National Chestnut Fair 2026
A 90-year journey
Looking to the future without ever forgetting one's roots: this will be the spirit of the 27th edition of the National Chestnut Fair, which will celebrate ninety years of tradition, territory, and love for this "fruit of the earth" that has transformed from a subsistence resource into a true gastronomic and cultural icon.
This year, the Fair is not only celebrating its past, but is also forcefully projecting itself into a new dimension, laying the foundations for an epochal evolution: the official transition to an International Event starting in 2027.
The Chestnut Fair is one of the most important events for traditional Piedmontese products. For three days, the historic center of Cuneo fills with the aromas, flavors, and colors of the city's main squares, allowing visitors to taste and appreciate the finest food, wine, and artisanal products from Italy and Europe. The Fair also represents an unmissable opportunity to support local tourism in Cuneo, showcasing the beauty of the city of Cuneo and the surrounding valleys and promoting its unique local food and wine.
In addition to the exclusively food and wine moments, the Fair also offers ample space for excellent craftsmanship, alongside educational workshops, cultural initiatives, tourist offers, exhibitions, shows and concerts (the complete programme is here).
All this makes the Fair a unique event. An unmissable event for every connoisseur and anyone wishing to experience a weekend immersed in the authenticity of Cuneo.
The program for this 2026 "journey" will include some fundamental pillars:
Valley Synergies: The Chestnut Fair confirms its position as the beating heart of an entire ecosystem. The 2026 edition aims to consolidate and strengthen ties with the municipalities and valleys surrounding Cuneo. The goal is to team up with all chestnut producers to promote a unique and authentic region. To this end, guided tours of the Stura and Pesio Valleys will be organized by Conitours.
Local stakeholders at the center: The local manufacturing sector will be the true protagonist. The involvement of small and medium-sized local businesses that process the product is expected to expand. The Fair aims to be a showcase, but also an incubator of opportunities for those who, every day, transform tradition into a real economy.
Show Cooking: Education and Taste: There will be plenty of opportunities dedicated to haute cuisine and education. Thanks to the synergy between trade associations and local high schools, visitors will be able to watch show cooking sessions that combine the experience of professionals with the enthusiasm and innovation of young local talent. Chestnuts will thus become a testing ground for traditional recipes and innovative combinations.
A look from beyond the Alps (and across the Atlantic). The internationalization process has already begun. This year, the Fair will host a selection of stands from across the Alps, creating a cultural and commercial bridge with our French counterparts. At the same time, the promotional and tourism campaign will aim to attract overseas tourists, drawn by the authenticity of our region and the allure of a nearly century-long history.
