Gusto Italian Food and Wine Festival

Gusto Festival Halifax 2026.

June 22-28, 2026: ticketed Italian food and wine experiences across Halifax, from regional tastings and chef-led dinners to the roaming Passport to Italy evening at Richmond Yards.

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Festival Profile

restaurant Italian regional tasting journey

diversity_3 Aperitivo bites and curated pours

wine_bar Sommelier-led tastings and regional stories

location_on Richmond Yards and Halifax festival venues

Richmond Yards event space for Gusto Festival experiences

Venue Sponsor

Gusto at Richmond Yards

Richmond Yards provides a modern Almon Street setting for Gusto Festival's signature experiences, including A Passport to Italy and the Grand Wine Tastings.

From roaming aperitivo-style tastings to open-format wine sessions, Richmond Yards offers a central Halifax backdrop for guests to gather, taste, compare, and discover.

Proud Venue Sponsor

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What Gusto Is

A festival format built around appetite, atmosphere, and curation.

Running June 22-28, 2026, Gusto shows the brand at full strength: not just an event listing, but a hospitality experience shaped by food writing, sommelier instinct, and strong local relationships.

Expect chef collaborations, Italian-focused wine and beverage storytelling, venue-specific energy, and enough range to appeal to serious wine drinkers, enthusiastic diners, media, and hospitality insiders alike.

Featured Ticketed Experience

A Passport to Italy

The clearest first-ticket path in the program: a roaming evening of aperitivo-sized bites, curated wines, and regional discovery designed to feel social from the first pour.

June 26, 2026 • 6:30-8:30 PM ADT • Richmond Yards

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Aperitivo Hour

Select restaurants throughout HRM

Aperitivo Hour

Gusto! Italian Food & Wine Festival introduces Aperitivo Hour, a celebration of the Italian tradition of gathering in the late afternoon or early evening for a relaxed glass of wine, cocktails, and light bites.

Enjoy a taste of Italy’s vibrant aperitivo culture while mingling with friends and discovering authentic flavours at select restaurants throughout HRM.

Participating Restaurants

Where to find Aperitivo Hour

Trattoria Vesso
Pazzo Ristorante
Public
Eliot & Vine
Casa Stefano
More to come

What to expect

Taste, Compare, Discover

From intimate dinners to open-format tastings, every event is designed to help you explore with confidence. Guided evenings offer thoughtful pairings and simple, practical cues on style, structure, and what to look for in the glass. Open-format sessions invite you to circulate, compare wines side by side, and discover new bottles through relaxed conversation. Along the way, you will meet sommeliers, producers, import agents, and regional ambassadors who bring the stories behind the wines to life. It is an easy, welcoming way to deepen your appreciation and discover personal favourites you will recognize again.

Green tomatoes graphic artwork for Gusto Festival

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A Passport to Italy

June 26, 2026 • 6:30-8:30

Richmond Yards

6070 Almon St., Halifax

What to expect

Taste, Compare, Discover

Grand Wine Tastings

Saturday, June 27, 2026

3:00-5:00 / 7:00-9:00

Richmond Yards

6070 Almon St., Halifax

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Additional Ticketed Experiences

Explore more Gusto events, June 22-28, 2026.

Beyond the featured Passport to Italy and Grand Wine Tastings, discover intimate regional dinners, outdoor cinema, cheese pairings, and hands-on Italian cooking throughout the festival week.

Gusto Festival wine portrait artwork for Flavours of the Southern Italian Sun

Featured Dinner Experience

June 22, 2026

6:30 PM ADT

Sapori Ristorante

Lower Water Street, Halifax

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Featured Dinner Experience

Flavours of the Southern Italian Sun

Journey through the sun-drenched regions of Southern Italy with an upbeat four-course dinner celebrating the vibrant flavours, traditions, and ingredients that define Italy’s south.

Hosted at Sapori Ristorante, this special evening explores the culinary heritage of Lazio, Campania, Calabria, and Molise, with each dish thoughtfully paired with Italian wines and spirits that capture the character of their respective regions.

Join us for an evening of regional discovery, exceptional wines, and the warm hospitality that makes Southern Italy one of the world’s great gastronomic destinations.

Date & Time

Monday, June 22, 2026
6:30 PM ADT

Venue

Sapori Ristorante
Lower Water Street, Halifax

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Presented by DeWolf Food & Wine Experiences.

Gusto Festival artwork for A Fresh Perspective on Umbria and Tuscany

Wine & Food Pairing

June 23, 2026

6:30-8:30 PM ADT

The Post Office

5651 Hennessey St, Halifax

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Featured Wine & Food Experience

A Fresh Perspective on Umbria & Tuscany

Join Vinomare for an intimate evening celebrating the latest additions to its Italian wine portfolio with a journey through the heart of Umbria and Tuscany.

