The city of Milan is set to host the third edition of the Aperitivo Festival from May 9 to May 11, 2025, at the Nhow Hotel, located in the vibrant Tortona District. This year's festival promises to be a celebration of Italian culture, mixing art, gastronomy, and conviviality, bringing together 27 international bartenders and showcasing over 100 products for tasting.
Organized by Mww Group, the festival will run daily from 5 PM to 11 PM, transforming the hotel into a hub of sensory experiences that highlight the Italian ritual of aperitivo. "Aperitivo Festival is not just an event; it is an experiential hub that enhances our gastronomic heritage, translating it into a pop culture moment," said Federico Gordini, president of Mww Group. He emphasized the importance of creating a space where tradition meets the future, allowing brands, professionals, and consumers to experience the excellence of food and beverage pairings.
This year, the festival will place a greater emphasis on no and low-alcohol beverages, reflecting a growing trend among younger consumers. For those interested in mastering the art of pairing drinks with appetizers, the Aperitivo Academy will offer unique training experiences designed to educate operators about the perfect matches for every drink.
Among the highlights of the festival is the participation of 27 top bartenders from around the globe, facilitated by Ice-Camera di Commercio. They will engage in discussions during the "Aperitivo Around the World" talks, presenting innovative mixes inspired by global trends. These bartenders hail from diverse locations including Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, and the United States, showcasing the international appeal of the Italian aperitivo.
The festival will also introduce a new initiative called Aperitivo Made in Lombardia, developed in collaboration with Ascovilo (the Lombard Wine Consortium) and Grana Padano Dop. This project aims to celebrate the gastronomic excellence of Lombardy, the region that has turned aperitivo into a lifestyle. A dedicated space within the festival will allow attendees to explore wines protected by 13 Ascovilo consortia, such as Oltrepò Pavese and Lugana, paired with three aging variations of Grana Padano Dop (12 months, 18 months, and 27 months).
From May 15 to June 30, a circuit of ten Milanese venues will host tastings, further promoting the region's culinary offerings. Additionally, an exclusive rooftop event on May 26, coinciding with World Aperitivo Day, will feature a panoramic aperitivo pairing Lombardy's finest wines with Grana Padano-based finger foods prepared by a renowned chef.
For those seeking unique pairings, Asiago Dop, a top sponsor of the festival, will collaborate with Gin Hendrick’s and Fever-Tree to offer innovative Gin and Tonic combinations. This collaboration aims to highlight the versatility of Asiago cheese, which will also be featured in prestigious venues across Italy, showcasing the cheese alongside carefully crafted cocktails.
Another notable sponsor, Corona Cero, will be present at the festival. This non-alcoholic beer, produced with natural ingredients, is set to make a splash as it gears up for its role as the official beer sponsor for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics and Paralympics.
In the experiential village dedicated to drinks, food pairing, music, and culture, Piccini, a Tuscan winery, will showcase four premium wine labels: Eleven Bianco, Chianti Slim, Venetian Dress Prosecco DOC, and Venetian Dress Prosecco Rosé. These selections are a true celebration of Italian winemaking.
For lovers of the classic Spritz, the festival will feature the authentic Limoncello Spritz, thanks to a partnership between Select Spritz and Benvenuti Limoncello. Attendees can also enjoy the refreshing Contrattino, a low-alcohol, ready-to-drink beverage created by Chef Antonino Cannavacciuolo, which combines herbal notes with a floral twist.
The Aperitivo Festival not only showcases the art of mixology but also promotes a message of social responsibility. The Fro foundation, dedicated to ensuring comfort for patients and their families in oncology wards, will participate to raise awareness about prevention and celebrate the beloved Italian ritual of aperitivo.
As the festival approaches, excitement builds around the multifaceted experiences it promises to deliver. With its focus on food pairing, innovative drinks, and a celebration of Italian culture, the Aperitivo Festival is poised to be the highlight of Milan's spring calendar. Visitors can expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with entertainment, expert talks, and the chance to explore the latest trends in the world of aperitivo.
As the opening conference kicks off at 11 AM on May 9, followed by a press preview from 12:30 PM to 3 PM, all eyes will be on the Nhow Hotel as it becomes the epicenter of this culinary celebration. The Aperitivo Festival not only honors a cherished Italian tradition but also invites everyone to partake in an experience that embodies the spirit of togetherness and enjoyment.
