria section, with vegan and organic biodynamic wines in TasteTerroir bio and dynamica dedicated to conscious viticulture.

Gluten-Free: Gluten-free options available, with wines naturally gluten-free and some food vendors offering gluten-free.

Sustainable Wines: Wines produced through sustainable and ethical practices highlighted, with complexity of sustainable wines featured.

Information: For specific dietary needs, contact Fisar sommeliers and vendors, with information at Kurhaus.

Ticket Information

Ticket Sales: Tickets can be purchased during event directly at Kurhaus of Merano Ticket Shop inside Merano Tourism Board Corso della Libertà 45 or before event at authorized physical points of sale in area, plus sales at office Via Monte Ivigna 19 39010 Cermes. There will not be ticket office in place historically, tickets have to be bought online in some editions, so check official.

Day Ticket Pricing: Based on previous editions, Merano WineFestival day tickets: early bird operators expert visitors pricing. Example Saturday 9 November EUR 134 approximately USD 145, November 10-11 EUR 124 approximately USD 134. 1 day tickets operators expert visitors early bird: Merano WineFestival 9 Nov EUR 90, 100, 115 approximately USD 97, 108, 124; 10-11 Nov EUR 85, 100, 115 approximately USD 92, 108, 124. Ticket First Class 9-10-11 Nov EUR 120, 120, 140 approximately USD 130, 130, 151.

WineHunter Masterclasses: WineHunter Masterclasses separately ticketed guided tastings at Hotel Terme Merano, prices previously EUR 50 to EUR 80 approximately USD 54 to USD 86.

Bracelet System: 1 bracelet is for entrance in different hotels of WineHunter Area whose access will be managed according to legal requirements of hotels.

Pricing in USD – Based on Previous Editions: Day ticket USD 92 to USD 145 depending on day and visitor type, First Class multi-day USD 130 to USD 151, Masterclasses USD 54 to USD 86. Check official https://meranowinefestival.com/ for current 2027 pricing. Prices do not change for both visitors and business field operators in recent editions.

Official Event Information

Official Website: https://meranowinefestival.com/

Contact: Tel +39 0473 21 00 11, Fax +39 0473 23 37 20, Email info@meranowinefestival.com, plus Ticket Shop Kurhaus Merano Corso della Libertà 45.

Organizers: Gourmet’s International Helmuth Köcher The WineHunter brand of excellence, organizing festival since 1992, tradition began in 1992 establishing as one of leading events dedicated to outstanding wines and international food and wine culture.

Venue: Kurhaus di Merano 37 Corso Liberta Merano South Tyrol 39012, plus Hotel Terme Merano, Teatro Puccini Stadttheater, Corso Libertà Freiheitsstraße, Hippodrome Merano, Algund Lagundo village and various locations around Old Town.

Program: Program includes 810 wineries, over 2,600 products for tasting, over 350 Italian wineries, more than 100 international producers from 12 to 21 countries, masterclasses, in-depth discussions, TasteTerroir bio and dynamica, WineHunter Area, Wine Italia, Wine International, Culinaria GourmetArena, Fuorisalone Merano WineCitylife, Vini Buoni d’Italia, Wine Sustainability Outlooks, Meran Spirit, Catwalk Champagne and more, plus dedicated B2B networking spaces WH Buyers Club and ICE Buyers Area.

Editions: 35th edition November 6 to 10 2026, tradition since 1992, 2027 will be 36th edition.

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