RWF 2026

The long-awaited celebration for whisky lovers that marks the end of winter in Rome is returning once again this year.

On February 28 and March 1, 2026, the 14th edition of the Roma Whisky Festival will take place at the iconic Salone delle Fontane in the EUR district.

One of the largest events of its kind in Italy, the festival is designed not simply as an opportunity to taste whisky, but as a comprehensive experience where it can be enjoyed, explored, and understood as a cultural expression. 

Distilleries, brands, and importers from around the world gather in one place, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. Over the course of two days, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the world of spirits in a truly special atmosphere.

Loved for more than 15 years, the festival has grown as a place where people share their passion for whisky. 

Whether you want to deepen your knowledge, discover new flavors, or are just beginning to take an interest, everyone is warmly welcomed.

The spacious 2,500-square-meter venue hosts more than 60 exhibitors and over 1,000 bottles, creating an environment where visitors can explore at a relaxed pace. 

Tastings, seminars, exhibitions, and retail are seamlessly integrated, allowing both newcomers and experienced enthusiasts to enjoy the event according to their own interests. 

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One of this year’s highlights is the gathering of distilling cultures from around the world. 

Alongside renowned Scottish distilleries that embody tradition, visitors will encounter next-generation craft distilleries, independent bottlers, and emerging whisky-producing regions. 

The strong presence of Japanese brands is another major attraction, including the House of Suntory with Yamazaki, Hakushu, and Hibiki. 

Independent bottlers such as Cadenhead’s, Duncan Taylor, and Douglas Laing will also present distinctive expressions that showcase the remarkable depth of whisky.

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In recent years, the world of brown spirits has also drawn increasing attention at the festival. 

While whisky remains at the center, a wide range of aged spirits rum, cognac, armagnac, and brandy are also featured, allowing visitors to explore the shared culture of maturation from many different perspectives. In every glass, you may sense not only aroma and flavor, but also the history of the land, its character, and the slow passage of time.

The festival offers a wide range of experiences that visitors can enjoy in their own way. At each brand’s stand, guests can freely taste using tokens, sampling bottles at their own pace. 

Upon entry, visitors receive a festival kit that includes a tasting glass, glass holder, guidebook, and welcome drink, making it easy to begin enjoying the event right away. If you find a favorite, you can purchase it on the spot or take home a 50ml sample.

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For those who wish to learn more deeply, masterclasses led by experts and distillery representatives are highly recommended. 

These sessions include explorations of whisky culture, regional comparisons of Scotch, and tastings of limited bottlings offering a rich combination of knowledge and experience. 

The vintage area presents a particularly special opportunity: an encounter with exceptionally rare malts bottled in the 20th century. Experiencing flavors preserved and passed down through time is something unique to this festival, and chances to taste such rare vintages are truly rare.

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In the mixology area, a specially designed cocktail list created for the festival highlights new ways to experience spirits. 

By carefully balancing aroma and flavor while showcasing the character of whisky and other aged spirits, each drink reveals expressions quite different from those found in neat pours or standard tastings. 

Through creative cocktails crafted by professional bartenders, visitors can discover entirely new ways to enjoy distilled spirits.

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A special guest night is also planned. 

This event celebrates the debut of the newly opened bar “Ceralacca,” hosted by Oro Room with the support of Brown-Forman. Guests will have the opportunity to experience the concept and atmosphere of the new bar ahead of everyone else and enjoy the vibrant culture of bartending from a fresh perspective.

The festival will also feature a live performance on March 1 at 17:00 at the Salone delle Fontane. Taking the stage is Old No.7 B(r)and, a special project band. 

Created to celebrate the musical heritage connected to Jack Daniel’s, the band brings the spirit of the legendary Silver Cornet Band into a contemporary setting. All of its members are bartenders and professionals from the spirits industry. 

Music and drinks naturally complement each other when music fills the air, people relax, and aromas and flavors can be experienced more vividly. It offers another way to engage with the culture of spirits beyond tastings and seminars an experience unique to the festival.

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Collectors will also find something special in the official festival bottling. 

This year’s release is a 17-year-old Ardmore distilled in 2008 and matured in bourbon casks. Bottled without chill filtration, it preserves the rich character developed over many years of maturation, making it a truly special expression. 

Pairing experiences are also abundant, with beer, food, and chocolate offerings. 

From whisky-infused dishes to fresh seafood and fine sweets, combining flavors in different ways promises unforgettable moments.

Toward the end of the event, the Whisky & Lode Awards will be held, where experts select the best bottle through blind tasting. The entire venue awaits the announcement with anticipation.

The Roma Whisky Festival is a place to deepen knowledge, expand your palate, and connect with others. With a glass in hand, follow the aromas and explore the world of spirits from every angle.

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Download the program here

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Photo Courtesy: Roma Whisky Festival