Valtidone Wine Fest - Ziano Piacentino Stage
The Malvasia di Candia Aromatica and the Grape Festival in the most vine-planted municipality in Europe
About Malvasia in Ziano
Malvasia di Candia Aromatica Takes Center Stage in Ziano
The stage in Ziano Piacentino, in the heart of the province of Piacenza, is one of the most anticipated events of the Valtidone Wine Fest, the largest wine exhibition in the Piacenza area. Here, the star wine is Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, the aromatic grape variety symbolizing the Colli Piacentini hills, presented in all its variations: dry, sweet, still, semi-sparkling, and sparkling. Ziano is considered among the most vine-planted municipalities in Europe, with hills entirely covered by vineyards: here, viticulture is not just an economy, but the identity and landscape of this corner of Emilia-Romagna bordering the Oltrepò Pavese.
Tasting Stands in the Historic Center's Courtyards
Along the streets and in the courtyards of the Municipality, opposite the town hall, tasting stands are set up by about twenty wineries from the region. Visitors can taste Malvasia di Candia Aromatica and other Colli Piacentini DOC wines, from Gutturnio to Ortrugo, paired with the gastronomic excellences of the valley: primarily cured meats, including Pancetta Piacentina DOP — Ziano hosts one of Europe's largest pancetta producers — and other local specialty products.
The Grape Festival, the Barrel Race, and the Districts
The Ziano stage intertwines with the historic Festa dell'Uva (Grape Festival), one of the oldest in the valley, which transforms the town into a grand popular celebration. In the afternoon, the districts of the town compete in fun-filled games related to the world of wine: the Palio delle Botti (Barrel Race), grape stomping competitions, tractor pulling, and a parade of themed floats celebrating the harvest. Entertainment for children, street artists, and a band complete the program, in an atmosphere that combines agricultural tradition and community celebration.
From Leonardo da Vinci to the Colli Piacentini
Malvasia di Candia Aromatica also boasts a historical connection: according to tradition, this aromatic grape variety from the Piacenza hills was gifted to Leonardo da Vinci at the end of the 15th century. Today, this wine, with its floral and fruity notes, tells the story of the winemaking vocation of Val Tidone and the Colli Piacentini, where each winery interprets the grape variety according to its own style.
The DJ Cocktail and the Day's Closing
After the tastings and competitions between districts, the evening concludes with the DJ Cocktail: starting from 7 PM, music and cocktails are revisited with a local twist, using Colli Piacentini DOC wines. Promoted by the Sette Colli Wine Producers Association and the Municipality of Ziano Piacentino, as part of the territorial project "Welcome Val Tidone" which unites five municipalities in the valley, this stage is a showcase of Piacenza's wine and flavors, designed for those who love good wine, typical cured meats, and the atmosphere of the wine-producing villages of the Apennines.
Malvasia in Ziano — edition 2026
Valtidone Wine Fest in Ziano Piacentino — 2026 Edition
The stage in Ziano Piacentino is confirmed for Sunday, September 13, 2026, as part of the 17th edition of the Valtidone Wine Fest and the "Welcome Val Tidone" territorial project uniting five municipalities in the valley.
As tradition dictates, the day will be dedicated to Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, the symbolic grape variety of the Colli Piacentini, with winery tasting stands in the municipal courtyards, pairings with Pancetta Piacentina DOP and local cured meats, the historic Grape Festival, competitions between districts (Palio delle Botti), and the evening DJ Cocktail.
The detailed program for the 2026 edition (times, winery stands, side events, and tasting glass price) will be published by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event on the official Valtidone Wine Fest website.
Programme Malvasia in Ziano 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition will be announced by the organizers in the weeks preceding the event. Based on recent editions, the Ziano day ("the Malvasia") typically includes:
- Opening of the festival and tasting stands from about twenty wineries in the municipal courtyards, featuring Malvasia di Candia Aromatica and other Colli Piacentini DOC wines.
- Pairing with Pancetta Piacentina DOP, cured meats, and local products.
- The historic Grape Festival with a parade of harvest-themed floats.
- Competitions between the districts: Palio delle Botti (Barrel Race), grape stomping contests, and tractor pulling.
- Entertainment for children, street artists, and a band.
- Evening DJ Cocktail from 7 PM with cocktails based on Colli Piacentini DOC wines.
Dates and details will be updated upon the publication of the official program.
Highlights Malvasia in Ziano 2026
- Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, the symbolic grape variety of the Colli Piacentini, in all its variations
- Tasting stands in the municipal courtyards, paired with Pancetta Piacentina DOP
- Grape Festival, Palio delle Botti, themed floats, and evening DJ Cocktail
Prices Malvasia in Ziano 2026
Practical information — Malvasia in Ziano
When and Where
The Ziano stage of the Valtidone Wine Fest takes place in the historic center and courtyards of the Municipality of Ziano Piacentino (province of Piacenza). The 2026 edition is scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026, generally opening in the morning and continuing until the evening.
How to Get There
Ziano Piacentino is accessible by car via the SP7 and the roads of Val Tidone; from Piacenza, it's about a 30 km drive southwest, taking around thirty minutes. The nearest train station is Piacenza, from where you can continue by car or public transport. On festival days, the town provides dedicated parking areas.
Tastings and Costs
Admission to the event is free. For the tasting stands, you purchase a tasting glass with a lanyard, which entitles you to samples at participating wineries. Food stalls will offer Pancetta Piacentina DOP and local cured meats at popular prices.
Contacts
Associazione Sette Colli — [email protected] — official website valtidonewinefest.it — Municipality of Ziano Piacentino.
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Where does it take place — Malvasia in Ziano
Centro storico e cortili del Comune
Piazza XX Settembre, 29010 Ziano Piacentino