The 28th edition of the Merano WineFestival is coming your way, November 8–12 in the splendid South Tyrolean town of Merano, that lies in the heart of the region of South Tyrol on the southern side of the Alps.
Showcasing over 950 wine producers among the best in Italy and the world, and more than 120 makers of handmade products, the event is one of the most glamorous yearly recurrence in the Italian wine & food scene.
Founded in 1992 by Helmuth Köcher, a true pioneer in the wine industry, the Merano WineFestival has become one of the leading festivals in the country and a highly anticipated autumn tradition with over 11,000 attendees from all corners of the world.
This year the event celebrates Leonardo da Vinci’s 500th anniversary, and focuses on issues such as sustainability, innovation, and women and wine. Among the new features of this year, a conference on innovation, staged in collaboration with the H-Farm platform, and a round table discussion on the Japanese model and women’s role in the world of wine. Entrepreneurs, export managers, journalists, wine bloggers, winemakers and professionals of wine will discuss this Asian example of an increasingly female sector.
Kicking off the #MWF2019 at the Kurhaus (one of the most typical Liberty-style buildings in this whole Alpine region) on November 8 is “Naturae et Purae – bio&dynamica” with a display focusing on natural, organic, biodynamic, orange and PIWI wines.
November 9 to 11 the Kurhaus will host “The Official Selection” where visitors will have the chance to taste all the top labels on display, including those chosen for The WineHunter Awards. Finally, on Tuesday 12 November, it’s time for the big can’t-miss event at the Kursaal: “Catwalk Champagne”, a glamorous parade dedicated to the top champagne houses, and combined with some real gourmet treats.
Fans of gastronomic specialities and culinary products should visit the GourmetArena, the area next to the Kurhaus that houses the “Culinary, Beerpassion and Aquavitae” sections, as well as the “Territorium and Consortium”. The multi-purpose space known as “The Circle – People, Lands, Experiences” is also back this year. This covered area of 450 square metres in Piazza della Rena acts as a stage for meetings, debates, tastings and musical performances, reflecting the richness of some of Italy’s loveliest regions in terms of food and wine, culture, history and landscape.
A special area “the Spirits & Mixing Arena” will be dedicated to spirits and mixology, located on the splendid Promenade beside the Passirio River, a chance for enthusiasts and the simply curious to explore the latest from the sector and sample current trends.
Those wishing to increase their knowledge of wine can visit the Hotel Therme Merano for the annual Charity Wine Masterclasses: a series of vertical tastings, designed by The WineHunter Helmuth Köcher in collaboration with producers and selected importers, with all the proceeds going for charity purposes. Passionate wine experts will lead the participants to the discovery of unique wines, from the great classical ones to the small hidden treasures, each of them telling a story and symbolising a tradition and a territory.
This year the Charity Wine Masterclasses together with the proceeds of the Charity Wine Auction will raise funds to support a project of the Gruppo Missionario di Merano called “Un pozzo per la vita” (A well for life”): the Merano WineFestival contributes to the purchase of a well, a reservoir for the piezometric tower and toilets with running water in the children’s reception center in Barbarou, West Africa.
In this way the Merano WineFestival aims to create a wine excellence platform showcasing the finest wines to wine enthusiasts, investors and collectors worldwide and contributing as well with philanthropic initiatives. Wine connoisseurs won’t want to miss the most acclaimed wine event in the region!
