Merano WineFestival expands to Tokyo and Bangkok

The Merano WineFestival is expanding its presence in Asia through the “The WineHunter Asia Tour 2026.” The initiative includes two major events scheduled for November.

From November 4 to 7, Tokyo will host the inaugural “Merano WineFestival Japan.” The program includes a dinner at the Italian Embassy, a “Merano Wine Dining” event pairing restaurants with wineries, a masterclass for producers and importers, and a session titled “Merano Rencontres” to discuss wine export prospects in Asian markets. The Japanese event is held under the patronage of the Italian Embassy in Japan to celebrate 160 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan.

On November 30, the tour moves to Thailand for “Bangkok & Wine – Piazza Italiana” at the Gaysorn Urban Resort. Supported by the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce, the event expects over 700 participants from the food and beverage industry. Helmuth Kocher, founder of the Merano WineFestival and The WineHunter, stated that these events aim to share the festival's philosophy rather than simply replicating the South Tyrolean experience.