September 10, 2026 – September 13, 2026 · Monteforte d'Alpone (VR)
Experience the 95th edition of the Festa dell'Uva in Monteforte d'Alpone, a vibrant celebration blending ancient farming traditions, authentic Veronese cuisine, and captivating historical parades. Enjoy four days filled with food and wine stalls, displays of vintage tractors, grape stomping contests, and the famous Palio delle Contrade. Indulge in local culinary delights like pastissada di cavallo (horse meat stew), tortellini, and tajadele, perfectly paired with exquisite regional wines.
Savor a wide array of local specialties, from hearty first courses like black truffle fettuccine from Monte Baldo, duck ragu maccheroncini, and traditional Risotto Tastasale, to comforting broths. Main courses feature grilled mixed meats (sausage, pancetta, pork neck with polenta), classic Cotoletta with fries, and the unique Lesso con la peara (boiled meat with a rich sauce). Don't miss the slow-cooked Pastissada di cavallo with polenta, or a refreshing cold platter with typical Veronese soppressa. For a quick bite, grab a classic hamburger, and finish with a sweet treat or local Lessinia cheeses, all accompanied by local wines and refreshing drinks.
The festival kicks off on **Thursday, September 10th** at 8:30 PM with a book presentation and guided tour of Palazzo Vescovile. **Friday, September 11th** brings 'OGNI GRIGLIA VALE' grilling event at 6:30 PM in Piazza Salvo d'Acquisto, followed by the opening of Pro Loco food and wine stands at 7:30 PM. Explore the Rural Civilization Exhibition from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and enjoy a DJ set at 9:00 PM. **Saturday, September 12th** features the Rural Civilization Exhibition from 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM. The Agricultural Fair opens at 5:00 PM in Piazza Salvo d'Acquisto, alongside demonstrations of new agricultural technologies. A conference on 'The Vineyard of Today... New Challenges' takes place at Palazzo Vescovile at 7:00 PM. Wine tastings by ONAV are available from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Piazza Silvio Venturi, where Pro Loco food and wine stands also open at 7:00 PM. Discover 'I SAPORI DELLE CONTRADE' (Flavors of the Districts) along Via Dante and Via Vittorio Veneto at 7:00 PM, followed by the 18th Taiadela with Mescola Competition at 7:30 PM in Piazza Silvio Venturi. Live music will entertain at the Contrade stands starting at 9:00 PM. **Sunday, September 13th** begins with grape delivery for the competition from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Palazzo Vescovile. The Rural Civilization Exhibition and Agricultural Fair run from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Enjoy a ride on a Vintage Train through the town center from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and witness a Vintage Tractor Show and Parade at 10:00 AM. A conference 'Monteforte, the Gateway to a World Heritage Site' is at 10:00 AM, with a Palazzo Vescovile visit at 3:00 PM. A Holy Mass with the blessing of the Palio delle Contrade is at 10:30 AM, followed by the Grape Competition judging at 11:30 AM. The Vintage Train returns from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The 'Contadinelle' gathering is at 3:30 PM in Via San Carlo, leading to the Grand Parade at 4:00 PM featuring Vintage Tractors, Contadinelle, the Monteforte Musical Band, authorities, Contrade floats, and the Class of 2008. The parade arrives in the Piazza at 5:00 PM, with the Grape Competition awards at 5:15 PM in Piazza Silvio Venturi. The highlight is the 38th PALIO DELLE CONTRADE at 5:30 PM, a spectacular barefoot grape stomping and pressing competition between the districts of Brognoligo, Costalunga, Drio Piasa, Madonnina, Praja, Sarmazza, Sero, and Rubian. Wine tastings by ONAV continue from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Piazza Silvio Venturi, and Pro Loco food and wine stands open at 7:30 PM in Piazza S.