Foodies, unite! Wine warriors, assemble! Feast your eyes and whet your whistles, because we’re embarking on a flavor frenzy – a whirlwind tour of the best food and wine festivals that’ll tantalize your taste buds from Tokyo to Tuscany!
Think grape stomping with Argentinian gauchos, mastering the art of sake pairing in Kyoto, and waltzing with chocolate masterpieces in Paris (yes, you read that right!). We’ll conquer culinary Mount Everest with celebrity chefs in Aspen, then unravel the ancient secrets of the vine in Italy’s sun-drenched vineyards.
Forget lukewarm hot dogs and predictable pinot noirs. We’re talking Michelin-starred bites, hidden grape gems, and enough culinary fireworks to illuminate the Eiffel Tower. So, pack your curiosity, your dancing shoes, and your bottomless appetite, because this global feast is about to get delicious!
1. London Wine Fair 2026
Get ready to refine your palate and expand your wine knowledge as the London Wine Fair, a premier wine event, returns to Olympia from May 18th to 20th, 2026. This global showcase brings together over 10,000 industry professionals and wine enthusiasts from 30 countries, ready to explore new grape horizons. With opportunities to tour wineries virtually and experience cutting-edge winemaking innovations, this event is a must-attend for anyone passionate about wine.
Olympia becomes a battleground of flavors as over 4,000 exhibitors showcase their finest bottles in a dazzling display of wine tasting mastery. Unearth hidden treasures from the volcanic soils of Mount Etna or the sunlit vineyards of Puglia—exclusive bottles you won’t find at your local store. This is a true adventure for the daring palate, a journey of taste and wine that elevates the London Wine Fair into one of the world’s best food and wine festivals.
The London Wine Fair 2026 introduces an exciting new format, offering dedicated days for trade professionals and the public. This approach enhances networking opportunities and meaningful interactions for industry members while delivering a relaxed and educational wine tour experience for public attendees.
Key facts you need to know:
Location: Olympia, London
Dates: 18th May 2025 – 20th May 2026
Opening Times:
Monday – 18 May : 10:00 – 18:00
Tuesday – 20 May : 10:00 – 18:00
Wednesday – 21 May : 10:00 – 17:00
2. Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
Calling all gourmands, oenophiles, and epicureans! If your idea of paradise involves clinking glasses of vintage shiraz under a starlit sky, indulging in melt-in-your-mouth dim sum, and learning the secrets of Michelin-starred chefs, then mark your calendars (20th to 29th March) for the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Held annually in March, the Melbourne Food and Wine Festival transforms the city into a vibrant tapestry of culinary delights. For ten glorious days, Melbourne’s streets, laneways, and iconic landmarks become a smorgasbord of epic proportions.
This isn’t just your average food fair. The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival boasts an unparalleled lineup of international talent, bringing the world’s best flavors to your plate. Savor the delicate spices of Moroccan tagines, sharpen your chopsticks on melt-in-your-mouth Japanese sushi, or embark on a whirlwind tour of Tuscan trattorias without ever leaving Melbourne.
The Melbourne Food and Wine Festival celebrates the art of the grape with aplomb, showcasing award-winning wineries from across Australia and beyond. Stroll through endless rows of chardonnay, pinot noir, and sparkling shiraz, or attend masterclasses hosted by renowned winemakers and sommeliers.
3. La Tomatina Festival, Spain
Forget Michelin stars and meticulously plated courses. The world of best food and wine festivals has a wilder side, where squished tomatoes become the haute cuisine and laughter replaces clinking glasses. Welcome to La Tomatina, the messiest, most exhilarating food fight you’ll ever encounter, held annually in the small Spanish town of Buñol.
Imagine this: over 20,000 participants from all corners of the globe, armed with 120 tons of perfectly ripe tomatoes. The air crackles with anticipation as trucks loaded with this juicy ammunition rumble through the narrow streets. Then, with a deafening ¡Viva la Tomatina!, the battle begins.
For an hour, Buñol transforms into a technicolour spectacle. Squirting missiles of tomato pulp fly through the air, splattering everything and everyone in sight. Laughter and good-natured screams fill the air as participants embrace the joyful chaos. It’s a sensory overload like no other, the sweet scent of tomatoes mingling with the earthy aroma of crushed leaves and the infectious energy of the crowd.
La Tomatina’s origins are shrouded in playful mystery. Some say it stemmed from a 1945 food fight between rival groups of young men, while others claim it was a playful protest against local authorities.
Whatever the reason, La Tomatina in 2026 will be held on Wednesday, August 26th. So mark your calendars, dust off your tomato-flinging arm, and get ready for a messy but thrilling fiesta!
Of course, no best food and wine festival is complete without indulging in the local gastronomy. After the tomato frenzy subsides, head to Buñol’s charming bars and restaurants to savor authentic Valencian cuisine. Paella bursting with fresh seafood, roasted vegetables drizzled with local olive oil, and melt-in-your-mouth jamón serrano are just a few of the delights awaiting you.
