Combining truffles, grapes, and tradition: culinary festivals in Emilia-Romagna

In late summer and autumn, Emilia-Romagna invites you to a feast for all the senses — combining autumnal abundance, warm hospitality, and authentic enjoyment.

When the last rays of summer sun bathe the hills of Emilia-Romagna in golden light, a very special time begins in this northern Italian region of culinary delights. Small villages and historic towns fill with long tables, music, cheerful voices – and those unmistakeable aromas that delight both locals and guests from all over the world in equal measure.

Culinary festivals, known as sagre, have been a tradition here for centuries. They celebrate not only specialties such as Parma ham, truffles, and Lambrusco wine, but also the lifestyle of a region that considers enjoyment to be part of its cultural heritage. These events are not staged for tourists, but rather are deeply rooted in the local identity. People eat, drink, laugh, dance — and for a few hours, they are part of a community that proudly shares its products, history, and warmth.

Anyone traveling to Italy in the coming weeks should not miss out on a visit to these festivals. Here are ten highlights of the 2025 gourmet season:

1. Sapore di Sale (4 – 7 September, Cervia)

In the picturesque fishing village of Cervia on the Adriatic Sea, everything revolves around ​“white gold”: sweet sea salt from the historic salt flats. At the festival, visitors can learn about traditional methods for transporting salt and experience cooking shows at the harbour, markets – and the enticing aroma of freshly grilled sardines.

2. Festa dell’Ospitalità (4 – 7 September, Bertinoro)

The small town of Bertinoro continues its ancient tradition of hospitality: in the past, anyone who tied their horse to one of the twelve rings on the Colonna dell’Ospitalità was given accommodation by the family associated with that ring. Today, this gesture is celebrated with open doors, homemade pasta, and Sangiovese wine.

3. Festival del Prosciutto di Parma (5 – 7 & 12 – 14September, Langhirano)

The noble Parma ham is celebrated here: visitors learn about the craft of maturing the meat, take a look at production facilities, and enjoy wafer-thin slices straight from the knife – a must for meat lovers.

4. Valtidone Wine Fest (7 – 28 September, Piacenza)

Four weekends, four villages, countless wines: in the Valtidone Valley, every village becomes a stage for wine tastings, culinary walks, and encounters with winemakers – from sparkling Malvasia to full-bodied Gutturnio.

5. Tramonto DiVino (19 September, Piacenza)

When the sun sets over Piacenza, an atmospheric gourmet evening commences: regional winemakers and producers present their treasures, as sommeliers guide guests through tastings. Indulgence meets evening ambiance in one of the most beautiful old town panoramas in northern Italy.

6. Fiera del Fungo di Borgotaro (20 – 21 & 27 – 28 September, Borgo Val di Taro)

The famous IGP porcini mushrooms take centre stage here: amid the green hills of Parma, mushroom markets, risottos, craftsmanship, and music beckon. A festival for mushroom lovers, featuring the authentic aroma of the forest.

7. Festa dell’Uva e del Lambrusco Grasparossa (20 – 21 & 26 – 28 September, Castelvetro di Modena)

Lambrusco is back – and how! In Castelvetro, the grape is celebrated with wine tastings, traditional pressing demonstrations, and plenty of friendly fun. Ideal for anyone who wants to give sparkling red wine a second chance.

8. Gravel Gourmet (4 – 5 October, Sala Baganza)

This is where sporting ambition meets indulgence: at Gravel Gourmet, participants cycle along picturesque gravel paths through the hills of Parma – with culinary stops that provide rich reward for those who have built up an appetite.

9. Mostra del Fungo, Tartufo e Festa dell’Uva (5 October, Bobbio)

Mushrooms, truffles, and wine come together in one of Italy’s most beautiful villages: in Bobbio, culinary discoveries can be enjoyed against a medieval backdrop. Guided tours, tastings, and autumn markets make this event particularly atmospheric.

10. Festa dei Frutti Dimenticati (11 – 12 & 18 – 19 October, Casola Valsenio)

This event celebrates forgotten flavours: medlars, cornel cherries, quinces. In the hills of Ravenna, visitors can discover how sustainable, diverse, and surprisingly delicious old fruit varieties can be.

An invitation to conscious travel

The culinary festivals of Emilia-Romagna are more than just seasonal highlights — they are living culture, authentic Italy. If you want to get to know a region through your taste buds, this is the place to be. And perhaps you’ll leave with more than just a full stomach: memories of a meal enjoyed beneath the stars, a glass of wine in good company, and the feeling brought only by a warm welcome.

More information and complete calendar of events:
emiliaromagnaturismo​.it

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