Hosted in the atmospheric surroundings of The Post Office, this exclusive tasting experience will feature four carefully selected wines from Vinomare’s newest release, each thoughtfully paired with a dish inspired by the culinary traditions of central Italy.

Guests will enjoy four wine and food pairings showcasing the distinctive flavours, landscapes, and heritage of two of Italy’s most celebrated regions. The menu will be crafted by the teams from aPria Café and Originitaly Catering, highlighting seasonal ingredients and authentic Italian influences designed to complement each wine.

At this event guests will be introduced to a modern, fresher side of Umbrian and Tuscan wines, curated by the team at Vinomare.ca.

For anyone looking to taste exciting flavours or enjoy a memorable evening of food, wine, and conversation, this event offers a unique opportunity to discover new favourites in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

Date & Time

Tuesday, June 23, 2026
6:30 PM to 8:30 PM ADT

Venue

The Post Office
5651 Hennessey St, Halifax

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Presented by DeWolf Food & Wine Experiences. Limited seating available.

Featured Dinner Experience

Taste Liguria & Sicily

Travel from Liguria's fragrant coastline to Sicily's sun-drenched table in a guided evening hosted by Nicoletta Guzzi and Chef Giuseppe Tagliareni at aPria Cafe. The night begins with Prosecco, moves into an interactive cooking demonstration, and finishes with a three-course dinner built around two distinct Italian regional traditions.

Date & Time

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
6:30 PM to 9:00 PM ADT

Venue & Price

aPria Cafe
2444 Agricola St, Halifax
$87.13 - $102.45 CAD

Guests can book admission with wine pairing or admission without wine pairing, depending on how they want to experience the evening. Non-alcoholic pairing options are also available.

June 24 Menu

aPria Cafe dinner menu

Brandacujún alla Ligure
Pappardelle alla Siciliana
Deconstructed Sicilian Cannolo

Sold Out

Presented by DeWolf Food & Wine Experiences.

Sold Out

aPria Cafe June 24 menu poster for Gusto Festival

Outdoor Italian cinema night at The Armview for Gusto Festival Halifax

Outdoor Film Night

Venetian Cinema @ The Armview

Wednesday, June 24, 2026

9:00 PM ADT

The Armview Restaurant

7156 Chebucto Drive, Halifax

$10.25 CAD

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Outdoor Film Night

Venetian Cinema @ The Armview

An evening under the stars with Gusto, featuring an outdoor screening of Letters to Juliet, Italian wines from Zenato Winery, and a summer night inspired by the romance of Verona.

Join Gusto for Venetian Cinema at The Armview, a special outdoor screening hosted with Italy’s Zenato Winery. Guests can enjoy Italian wine available for purchase, food from The Armview, and a relaxed summer evening celebrating wine, culture, and storytelling.

Date & Time

Wednesday, June 24, 2026
9:00 PM ADT

Venue & Price

The Armview Restaurant
7156 Chebucto Drive, Halifax
$10.25 CAD

Seating is limited. Guests are encouraged to bring a folding chair or blanket.

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Presented by DeWolf Food & Wine Experiences.

Featured Cheese & Wine Experience

Formaggio e Vino

An intimate evening at Frabjous Delights Specialty Foods celebrating the timeless pairing of Italian cheese and wine. Guests will enjoy samples of five carefully selected cheeses with thoughtful accompaniments, paired with classic Italian wines including Chianti Classico and Brunello. Hosted by a professional sommelier, the experience explores regional traditions, flavour profiles, and the art of pairing wine with Italy’s iconic cheeses.

Date & Time

Thursday, June 25, 2026
6:30 PM ADT

Venue & Price

Frabjous Delights Specialty Foods
2530 Agricola St, Halifax
$51.20 – $71.70 CAD

Guests can book admission with cheese and wine pairing or admission with cheese and no wine, depending on how they want to experience the evening. Non-wine admission options are also available.

Pairing Notes

Italian cheese and wine pairings

Ciro’s Mozzarella & Dacostello Fiano
Caciocavallo di Latte di Bufala & Dievole Chianti Classico
Pecorino di Pienza Foglie di Noce & Caparzo Brunello
Ubriaco di Amarone Veneto & Tedeschi Amarone
Bagoss di Bagolino & Produttori del Barbaresco Langhe Nebbiolo

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Admission with Cheese and Wine Pairing: $71.70. Admission with Cheese, No Wine: $51.20.

