Castell’Arquato – Monterosso Val d’Arda Festival 2026

Monterosso Val d’Arda Festival 2026, May 9-10 the food and wine festival dedicated to a historic yet young wine returns to an authentic medieval village: Castell’Arquato (Piacenza)

Monterosso Val d’Arda Festival 2026: Several new features this year, including a beautiful 10-kilometer scenic route outside the walls among the vineyards and rolling hills of Piacenza, talk shows with some of the winemakers, and afterparty music for young people both evenings.
Assured in tastings the presence of more than 30 local wineries and numerous stands of typical local food

Castell’Arquato (PC)

The authentic medieval historic village of Castell’Arquato (8th century), recognized among the “Most Beautiful Villages in Italy” and awarded the Orange Flag by the Italian Touring Club, is preparing to welcome visitors from all over the world for the 13th edition of the Monterosso Val d’Arda Festival, scheduled for the weekend of May 9-10, 2026.

Monterosso Val d’Arda DOC

In the picturesque setting of the historic center, among ancient cobblestone alleys and crenellated towers, the Festival will offer the opportunity to taste Monterosso Val d’Arda DOC, an indigenous white wine characterized by three different types: still, sparkling and spumante.

Made from a blend of local grapes (including Ortrugo, Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Moscato Bianco and Trebbiano Romagnolo), this wine represents an oenological excellence with a centuries-old history, appreciated even by Pope Paul III Farnese (1536).

For two days, along the picturesque Barrel Street, local wineries will present their versions of Monterosso, accompanied by food stands with typical Piacenza products, art exhibitions and musical performances.

What’s new and special moments in the 2026 edition

This year’s edition is enriched with exclusive appointments:

• SMART talks and tastings to taste our products and our territory, at the Food space
• 2 Master Classes to deepen the knowledge of our wines
• Monterosso After Party: The fun continues after the booths close at Remembrance Avenue and Dryad Park, from 7 p.m. until late at night (2 a.m. on Saturday and midnight on Sunday).
• Candia Malvasia Day : The day of Sunday, May 10, will be enhanced by a specific review dedicated to Malvasia di Candia Aromatica.
• Culture and Art: “Monterosso Talks,” the photo exhibition “Fotoassaggi” and the workshop “Painting with Wine” by artist Maurizia Gentili will be held during the event.

The Arda Valley and Castell’Arquato: a territory to be discovered

The Festival is an ideal opportunity not only to taste wine but also to discover the Arda Valley, one of the most fascinating areas in the province of Piacenza. Amidst rolling hills, vineyards and historic villages, the valley offers a landscape rich in biodiversity and a strong wine vocation, favored by limestone soils and favorable climatic conditions.

In addition to wine, the area offers many experiences between nature and culture: scenic trails, such as the “Sentieri del Monterosso” trek of about 10 km, medieval castles, and wine and food routes among local farmhouses and restaurants.

The protagonist is the village of Castell’Arquato, a medieval jewel overlooking the valley, where it is possible to visit-the Rocca Viscontea, the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Palazzo del Podestà, as well as local farms by appointment.

Finally, the event confirms its commitment to sustainability, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and enhancing local biodiversity.

Program at a glance

Saturday, May 9

• 10 a.m.: Opening of the barrique cellar.
• 11 a.m.: Official Inauguration
• 11 a.m.: “Bubbles of the Arda Valley” opening.
• 11 a.m.: Opening “Food Space” with booths and typical products
• 11 a.m.: Opening blind tasting
• 11:30 a.m.: Talk The 50 years of the Monterosso Val d’Arda
• 1 p.m.: “Lunch with the winery” at the Enoteca.
• 3:30 p.m.: SMART Tasting “La Spalla di San Secondo”
• 4p.m.: Master Class “Passiti Piacentini”
• 4:15 p.m.: SMART Tasting “The Oil of Castell’Arquato”
• 5p.m.: Talk “The Monterosso Val d’Arda Trail.”
• 5 p.m.: Wine trekking.
• 7p.m.: Risotto at Monterosso (Food space)
• From 7 p.m.: Monterosso After Party.

Sunday, May 10

• 10 a.m.: Opening review dedicated to Malvasia di Candia Aromatica.
• 11 a.m.: Food area opening
• 11 a.m.: Talk “The Churches of Piacenza.”
• 11:45 a.m.: SMART Tasting “Salumi piacentini”
• 11:15 a.m.: SMART “Grana Padano” Tasting.
• 4:00 p.m.: Master Class
• 4:15 p.m.: SMART Tasting “The Cake of Vigolo Marchese”
• 5:00 p.m.: Talk “Paul III Farnese the Pope of Good Drinking.”
• 1 p.m.: “Lunch with the winery” at the Enoteca.
• 7p.m.: Monterosso After Party

Franco Ticchi, Festival Organization Manager and President of the volunteer association La Goccia APS, comments.

A Festival for All

The Monterosso Val d’Arda Festival is an event open to everyone, from wine enthusiasts to the merely curious. It is a unique opportunity to experience a weekend of taste, culture and discovery in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages.

The Monterosso Val d’Arda Festival was conceived by volunteers from Castell’Arquato to promote the area’s typical wine. Over the years, the event has also become an opportunity to promote tourism in the Val d’Arda and boost all that Piacenza has to offer.

The Monterosso Val d’Arda Festival has obtained the patronage of the Municipality of Castell’Arquato, the Province of Piacenza and the Emilia-Romagna Region, which has awarded the event #Plastic-freER, a regional plan that aims to reduce the negative impact of plastics on the environment by accompanying the transition phase to more sustainable production, consumption and post-consumer management systems.

Useful information:

• Dates: Saturday and Sunday, May 9 – 10, 2026
• Hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Location: Castell’Arquato (Piacenza) – A1 highway exit Fiorenzuola
• Admission: Free (tastings upon purchase of glass)
• Web site: www.monterossofestival.it
• Contact: info@monterossofestival.it
• Facebook: @monterossofestival
• Instagram: @monterossofestival
• Contacts: For inquiries and materials: info@monterossofestival.it