Vinitaly and the City returns to Calabria and doubles its presence for 2026: Sibari and Reggio Calabria become the two focal points of a project that continues to grow, driven by the success of previous editions and by a region increasingly central to Italy’s food and wine scene.
From 17 to 19 July, the Archaeological Park of Sibari will host the third Calabrian edition of the event, the result of the collaboration between Veronafiere, the Calabria Region, and the Archaeological Parks of Crotone and Sibari. But the real novelty arrives in August: on 8 and 9 August, Vinitaly and the City will land for the first time in Reggio Calabria, bringing tastings, masterclasses, and meetings to the city’s iconic waterfront, one of the most striking in the Mediterranean.
The project, initially launched as a pilot initiative, has quickly gained momentum. Supporting this growth are recent economic indicators showing a significant rise in Calabria’s exports, particularly in the agri‑food and wine sectors.
The two events are organized by the Calabria Regional Department of Agriculture and Arsac, with the support of the municipalities of Cassano allo Ionio and Reggio Calabria. It is a coordinated institutional effort aimed at strengthening the Calabria brand by promoting its top‑quality productions and its most symbolic cultural sites.
“The Calabria Region strengthens its partnership with Veronafiere and enhances its role within Italy’s wine sector,” said regional president Roberto Occhiuto. “Sibari and Reggio Calabria represent two emblematic settings: the archaeology of Magna Graecia and Italy’s most beautiful waterfront. Wine becomes an ambassador of our identity and a strategic driver for tourism and economic development.”
Veronafiere president Federico Bricolo emphasized the strength of the format: “Vinitaly and the City is a model capable of enhancing not only production sectors but also the communities behind them. The double edition in Calabria confirms the vitality of a project that blends wine experience, culture, and territorial promotion.”
The deep historical connection between Calabria and wine culture will serve as the narrative thread linking the two events—a relationship rooted in Magna Graecia, when viticulture was a key activity in the coastal colonies, starting with prosperous Sybaris.
“Vinitaly and the City takes another step forward,” noted regional agriculture councillor Gianluca Gallo. “Calabria is investing decisively in the promotion of its high‑quality productions. Export data confirm that we are on the right path.”
Arsac director general Fulvia Caligiuri also expressed satisfaction: “The 2026 edition will allow us to showcase even more effectively Calabria’s outstanding wines and quality agri‑food products. Sibari and Reggio Calabria will offer two complementary settings, capable of portraying an authentic and dynamic image of the region.”