The eyes of the international wine world will be firmly focused on South Tyrol when the Merano Wine Festival returns for the 34th time to the magnificent Kurhaus in Merano from 7 to 11 November 2025.
It is much more than a wine fair in the traditional sense. Over the years, the Merano Wine Festival has developed into an event that takes globalisation into account. Tradition and future, with an eye on trends in the wine industry and gastronomy. With a special focus on high-quality products.
EXCELLENCE, ELEGANCE, EXCLUSIVITY
This is his guiding principle and he is the Wine Hunter: Helmuth Köcher (pictured) is the founder and president of the Merano Wine Festival. Every year, he and his team set out in search of quality wines and outstanding products for the gastronomy sector. The best are then honoured with the WINEHUNTER AWARD during the festival.
The award culminates in the presentation of the Platinum Award, which is reserved for products that have been awarded at least 96 out of 100 points by tasting teams.
The award ceremony will take place on Friday, 7 November 2025.
NATURE AWARENESS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Climate change and the environment are challenges that the wine industry must face today. Organic and biodynamic wines, fungus-resistant grape varieties, millennia-old methods of vinification with amphorae – the Merano Wine Festival gives ample space to these realities. TASTE TERROIR , a day dedicated to visions of the future, following the trends of the moment while appreciating the soil, climate and topography. Non-alcoholic and low-alcohol wines are currently gaining ground on the market and will soon become an integral part of the catering industry .
NOT JUST WINE: CULINARIA, A TRIBUTE TO GASTRONOMY
Once again this year, the festival has reserved ample space in the GOURMET ARENA for products for the catering industry. Beer and spirits, food and products for the kitchen are available for tasting, selected according to the principles of terroir and sustainability.
The symbiosis of wine and food, whose successful combination can provide the ultimate taste experience, is celebrated in LIVE COOKING. Outstanding wines and excellent culinary products are blended by the master chef and the sommelier's successful selection to create an unforgettable experience.
CHAMPAGNE 6 MORE
For years, it has been a highlight of the Merano Wine Festival programme when the curtain rises for the presentation of sparkling wines.
Above all, the products from Champagne, with their centuries-old tradition and outstanding quality, always attract attention.
However, many other winemakers have also committed themselves to the rather complex production process of the classic method and are thus able to achieve high-quality results. Not least in South Tyrol.
MASTERCLASS AND SUMMIT
The themed tastings, led by an expert, provide deep insight into the characteristics of a wine. History, terroir and microclimate are discussed, and the perceptions of the sensory organs are analysed together during the tasting, helping to understand the wine properly.
Controversial topics for the wine industry and gastronomy are discussed by experts in panel discussions at the SUMMITS. Climate change, sustainability and, last but not least, the continuing decline in sales in gastronomy and trade – solutions for the future must be found.
https://meranowinefestival.com
Photo: Siteofwine.com
