The Columbus Italian Festival is proud to announce an exciting new addition to its 46th annual celebration: Vino al Colosseo, an exclusive Italian wine tasting experience debuting on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Designed for wine enthusiasts and festival-goers looking for a premium experience, Vino al Colosseo invites guests to savor a curated selection of exceptional Italian wines while enjoying one of Central Ohio's most beloved cultural celebrations. Inspired by Italy's rich winemaking traditions, this new event offers the perfect way to kick off festival weekend.
The event will feature three exclusive tasting sessions:
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
- 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Each session is limited to 125 guests, creating an intimate atmosphere where attendees can discover wines from some of Italy's most celebrated wine regions.
Tickets are $60 per person and include:
- Admission to the Columbus Italian Festival beginning at 5:00 PM
- Access to the exclusive Vino al Colosseo tasting area during the selected session
- Six premium Italian wine tastings
- Light Italian snacks and accompaniments
Guests must be 21 years of age or older with valid identification. Advance ticket purchase is required, and tickets will not be sold at the door.
"This is an exciting new chapter for the Columbus Italian Festival," said Sal Carfagna, Columbus Italian Festival Board Member. "Working alongside our wine distributor partners has allowed us to showcase the incredible diversity and quality of Italian wines in a way we've never been able to before. Vino al Colosseo gives our guests the opportunity to sip, savor, and experience another authentic piece of Italian culture, and we couldn't be more excited to share it with the community."
Joe Ingrassia, Director of Marketing & Communications for the Columbus Italian Festival, added, "The Columbus Italian Festival has always been about celebrating the traditions, flavors, and hospitality of Italy. Vino al Colosseo is a natural extension of that mission. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply looking for a unique night out, this experience brings together exceptional Italian wines, great food, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made our festival a Central Ohio tradition for more than 45 years."
The Columbus Italian Festival has celebrated Italian heritage, faith, family, and friends for more than four decades, welcoming more than 35,000 visitors each year. Festival attendees enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, shopping, bocce, family activities, and the annual Italian Festival Parade.
With the introduction of Vino al Colosseo, guests now have the opportunity to enjoy an elevated tasting experience while celebrating the food, wine, and traditions that have made Italy famous around the world.
Tickets are on sale now and are expected to sell quickly due to the limited number available.
Purchase tickets at:
https://columbusitalianfestival.ticketspice.com/columbus-italian-festival-2026
For more information about the Columbus Italian Festival, visit:
www.columbusitalianfestival.com
About the Columbus Italian Festival
The 46th Annual Columbus Italian Festival will be held October 9–11, 2026, on the grounds of Saint John the Baptist Italian Catholic Church in Columbus's Historic Italian Village. The festival celebrates the rich traditions of Italy through authentic food, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, family activities, and community fellowship. Proceeds from the festival support Saint John the Baptist Church and help preserve the traditions of Central Ohio's Italian-American community.