And to wash it all down? Raise a glass of the region’s famed Tempranillo or Garnacha wines. These bold, flavorful reds pair perfectly with the rich flavors of Valencian cuisine, creating a culinary symphony to cap off your La Tomatina adventure.
4. Bordeaux Wine Festival, France
Bordeaux’s cobblestone streets shimmer beneath the French sun, but there’s more brewing than mere café au lait. While Bordeaux’s iconic Wine Festival (Fête le Vin) traditionally lights up the city each June, the official 2026 dates are still under wraps. You can still count on a mid-year celebration along the Garonne, complete with open-air tastings, live music, and nightly fireworks. In the meantime, other wine-focused gatherings are already set — including the Vinitech-Sifel trade fair from December 1–3, 2026 — and river cruises for May 2026 are beginning to sell spots that include festival access.
Keep an eye out for upcoming announcements.
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Immerse yourself in a tasting adventure across over 800 appellations at some of the finest wine bars in Bordeaux. Savor the crisp elegance of Sauvignon Blancs, indulge in the luxurious sweetness of Sauternes, and let each sip narrate the rich history of sun-soaked vineyards and generations of winemakers.
Pair your perfect pour with culinary adventures worthy of any best food and wine festival. Imagine fresh oysters plucked from the Atlantic, melting-in-your-mouth Canelé pastries like sugared clouds, and rich duck confit that will have you saying “oui, oui, oui” with every bite. Bordeaux isn’t just a wine wonderland, it’s a gastronomic playground.
As the sun dips below the horizon, the Garonne River becomes a canvas of liquid gold. Find a cozy corner, savor your final sip, and soak in the magic of Bordeaux at dusk. This is a moment that will linger long after your last cheese plate crumb is gone, a perfect coda to any best food and wine festival experience.
5. Oktoberfest, Germany
Ditch the lederhosen (unless you’re feeling extra Bavarian bold!), because we’re embarking on a whirlwind trip to the king of all best food and wine festivals: Munich’s legendary Oktoberfest!
Sit back and picture this: 16 glorious days (September 19th to October 4th, 2026, mark your calendars!) of clinking steins filled with frothy Münchner helles, the air thick with the aroma of roasting bratwurst and sweet gingerbread hearts, and the oom-pah of brass bands echoing through Theresienwiese, a vast fairground buzzing with over 6 million revelers like you and me.
Prepare your taste buds for one of the best food and wine festivals, or say for a Bavarian blitzkrieg:
Culinary Carousel: Dive into a smorgasbord of Bavarian delights beyond just the Weißwurst and pretzels. Picture crispy Schweinshaxn (roasted pork knuckle), juicy Leberkäse (meatloaf), and tangy Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) – all begging to be washed down with another stein.
Liquid Gold: Forget your IPAs and sours, Oktoberfest is all about Märzen, a rich amber lager brewed specifically for the festival. Pro tip: Learn to sing “Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit” the unofficial Oktoberfest anthem, to impress your newfound biergarten buddies.
A Feast for the Senses: Oktoberfest isn’t just about the food and drink. Get swept up in the infectious energy. Sing along to folk tunes, sway to the polka, and maybe even attempt a yodel or two. Trust me, the lederhosen-clad locals will love your enthusiasm!
So, is Oktoberfest the best food and wine festival? Prost! With its intoxicating blend of beer, bites, and Bavarian bonhomie, it’s a contender for the top spot. Raise a stein with us in 2026 and see for yourself why Munich’s Oktoberfest is an experience that will leave you singing (and yodeling) long after the last drop of Märzen is gone.
6. ProWein, Tokyo
For more than 28 years, ProWein has reigned as the ultimate global marketplace for wines and food, attracting over 90,000 visitors worldwide. This prestigious event now expands its influence to Asia, with ProWein Tokyo set to return from April 15th to 17th, 2026.
Dive into a spectrum of flavors, from the ethereal elegance of Junmai Daiginjo to the robust complexities of Koshu. Masterclasses, guided tastings, and intimate encounters with renowned sake sommeliers will unveil the ancient wisdom and meticulous craft behind this revered beverage.
But ProWein Tokyo isn’t just about the drink; it is one of the best food and wine festivals that tantalizes all senses. Witness the art of pairing sake and wine with exquisite Japanese cuisine through captivating culinary demonstrations led by master chefs. These culinary maestros weave magic with fresh local ingredients, showcasing the delicate balance of umami and other Japanese flavors. From melt-in-your-mouth sushi to melt-in-your-heart wagyu, be prepared for a tastebud odyssey that rivals any best food and wine festival experience.
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7. Food & Wine Classic, Aspen, USA
Forget your run-of-the-mill food shows, this is a 40-year legacy of the best food and wine festivals, a high-altitude playground where Michelin-starred chefs and legendary vintners collide, creating an experience that redefines “gourmet getaway.”
