Wine Festival — Dozza, Land of Albana
Two days of tastings, trail, and music among the murals of the painted village
About Wine Festival of Dozza
A Festival Among the Murals of the Painted Village
The Wine Festival — Dozza, Land of Albana is the spring event that transforms the small municipality of Dozza, in the province of Bologna, into a large open-air winery. Nestled on the first hills separating the Bolognese plain from Romagna, Dozza is famous for being the painted village: over two hundred murals by Italian and international artists adorn the facades of the houses thanks to the historic Biennale del Muro Dipinto, turning every alley into an open-air art gallery. It is in this unique setting that the celebration of wine takes place every May.
Albana, Queen of the Territory
It is no coincidence that Dozza is considered the wine capital of Emilia-Romagna. In the ancient cellars of the Rocca Sforzesca, commissioned by Caterina Sforza at the end of the 15th century, is the seat of the Enoteca Regionale Emilia-Romagna, which preserves and offers hundreds of local labels. The absolute star of the festival is Albana, the first Italian white wine to achieve DOCG status, alongside Sangiovese and other wines from the Imola and Bologna hills. During the event, visitors can taste the productions directly at the winery stalls, with a glass and pouch in hand, while strolling through the streets of the historic center.
Tastings, Competition, and "Albana del Cuore"
The program alternates between food and wine, sport, and culture. Local wineries set up their stalls along the village, while food stands offer traditional Romagnola dishes. The most popular moment is the popular competition "Albana del Cuore": visitors vote for their favorite version of Albana, with the award ceremony closing Sunday in Piazza Zotti. Completing the picture is the Dozza Wine Trail, a race and walk through the vineyards that attracts outdoor sports enthusiasts, with routes also for children.
An Event for the Entire Community
Organized by the Fondazione Dozza Città d'Arte together with the municipal administration, the Pro Loco, and local associations, the Wine Festival is an event deeply rooted in the life of the village. Workshops for children, face painting, school drawing exhibitions, and live music in the squares make it an event suitable for the whole family. For those visiting Emilia-Romagna, it is the ideal opportunity to combine the discovery of one of Italy's most beautiful villages with the pleasure of a good glass of Albana.
Wine Festival of Dozza — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Wine Festival — Dozza, Land of Albana was held on Saturday, May 9th and Sunday, May 10th in the painted village of Dozza, in the province of Bologna. Organized by the Fondazione Dozza Città d'Arte, the event animated the streets of the historic center with tastings, sports, gastronomy, and music.
The local winery stalls offered the best regional productions, from Albana DOCG to Sangiovese, while the "Albana del Cuore" competition invited visitors to vote for their favorite label. Among the most popular events were the Dozza Wine Trail with its 17 km race through the vineyards and the non-competitive walks open to all.
Programme Wine Festival of Dozza 2026
Saturday, May 9 (11:00 AM - 12:00 AM)
- From 11:00 AM — Opening of stalls and tastings by local wineries
- From 11:00 AM — Start of voting for the "Albana del Cuore" competition
- 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM — Creative workshop by Centro Occupazionale La Tartaruga
- From 5:00 PM — Dozza Wine Trail Kid, a fun walk for children (born 2015-2022), organized by Atletica Imola Sacmi Avis
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM — Face painting and workshop by Associazione Volontari Incontri
- From 9:00 PM — Live music with The Checkmates, a rockabilly band
- All day: exhibition of school drawings
Sunday, May 10 (9:30 AM - 9:00 PM)
- From 9:30 AM — Dozza Wine Trail: competitive and non-competitive 17 km trail on dirt paths, with 4 km and 10 km walks (organized by Atletica Imola Sacmi Avis)
- From 10:00 AM — Tastings at the local winery stalls
- 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM — Voting for the "Albana del Cuore" competition
- 6:00 PM — Award ceremony for the competition in Piazza Zotti
- From 7:00 PM — Live music with the trio JoLì & Co in Piazza Zotti
Participating wineries: Branchini 1858, Cenni e Assirelli, Fondo Ca' Vecja, Gandolfi Marco, Podere Ferraruola, Podere Palazza, Poderi delle Rocche, Società Agricola Mazzolani e Biagi, Cantina Tampieri Marco, Cantina Tramosasso, Assirelli Vini. Food stands: Arzdori ed Dozza, Apearrosticini, Sangiorgi Alex Dolciumi, Locanda di Fra Tac.
Highlights Wine Festival of Dozza 2026
- Popular competition "Albana del Cuore" with award ceremony in Piazza Zotti
- Dozza Wine Trail: 17 km race and walks through the vineyards
- Rockabilly concert by The Checkmates on Saturday evening
- Live performance by the trio JoLì & Co on Sunday evening
Prices Wine Festival of Dozza 2026
Practical information — Wine Festival of Dozza
How to Get Here
Dozza is located about 35 km from Bologna and a few kilometers from Imola, along the Via Emilia. By car, take the Imola exit from the A14 motorway and continue towards the hills. By train, the nearest station is Imola, connected to Bologna; from there, reach Dozza by bus or taxi. During previous editions, a free shuttle service between Dozza and the hamlet of Toscanella was active.
Admission and Tastings
Admission to the festival is free. To taste the wines, purchase the kit with a glass and pouch at the points of sale set up in the village, along with tasting tickets.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes: the village is characterized by uphill and medieval cobblestone streets. Take advantage of your visit to the Enoteca Regionale inside the Rocca Sforzesca.
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Where does it take place — Wine Festival of Dozza
Borgo di Dozza
Borgo medievale di Dozza, 40060 Dozza