Florence’s premier food and wine fair, Taste, is celebrating its 18th edition with a bigger footprint and an expanded lineup. From February 8 to 10, the event will take over additional exhibition spaces at Fortezza da Basso, including the Costruzioni Lorenesi and Monumental Areas, to accommodate 750 exhibitors—a significant leap from the 120 participants of its inaugural edition. Among them, 150 are first-time exhibitors, reflecting the growing appeal of this gourmet showcase.
In 2024, Taste attracted 11,000 visitors, including 8,250 industry professionals and 750 international buyers. This year’s event will highlight “heroic wines”, a category that includes bottles produced in extreme conditions—volcanic vineyards, coastal terraces, and high-altitude plots. Special masterclasses will explore these unique wines, marking another key addition to the program.
Another major debut is Lavazza, which will bring its 1895 Coffee Designers project, offering curated coffee experiences. Additionally, renowned food expert Davide Paolini will lead discussions on topics ranging from olive oil and astrology in food to investment funds and Michelin stars.
The event will also host a talk on the evolving hotel breakfast trend, now a social media phenomenon, and a presentation by Angela Frenda, who will discuss her book on the food culture of writer Nora Ephron.
Changes to Public Access: General visitors will be welcomed only on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and unlike past editions, there will be no physical store for purchasing featured products—everything will be available exclusively online, with a 20% discount on producers’ websites for ticket holders.
Fuori di Taste: 64 Off-Site Events in Florence
Running from February 3 to 10, Fuori di Taste will bring 64 food-related events to Florence. Highlights include:
• A deep dive into the wines of Pieve di Campoli, with a video installation in the former Church of Santo Stefano al Ponte.
• A Cru Caviar tasting experience.
• A dinner at Picteau Bistrot & Bar, inspired by the favorite recipes of Salvatore and Wanda Ferragamo.
• A special Rossini-themed evening at Teatro del Sale, celebrating the composer’s connection to the Marche region.
• A rare open-house tour of the historic Antonio Mattei biscuit workshop in Prato, where visitors can see how the legendary cantuccini are made.
With an expanded program and new collaborations, Taste 2025 is set to reaffirm its place as a must-visit event for food and wine lovers.
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