Dust off your hiking boots and polish your palate, because Aspen’s iconic Food & Wine Classic is gearing up for another epicurean escapade from June 19th to 21st, 2026.
Over 5,000 discerning palates descend upon Aspen, a mountain haven transformed into a culinary wonderland. Grand Tasting Pavilions overflow with over 300 wineries, each pouring liquid landscapes from Napa to Bordeaux, Argentina to Australia.
Experience the magic of wines and food as celebrity chefs like Andrew Zimmern and Rick Bayless dazzle with live cooking demonstrations, their knives moving with artistic precision. Savor delicacies from over 70 acclaimed restaurants, with each bite offering a journey to a new culinary destination, perfectly paired with exquisite wines.
8. Vinitaly, Verona, Italy
Ready to trade winter chills for sunlit wine regions in Italy and snowdrifts for glasses of golden liquid sunshine? Mark your calendars for April 12th to 15th, as Vinitaly 2026 returns to Verona, Italy. This iconic event, set in one of the most celebrated wine regions in Italy, promises an unforgettable journey through flavors and aromas, making it a must-attend festival for food and wine lovers alike.
Picture over 4,000 wine enthusiasts from 30 countries, presenting bottles as their ultimate weapons—not just Cabernets and Chardonnays, but hidden treasures like Gaglioppo from Calabria and Timorasso from Piedmont. Experience the essence of Italy’s winemaking heritage, where the tradition of wine stomping meets a modern celebration of diversity. Prepare for your palate to be captivated by unexpected flavors and your notions of wine redefined.
But Vinitaly isn’t just about conquering new grape frontiers. It’s about learning at the feet of the wine whisperers themselves. Masters like Angelo Gaja and Roberto Anselmi, their voices seasoned with time and tradition, lead masterclasses that transform every sip into a journey through terroir and history. You’ll taste beyond the grape, savoring the whispers of centuries in every drop.
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And while your palate dances with these liquid legends, your stomach won’t be left out. Vinitaly’s food scene is a Michelin-starred masterpiece. Forget limp hot dogs and stale pretzels. Here, artisanal cheesemakers sculpt pecorino into edible sculptures, prosciutto carvers pirouette their blades with ballet-like precision, and truffle-laced tagliolini redefine comfort food. It’s a culinary concerto composed on your plate, each bites a brushstroke on a canvas of pure deliciousness.
9. Grape Harvest Festival, Argentina
The Grape Harvest Festival in Mendoza, Argentina, is more than just grape stomping and enjoying Malbec. Argentina’s signature Grape Harvest Festival (Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia) is set to shine once again in Mendoza in early March 2026. Celebrating its 90th anniversary, the festivities are expected to unfold around the first weekend of March, bringing together crowds for musical performances, vibrant parades, and the traditional coronation of the Harvest Queen.
Key Dates & Locations (2026)
Main Celebration – Mendoza: Expected in early March 2026, most likely during the first weekend. Be sure to check official announcements as the date approaches.
Over 25,000 souls get united in a fiesta like no other. Dazzling parades paint the streets in a kaleidoscope of colors and the rhythmic stomp of the Pisa (grape press) blends with the soul-stirring melodies of cuyanos music.
Dive deeper and uncover a captivating journey into the world of Argentinian winemaking at this premier wine event. Masterclasses led by renowned bodegas reveal the secrets behind Malbec, cultivated under the sun-drenched vineyards of Mendoza, offering an unforgettable exploration of Argentina’s signature varietal.
Witness the age-old tradition of the pisa, your laughter mingling with the stomping rhythm as you become part of the process. This ain’t a tasting, folks, it’s a baptism by Bacchus, a pilgrimage to the source of every sip, elevating your experience to the best food and wine festivals level.
But the grand finale? Brace yourself for the Vendimia Queen election. Imagine dazzling costumes, choreographed dances, and an electrifying atmosphere as 17 queens representing different districts compete for the crown.
10. Salon Du Chocolat, France
Calling all chocoholics and cacao crusaders! Get ready to unleash your inner Willy Wonka, because Paris is brewing a whirlwind of cocoa magic from October 28th to November 1st, 2026. Salon du Chocolat, the undisputed heavyweight champion of best food festivals dedicated to all things chocolate, returns with a sugar rush of epic proportions.
Salon du Chocolat showcases over 500 artisan chocolatiers from around the globe, each wielding their craft like a culinary sword. Imagine tasting Madagascan single-origin bars with floral whispers, Venezuelan truffles infused with smoked chili, or even vegan delights that redefine indulgence without a drop of dairy.
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Every year, Salon du Chocolat unleashes a fashion phenomenon unlike any other – the chocolate dress parade. Imagine gowns, hats, and accessories meticulously crafted entirely from edible chocolate, each a testament to the boundless creativity this humble bean inspires. It’s a visual feast, a dazzling parade of cocoa couture, and a guaranteed highlight of any food and wine festival calendar.
