The gin festival at the Rocca di Montestaffoli, amidst the towers of San Gimignano
SanGin – Gin Festival is the event that has turned San Gimignano into a small Italian capital of gin. The festival takes place in the scenic Rocca di Montestaffoli, the ancient 14th-century fortress overlooking the town, bridging the culture of juniper spirits with one of Tuscany's most famous panoramas: the medieval towers of San Gimignano, in the province of Siena.
The heart of the festival lies in the producers' stands: dozens of Italian and international distilleries present their creations, with over seventy gin labels to discover and taste. Alongside artisanal producers from the Tuscan territory, brands from across Italy and abroad are featured, creating a journey designed for both enthusiasts and curious newcomers wanting to explore the world of gin in an accessible way.
The program goes beyond just tasting. Over the two days, there are masterclasses, talks, educational sessions, cooking classes, and cooking shows focused on gin and food pairings. "Gin experiences" guide visitors through botanicals, distillation techniques, and mixing recipes, while the stage hosts bartending performances and shows dedicated to the art of fine drinking.
Completing the experience are numerous street food stands, with culinary offerings designed to pair with the spirits, including dishes made with gin as an ingredient. The soundtrack is provided by live music and DJ sets that animate the Rocca until late at night, creating the convivial atmosphere that defines the event.
SanGin was born from an idea by Lorenzo Borgianni, known as Il Gingegnere, created in collaboration with the Controcultura association and ToscaneDiGusto, and is held under the patronage of the Municipality of San Gimignano. The event is part of the "Accade d'Estate" summer program, which brings dozens of cultural and gastronomic events to the town every year from June to September.
In 2026, the SanGin – Gin Festival reaches its fourth edition, scheduled for Saturday, August 29, and Sunday, August 30, at the Rocca di Montestaffoli in the historic center of San Gimignano. As per tradition, the event offers gin tastings from Italian and international distilleries, masterclasses, cooking shows, gin experiences, street food, and live music, in the evening with free admission.
The event is part of the "Accade d'Estate" program promoted by the Municipality of San Gimignano, which brings together over eighty events from June to September. The detailed program for the 2026 edition, featuring participating producers and guests for the two evenings, will be published by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event.
Rocca di Montestaffoli, in the historic center of San Gimignano (SI), Tuscany.
Late August, in the evening (from 5:00 PM until approximately midnight).
Free admission. Tastings and food items are available for purchase at the producer and street food stands.
By car: San Gimignano can be reached via the Florence-Siena highway (Poggibonsi Nord exit). It is recommended to park in the lots outside the historic center, which is closed to traffic, and continue on foot toward the Rocca. By train: Poggibonsi-San Gimignano station, then bus to San Gimignano.
For those arriving from afar, it is worth staying in the area and combining your visit to the festival with a stay among the villages and hills of the Sienese Chianti.
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Rocca di Montestaffoli