Wine isn’t just for swirling quietly at sunset (though we love that too). In France and Italy, it’s a full-blown celebration — sometimes involving fireworks, grape stomping, and even marathons with wine stops.
So if you're planning a trip (or just want to daydream a little), here are some of the most fabulous, flavour-packed wine festivals across France and Italy. Expect charming towns, generous pours, and more cheese than you thought humanly possible.
1. Cantine Aperte – Across Italy
📍 Various regions | 🗓 24–25 May 2025
Italy’s ultimate open house for wine lovers. Hundreds of wineries across the country open their doors for free tastings, behind-the-scenes tours, and plenty of food. Every region gets involved, from the foggy hills of Piedmont to the sun-drenched vineyards of Sicily.
Why go? You’ll feel like a VIP (Very Indulgent Person) as you sip your way through Italy, one cellar door at a time.
2. Bordeaux Wine Festival – France
📍 Bordeaux | 🗓 26–29 June 2025
Set along the Garonne River, this is one of France’s biggest wine events, with 1.2 kilometres of tasting stalls, workshops, fireworks, and river cruises. It’s a glorious mix of wine culture and city chic.
Why go? It’s Bordeaux at its most celebratory – great wines, great vibes, great excuse for a long weekend.
3. Marathon du Médoc – Pauillac, Bordeaux Region
📍 Pauillac | 🗓 6 September 2025
Yes, this is a real thing. A full 42.2km marathon through some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards — with 20+ wine-tasting stops along the way, gourmet snacks (think oysters and steak), live music, and fancy dress. 2025’s theme? “La Mer” (The Sea), so pack your pirate costume.
Why go? It’s wild, it’s wonderful, and the only race where finishing tipsy is completely acceptable.
4. Fête des Vins de Gaillac – Gaillac, France
📍 Gaillac | 🗓 2–3 August 2025
A hidden gem in southwestern France, Gaillac’s summer wine fête is big on local charm and lesser-known grape varieties. The village square comes alive with tastings, food stalls, and music.
Why go? You’ll get to try unique wines that rarely make it beyond France’s borders.
5. Calici di Stelle – Across Italy
📍 Various towns | 🗓 2–11 August 2025
“Goblets of Stars” is as dreamy as it sounds. Held during the Perseids meteor shower, this festival combines wine, music, and stargazing across dozens of Italian hill towns and wineries.
Why go? Drinking Sangiovese under a sky full of shooting stars? Yes, please.
6. Festa dell’Uva – Impruneta, Tuscany
📍 Impruneta | 🗓 28 September 2025
This grape-stomping, Chianti-toasting celebration has been running since 1926. Think parades, performances, traditional food, and a whole lot of community spirit. Each local district creates a themed float (with intense competition), and the wine flows freely all day.
Why go? It’s Tuscany with a touch of theatre and a splash of red.
7. Festa del Vino – Montecarlo, Tuscany
📍 Montecarlo | 🗓 30 August – 8 September 2025
This medieval Tuscan town knows how to throw a party. For over 50 years, Montecarlo has hosted this festival with local wine stands, traditional cuisine, and live music tucked between stone walls and olive groves.
Why go? It’s authentic, easy-going, and wonderfully Italian.
8. Beaujolais Marathon – Villefranche-sur-Saône, France
📍 Beaujolais | 🗓 22–23 November 2025
A festive (and slightly chaotic) event celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau season. Runners – often in ridiculous costumes – dash through vineyards and châteaux with wine stops and local food on course. There’s also a half marathon and shorter routes, so everyone’s welcome.
Why go? It’s part race, part party, and all very French.
© Morgan Bove
9. Hospices de Beaune Wine Auction – Burgundy, France
📍 Beaune | 🗓 16–17 November 2025
This historic auction is where the great and good of Burgundy wine come to bid on barrels for charity. It’s also a massive weekend of tastings, cellar tours, and celebrations throughout the town.
Why go? If you’re serious about Burgundy, this is your must-do. Just try not to blow your life savings on a Grand Cru barrel.
The Final Lap (with a Glass in Hand)
From late-night sipping under the stars to donning a lobster costume and jogging through vineyards, these festivals prove wine culture isn’t just about sniffing and swirling — it’s about celebrating. Whether you’re in it for the pours or the pace, France and Italy serve up wine events with serious personality.
And if you can’t make it over this year? DiVino brings the best of Europe’s wine regions right to your doorstep. No flights, no sweaty costumes – just delicious bottles that taste like a holiday in a glass.
So lace up… or pour up. Your next wine adventure awaits.
Cin Cin & Santé!