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Formaggio e Vino event poster for Gusto Festival

Southern Italian cooking class campaign artwork for Gusto Festival

Cooking Class & 3 Course Dinner

June 28, 2026

2:00-5:00 PM ADT

Saffron & Salt

2751 Clifton Street, Halifax

$128.07 CAD

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Featured Dinner Experience

Southern Italian Cooking

Gusto is excited to partner with Saffron & Salt and Roberta of Paolucci Pasta for a small-group cooking class centred on the traditions of Southern Italy. Guests will make orecchiette, move through three courses, and taste wines selected to complement the pace and flavour of the evening.

Date & Time

Sunday, June 28, 2026
2:00 PM to 5:00 PM ADT

Venue & Price

Saffron & Salt
2751 Clifton Street, Halifax
$128.07 CAD

Includes instruction, three courses, and wines paired with each course. Presented by DeWolf Food & Wine Experiences.

Book This Dinner

A hands-on orecchiette class with regional wines and a relaxed cooking pace.

Festival Partners

Our Sponsors

Gusto Italian Food & Wine Festival is proudly supported by local partners who help bring this celebration of Italian food, wine, and hospitality to life.

Please visit our sponsors and support the local businesses helping make Gusto possible.

Ticketing

Choose your Gusto experience through Showpass.

Gusto tickets are handled on public Showpass event pages so guests can select tickets and complete checkout through the official ticketing path.

External ticket page

Flavours of the Southern Italian Sun

Monday, June 22, 2026 • 6:30 PM ADT • Sapori Ristorante

An upbeat four-course dinner celebrating the regions, traditions, and ingredients of Lazio, Campania, Calabria, and Molise, with Italian wines and spirits paired to each dish.

Featured Dinner Experience • Lower Water Street, Halifax

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A Fresh Perspective on Umbria & Tuscany

Tuesday, June 23, 2026 • 6:30-8:30 PM ADT • The Post Office

Four Italian wine and food pairings with Vinomare, aPria Café, and Originitaly Catering, focused on a modern, fresher side of Umbria and Tuscany.

Presented by DeWolf Food & Wine Experiences • 5651 Hennessey St, Halifax • Limited seating available

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Sold out

Taste Liguria & Sicily

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • 6:30-9:00 PM ADT • aPria Cafe

Interactive cooking class and three-course dinner with Nicoletta Guzzi and Chef Giuseppe Tagliareni, including Prosecco on arrival and two ticket options: admission with wine pairing or admission without wine pairing.

Menu: Brandacujún alla Ligure, Pappardelle alla Siciliana, and Deconstructed Sicilian Cannolo.

With Wine Pairing $102.45 • Without Wine Pairing $87.13 • 2444 Agricola St., Halifax

Sold Out

This dinner remains visible for reference, but tickets are sold out.

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Venetian Cinema @ The Armview

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 • 9:00 PM ADT • The Armview Restaurant

Outdoor screening of Letters to Juliet with Italian wines from Zenato Winery, food from The Armview, and a summer night inspired by the romance of Verona.

$10.25 CAD • 7156 Chebucto Drive, Halifax • Bring a folding chair or blanket

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Formaggio e Vino

Thursday, June 25, 2026 • 6:30 PM ADT • Frabjous Delights Specialty Foods

An intimate Italian cheese and wine experience with five selected cheeses, thoughtful accompaniments, and sommelier-led pairings.

Admission with Cheese and Wine Pairing $71.70 • Admission with Cheese, No Wine $51.20 • 2530 Agricola St, Halifax

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A Passport to Italy

Friday, June 26, 2026 • 6:30-8:30 • Richmond Yards

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Gusto Italian Festival Grand Wine Tasting

Saturday, June 27, 2026 • 3:00-5:00 / 7:00-9:00 • Richmond Yards

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Southern Italian Cooking

Sunday, June 28, 2026 • 2:00-5:00 PM ADT • Saffron & Salt

Hands-on orecchiette cooking class, three courses, and sommelier-selected wines with Roberta of Paolucci Pasta and Saffron & Salt.

Includes instruction, 3 courses, and wines paired with each course • $128.07 CAD • 2751 Clifton Street, Halifax

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Gusto Festival guest banner featuring women eating pizza

Local Curators & Partners

Benjamin Bridge L'Acadie Vineyards Lightfoot & Wolfville Beausoleil Farmstead Craft Distillers of Nova Scotia The Post Office Afishionado Harvest Bishop's Cellar NSLC RCR Hospitality Apria Sapori Espresso 46 VinoMare DeWolf Food and Wine Experiences Halifax International Wine Festival Benjamin Bridge L'Acadie Vineyards Lightfoot & Wolfville Beausoleil Farmstead Craft Distillers of Nova Scotia The Post Office Afishionado Harvest Bishop's Cellar NSLC RCR Hospitality Apria Sapori Espresso 46 VinoMare DeWolf Food and Wine Experiences Halifax International Wine Festival