Fine Wine and Top Chefs Under the Pines at Vinòforum 2026 Rome

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

The clinking of heavy-stemmed crystal glasses echoing under the towering umbrella pines of Villa Borghese. The smoky, savoury scent of high-end Italian dishes being plated up by Michelin-starred chefs in a pop-up kitchen village. As the evening cools down, the low hum of excited conversation weaves through the sprawling outdoor venue, creating an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and wonderfully welcoming.

This is Vinòforum, Rome’s most fiercely anticipated culinary event of the year, returning this September to the elegant expanse of Piazza di Siena. For an entire week, this corner of the park transforms into an epicurean playground where regional Italian vintages meet high-end gastronomy. It is a rare chance to taste concentrated brilliance—top-tier wines and signature dishes from across the country—without having to crisscross the peninsula from the alpine slopes of Alto Adige to the sun-baked vineyards of Sicily.

Tasting Villages and Twilight Masterclasses

Wander past the illuminated stalls and you will find an intoxicating blend of experiences tailored to every level of wine enthusiasm. For the serious oenophile, the dedicated tasting zones offer deep dives into rare, soil-specific varietals poured by the very winemakers who nurtured them. You can sign up for exclusive masterclasses where sommeliers guide you through vertical tastings of vintage Barolos or showcase the nuanced differences between Tuscan appellations.

Casual foodies, meanwhile, can drift between open-air kitchens where celebrated chefs whip up everything from rich, truffle-laced pasta to delicately seared coastal seafood. The culinary lineup often includes Michelin-recognized talents who create special, small-plate menus specifically designed to pair with the festival's featured wines. The atmosphere shifts beautifully as the night deepens; early evening brings families and friends sharing sprawling charcuterie boards on the grass, while the later hours draw a vibrant, stylish crowd ready to discover their new favourite late-harvest pour under the stars.

A Season of Culture and Cuisine

Timing your visit for Vinòforum in late 2026 means you are also arriving right as Rome's cultural calendar bursts into life, balancing ancient backdrops with contemporary innovation. While your evenings might be dedicated to swirling wine glasses at Piazza di Siena, your days can be filled with world-class international art and performance. September marks the return of the sprawling Romaeuropa Festival, which turns dozens of Roman venues into dynamic hubs of avant-garde theater, music, and dance.

If you prefer visual arts, the city's exhibition front is equally spectacular this season. You can spend an afternoon admiring the major Vassily Kandinsky retrospective hosted at Palazzo Bonaparte, or head over to the MAXXI museum, which leans heavily into architectural boundary-pushing with exciting features on Tatiana Bilbao and Gordon Matta-Clark. The synergy of avant-garde art by day and master-level gastronomy by night makes this one of the most compelling times to visit the Eternal City.

A Gathering of Roman Epicureans

What truly breathes life into Vinòforum is the shared passion of its attendees. You will find yourself rubbing shoulders with local restaurateurs talking shop, couples toasting anniversaries over ruby-red Barolo, and animated groups of friends debating the merits of a Sicilian white versus a crisp Alto Adige pour. There is a palpable sense of Roman conviviality here—strangers at communal tables swapping recommendations on which pop-up kitchen to hit next, all united by a profound respect for Italy’s culinary heritage. The energy is infectious, turning a simple tasting event into a genuine cultural celebration.

Know Before You Go

• Pace your tastings: With hundreds of labels on offer, it pays to be strategic. Focus on a specific region or grape variety each evening rather than trying to sample everything at once. Hydration stations are dotted around the venue, so make sure to drink plenty of water between glasses.
• Dress for the park: While Romans always dress to impress, Piazza di Siena is still a grassy, gravel-lined outdoor arena. Swap the stilettos for stylish, flat walking shoes to navigate the grounds comfortably without sinking into the turf.
• Arrive early for the food: The chef-led pop-up kitchens often have limited portions of their signature dishes. Get there close to opening time if you have your heart set on a specific menu, as the most popular culinary collaborations often sell out by mid-evening.
• Secure your spot: Entry and masterclasses sell out quickly. Keep a close eye on the official event portal for ticket release announcements so you don't miss out on the most exclusive tasting sessions.

Make a Weekend of It

If you are building a full Roman weekend around the festival, the city’s culinary scene offers plenty to keep your palate warmed up. For a relaxed lunch before heading to the park, swing by the Monti neighbourhood and grab a truly spectacular artisanal sandwich from Fuorinorma—their cured meats and cheeses are a fantastic preview of the flavours you will encounter later.

If you prefer to sit down for a traditional yet refined meal earlier in the day, Bacco al Pretorio offers a wonderfully warm, vintage-touched atmosphere and beautifully executed Roman classics. Meat lovers seeking premium cuts and robust, fire-cooked flavors should absolutely book a table at Osteria Della Carne, which provides a hearty contrast to the delicate festival fare. Alternatively, if you find yourself wandering the cobblestone streets of Trastevere, soaking up the authentic local atmosphere at Osteria Nannarella or enjoying the beloved Rione 13 Ristorante will set the perfect tone for your foodie weekend.

Finally, if you want to keep the evening going after leaving Piazza di Siena, the fairy lights and impeccable mixology at Vattani Elegant Italian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar make it the perfect spot for a stylish nightcap to digest the day's indulgences.

I’ll be the one near the front of the queue for the truffle risotto—see you under the pines! Alyssa.