The hugely successful third edition of “Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest” has just drawn to a close.
San Gimignano hosted the third edition of “Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest” from 15 to 18 May, successfully combining culture, food and wine, and entertainment, involving every inch of the town. Four days packed with activities for the public and the trade press, including tastings, masterclasses, food and wine pairing workshops and lots of entertainment.
Growing figures: numbers and attendance
With around 1,600 wine lovers attending the days when the event was open to the public (17 and 18 May), the Wine Fest recorded over 10,000 tastings of Tuscany’s prestigious white wine, Vernaccia di San Gimignano. The event involved 35 local wineries, with attendance growing steadily compared to previous editions.
There was also a significant presence of the food and wine press, with over 80 journalists from Italy, Europe, the United States and Canada taking part in the Press Days on 15 and 16 May. The guided tasting of San Gimignano DOC, hosted by Marco Sabellico, was completely sold out, offering an excellent opportunity to learn more about the region.
The Wine Fest experience: where tradition meets innovation
The partnership with Consortia that promote traditional Tuscan products made it possible to enrich the event with food and wine pairing workshops, bringing together local culinary specialities and the wines of San Gimignano. Participants were given the chance to discover the versatility of Vernaccia thanks to some new pairings, as featured in the dinner that brought together three Master Bakers: Massimo Giovannini, Giovanni Santarpia and Tommaso Vatti.
There was no shortage of music, with a DJ set at the Rocca di Montestaffoli providing entertainment in the evenings, accompanied by special drinks created by “Il Gingegnere”. The event successfully combined moments of discussion and entertainment, creating a unique atmosphere that everyone enjoyed.
The Gala Dinner: an unforgettable experience
The highlight of the Press Days was the gala dinner, held for the first time in San Gimignano’s spectacular Piazza del Duomo. Thanks to the impeccable organisation of Chef Gaetano Trovato (two Michelin stars, Arnolfo), 150 guests, including members of the press, local authorities and producers, attended the evening, enjoying an exclusive gastronomic experience in a stunning location.
Awards and culture: an event that celebrates excellence
The 2025 edition saw the presentation of the award for Best AIS Sommelier in Tuscany, with Luca Marchiani emerging victorious, highlighting the importance of the event as a networking opportunity for industry professionals. There were also moments of art and culture, including an exclusive visit to the Galleria Continua and the unveiling of Andrea Roggi’s sculpture dedicated to Vernaccia.
Collaborations and prospects for the future
The 2025 edition featured a collaboration with influencer Wiki.Pedro, who made two promotional videos, reaching an audience of over 200,000 followers.
Organised by the Consorzio del Vino Vernaccia di San Gimignano and the Municipality of San Gimignano, with the support of numerous local partners and high-profile sponsors, the festival confirmed once again its central role on the national and international scene.
Work on the fourth edition is already underway!
There’s no time to waste: the dates for the fourth edition of “Regina Ribelle – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest” have been officially announced for 14-17 May 2026. An excellent opportunity to enjoy another edition dedicated to the fine wine, culture and traditions of Tuscany.
