Every October, Verona turns into a city-wide toast. For one long weekend, streets, squares and courtyards in the historic center become a stage for conviviality, taste, and culture. From October 17 to 19, 2025, the city will once again host Hostaria, Italy’s largest “widespread osteria” and one of the most engaging festivals for visitors looking to experience the Italian art of living.
Now in its 11th edition, Hostaria has grown into much more than a wine festival. It is an opportunity for tourists from around the world to discover Verona’s beauty through flavors, music, and stories. With more than 350 wine labels, 50 events and a programme spanning tastings, live concerts, workshops and cultural talks, the festival embodies a modern interpretation of the ancient “hostaria”: a meeting place where wine was not only a drink, but a symbol of identity and community.
The heart of Hostaria lies in the tasting routes across the city, from Piazza Bra to Piazza dei Signori, Via Roma, Cortile Mercato Vecchio and Cortile del Tribunale. Here visitors receive the iconic tasting kit – glass, map and tokens – to embark on a sensory journey through Italy’s vineyards. From Soave to Bardolino, from Piedmont to Sicily, the event celebrates the extraordinary diversity of Italian terroirs. This year, the debut of idromele (mead) and Garda DOP extra virgin olive oil adds a touch of novelty, with guided tastings and masterclasses open to the public.
For food lovers, Hostaria offers a true culinary voyage. Typical Veronese dishes such as panbollito with pearà, tortellini di Valeggio, mountain gnocchi and risotto all’isolana meet delicacies from other Italian regions – from Sicilian sweets to Abruzzese arrosticini – turning Verona into a crossroads of flavors.
But the appeal of Hostaria goes beyond gastronomy. Visitors can enjoy open-air concerts in historic courtyards, literary presentations, interactive art workshops and cultural encounters with writers, journalists and artists. Among the highlights, the tribute to Salvatore “Rino” Tommasi, one of Italy’s greatest sports commentators, and the Premio Paiasso, awarded to figures embodying generosity and passion. Music remains central, with performances across the weekend culminating in the special concert-meeting with rock poet Omar Pedrini.
For international tourists, the festival is a gateway into Verona’s lifestyle. The proximity of tasting routes to landmarks like the Arena and Piazza delle Erbe makes the event a unique way to explore the city while discovering its wines. Sustainability and solidarity also play a role, with initiatives supporting intergenerational centers and environmentally conscious practices. Visitors are encouraged to move around with public transport, included in the ticket option, making exploration of the city easier and greener.
In a time when experiential tourism is on the rise, Hostaria positions Verona at the crossroads of wine, culture and travel. It offers an authentic encounter with Italy’s traditions while showcasing a vibrant, contemporary city. For three days, Verona becomes not just a destination, but an open-air hostaria where every visitor, glass in hand, is part of the story.
