Wine stories from four Alpe-Adria countries in one place
More than 35 winemakers from Slovenia, Austria, Italy and, for the first time, Croatian Istria will present more than 100 wines at the second edition of Alpe-Adria Wine Festival & Clubbing on 15 October. Winemakers from Austrian Carinthia will play an important role in Austria’s representation, further strengthening the festival’s connection with the wine producers of its host region.
From 2 pm, Taggenbrunn Castle will host tastings and winemaker presentations, giving visitors the opportunity to discover the wines and distinctive winemaking traditions of four neighbouring countries in one location.
The wine programme will include masterclasses and other expert-led wine experiences. Regional specialities will also feature prominently, accompanying selected wines to showcase the culinary diversity of the Alpe-Adria region. The festival will offer visitors the opportunity to meet winemakers in person and learn about their wines, wineries and approaches to winemaking.
The venue itself is closely connected with wine. Taggenbrunn Castle in Austrian Carinthia forms part of a wine estate with approximately 40 hectares of vineyards. Alongside viticulture and winemaking, the estate encompasses gastronomy, hotel accommodation, culture and events. Wines from the Taggenbrunn estate will also be presented at the festival alongside those of the participating winemakers.
From wine festival to evening clubbing
As the afternoon programme draws to a close, a sundowner session with live music will set the mood for the evening. At 7 pm, the festival will enter its second chapter, with a DJ, music, dancing and socialising. An afternoon devoted to wine, food and encounters with winemakers will give way to a more relaxed evening atmosphere.
This year’s event once again follows the concept of “one day, two chapters”, moving from an afternoon wine festival to an evening of clubbing.
Where business meets wine
The Alpe-Adria Business Conference will also take place at Taggenbrunn on the same day. Beginning at 9 am, it will bring together representatives from business, tourism, sport and gastronomy from Slovenia, Austria and the wider Alpe-Adria region. Through practical insights, successful projects, and examples of good practice, participants will explore how sporting events, strategic infrastructure, and innovative experiences can strengthen destinations, extend the tourism season, raise international visibility, and create new business opportunities. Following the morning conference programme, networking will continue at the wine festival at Taggenbrunn Castle.
Jezeršek in Austrian Carinthia
The festival is organised by Jezeršek Catering, which brings its international operations together under the J-Hospitality Group by Jezeršek brand. Jezeršek has been present at Taggenbrunn since 2024, when it took over the estate’s restaurant and hotel operations in partnership with its owners, the Riedl family. Today, the company manages the Taggenbrunn castle restaurant, recognised by Falstaff and Gault&Millau, as well as the boutique hotel and café, and organises events and experiences.
This year’s festival is again being developed in collaboration with partners who contribute to its cross-border character. Kronen Zeitung is the principal media partner, while festival partners include Transgourmet, Koželj Wines and Jacques Lemans.
With its second edition, Alpe-Adria Wine Festival & Clubbing builds on the vision established in 2025: to bring winemakers, wines, regional cuisine and visitors from four Alpe-Adria countries together in Austrian Carinthia, creating a meeting place that celebrates the region’s wine and gastronomy.
Further programme information and tickets are available on the Taggenbrunn website.
