The fourth edition of the Wine Fest dedicated to Vernaccia di San Gimignano is coming up on Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st: tastings, masterclasses, art, and distinguished guests for an edition celebrating the double anniversary of 2026.
Rebel Queen – Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Fest will once again open its doors to the public on May 30 and 31, 2026 , following the success of previous editions. For its fourth edition, the Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Consortium , organizer of the event in partnership with the Municipality of San Gimignano , has created a program worthy of the double anniversary that makes 2026 a historic year for the denomination: 750 years since the first documented attestation of Vernaccia di San Gimignano and 60 years since its DOC recognition.
The event, now a regular fixture for lovers of the great Tuscan white wine, offers two days of tastings with producers at the tasting tables in Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo, a packed program of masterclasses led by Assoenologi Sezione Toscana , and the Salottino Ribelle with journalist and taster Giuseppe Carrus of Gambero Rosso , dedicated to the topics of wine & food and wine tourism. The great evening DJ set returns to the Cassero della Rocca di Montestaffoli, along with a dedicated children’s area in Piazza Pecori. For the entire duration of the festival, the historic center will host the works of sculptor Stefano Bombardieri , in collaboration with isculpture Art Gallery. Closing out the festival on Sunday are the finale and the award ceremony for the Best Sommelier of Tuscany 2026 , in collaboration with AIS Toscana.
“2026 is a year we couldn’t celebrate halfway. Regina Ribelle is the best way we know to bring Vernaccia di San Gimignano to life in its hometown, and this year we’re doing so with a program that reflects all the weight and joy of this double anniversary,” commented Consortium President Manrico Biagini.
This is the program in detail:
Saturday, May 30th
11:00-19:00 Tasting stands in the historic center of San Gimignano Meetings with the producers of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo
12:00-13:00 Masterclass: “Yesterday, today and tomorrow: Vernaccia di San Gimignano over time – From freshness to evolution” Conducted by: Prof. Valentina Canuti – DAGRI University of Florence, representing Assoenologi Tuscany Section Loggia del Teatro dei Leggieri
12:00-18:00 Salottino Ribelle Interviews and discussions on wine, food, and wine tourism. Hosted by Giuseppe Carrus, Gambero Rosso journalist. Loggia del Palazzo del Comune.
3:00-4:00 PM Masterclass: “Vernaccia di San Gimignano tells its story: vintage stories” Hosted by: Sergio Puccioni, Oenologist – member of Assoenologi and Technical Collaborator at CREA-VE in Arezzo Loggia del Teatro dei Leggieri
5:00-6:00 PM Masterclass: “Kiss, lick, bite, and punch. Vernaccia di San Gimignano: history and character.” Presented by: Dr. Alessandra Ticci, representing Assoenologi, Tuscany Section , Teatro dei Leggieri Lodge.
11:00-18:00 For children Space dedicated to children with games and fun Piazza Pecori
9:30 PM – 12:00 AM DJ set Music, tasting of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG and special drinks by “Il Gingegneria” Cassero della Rocca di Montestaffoli
Sunday, May 31st
11:00-18:00 Tasting stands in the historic center of San Gimignano Meetings with the producers of Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG Piazza della Cisterna and Piazza del Duomo
10:00-11:30 AIS exam tests for “Best Sommelier of Tuscany 2026” Access reserved for participants registered for the exam at La Vernaccia di San Gimignano Wine Experience Rocca di Montestaffoli
12:00-13:00 Masterclass: “Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2025: the premises of an excellent vintage” Hosted by: Luca Marchiani Best Sommelier AIS Tuscany 2025 Loggia del Teatro dei Leggieri
2.30-3.30pm Masterclass: “Interpretations of Vernaccia di San Gimignano Riserva” Presented by: Valentino Tesi, Best Sommelier of Italy 2019, and Luca Marchiani, Best Sommelier AIS Tuscany 2025, Loggia del Teatro dei Leggieri
11:00-18:00 For children Space dedicated to children with games and fun Piazza Pecori
5:00 PM “Best Sommelier of Tuscany 2026” Finale Conclusion of the AIS Tasting Exam Loggia del Teatro dei Leggieri
5:30 PM AIS “Best Sommelier of Tuscany 2026” Award Ceremony and closing of the event ; Awards Ceremony; Institutional Greetings, Loggia del Teatro dei Leggieri
During the Festival, works by the artist Stefano Bombardieri will be exhibited, in collaboration with isculpture Art Gallery: The Weight of Suspended Time in Piazza Duomo, Homage to Colbert in Piazza della Cisterna, Elia and the Elephant at the Rocca di Montestaffoli.
This year’s public event will also be preceded by two days reserved for Italian and international trade press — May 28th and 29th —with the presentation of the new Vernaccia di San Gimignano vintages, conferences, and press tours of local wineries.