Franciacorta Cellar Festival 2026: Dates, Program and how to best experience it

September 2026 is approaching with an irresistible promise for Italian sparkling wine lovers: the Franciacorta in Cantina Festival returns to transform the Brescia hills into an open-air stage. It is the time of year when the end of summer meets the first scents of autumn, and the Classic Method reveals all its complexity and timeless charm.

If you love Franciacorta — or want to discover it for the first time — this is the event you cannot miss.

Official Dates for the 2026 Festival

The 2026 edition takes place over two consecutive weekends, to allow everyone to find the right time:

• September 12–13, 2026 — First weekend
• September 19–20, 2026 — Second weekend

Both weekends offer the same immersive experience among the Franciacorta wineries, in the heart of Lombardy, between Brescia and Lake Iseo.

What Happens in the Wineries

Over 60 Wineries Open

During the festival, more than 60 producers open their doors to the public. It is a rare opportunity to enter the places where Franciacorta is born, speak directly with the winemakers, and understand what makes every single hectare of vineyard unique.

Unmissable Experiences

The program includes activities designed for every type of enthusiast:

• Guided tours of the wineries and vineyards
• Vertical tastings of old vintages: tastings that tell the evolution of the wine over time
• Culinary pairings with local Lombard products
• Sunset aperitifs among the rows: the most photographed and sought-after experience of the festival

Booking: Don't Wait

Booking is mandatory for most wineries and special events. It is advisable to book as early as the end of July: the most coveted spots — vertical tastings and sunset aperitifs — sell out within hours of registrations opening.

Can't Make It? Discover Italian Sparkling Wines on ALBio Corini

It's not always possible to reach the Brescia hills. But this doesn't mean giving up the pleasure of Italian sparkling wines. On ALBio Corini, you'll find a curated selection of quality sparkling wines and wines, chosen to accompany you on every occasion — from aperitifs to important dinners.

👉 Discover wines to buy online at Albiocorini.com

Why Franciacorta is Different from Other Sparkling Wines

The Classic Method involves a second fermentation in the bottle, a long and artisanal process that gives the bubbles a fineness and complexity unattainable with other methods. Franciacorta DOCG is the only Italian sparkling wine to follow this rigorous regulation for all its types.

Every sip tells the story of the territory: the temperate microclimate of Lake Iseo, the morainic soils, the meticulous care in the vineyard. This is why the festival is much more than a tasting — it is a journey into Italian wine culture.

Want to Start Exploring Before the Festival?

If you're new to the world of Franciacorta, the best way to prepare is to taste a few labels in advance. Discover our selection and choose your favorite style.

👉 Discover wines to buy online at Albiocorini.com

Useful Information

• Where: Franciacorta Hills, Brescia, Lombardy
• When: Weekends of September 12–13 and September 19–20, 2026
• What to do: Visit open wineries, participate in tastings, vertical tastings, and aperitifs among the vineyards
• How to participate: Mandatory booking, recommended from late July on the official festival website
• Can't go? Discover our selection on albiocorini.com