On Sunday, June 7, Ascona transformed into a major hub for Swiss food and wine thanks to the fourth edition of the Mercato del Gusto, an event organized by Cantina alla Maggia and Terreni alla Maggia, which attracted approximately 5.000 people.
The event brought together producers, chefs, industry professionals, and food enthusiasts for a day dedicated to showcasing the region's agricultural and gastronomic excellence. This growing event, year after year, strengthens the bond between tradition, innovation, and Ticino's culinary culture.
A journey through flavors, wine, and local products
At the heart of the event were the products that represent the identity of Cantina alla Maggia and Terreni alla Maggia: wine, rice, corn, and numerous regional specialties. This offering highlights the direct connection between agriculture, viticulture, and catering, showcasing a supply chain that accompanies raw materials from the ground to the table.
This approach characterized the entire day, offering visitors the opportunity to experience firsthand the work done in the fields and vineyards and discover how these products are transformed into high-quality gastronomic experiences.
Twenty-one chefs and fifteen Michelin stars
One of the elements that contributed to the success of the 2026 edition was the presence of 21 chefs from the universe of The Living Circle and other prestigious gastronomic realities.
Overall, the event brought together 15 Michelin stars and 231 GaultMillau points, numbers that place the Mercato del Gusto among the most important gastronomic events in Ticino.
Among the protagonists were the chef Mattias Roock of the Locanda Barbarossa at Castello del Sole, awarded one Michelin star, one Michelin Green star, and 18 GaultMillau points. Also present Stefan Heilemann of the Widder Restaurant in Zurich, boasting two Michelin stars and 18 GaultMillau points, and Stefan Jäckel de La Rôtisserie at Storchen Zürich.
They also participated Miguel Marques, Luigi De Gregorio, Timon Wolf, Sydney Karolewski e Tino Staub.
The offer was completed by desserts made by André Siedl e Irene Mason.
The role of wines and mixology
Alongside the gastronomic offerings, an important part of the experience was dedicated to wine and mixology.
The wine selection was coordinated by Stefano Petta, named GaultMillau Sommelier of the Year 2024, in collaboration with the teams at Cantina alla Maggia.
On the cocktail front, the creations were entrusted to Noemi Marras of the Widder Bar, helping to further expand the offering for visitors.
The numbers of an intense day
The data recorded during the demonstration tell the story of its significance.
In approximately four hours, 13.699 portions were distributed, equivalent to over 3.400 preparations every sixty minutes. This rapid pace testifies to the strong interest generated by the initiative.
Particularly significant is the work done by Mattias Roock, who used approximately 90 kilograms of rice produced by Terreni alla Maggia for his preparations.
Over 600 bottles of wine were also served throughout the day, along with 106 Gin and Tonics and 212 Tropical Whisky Drinks.
Training and involvement of the territory
The event's organization required the contribution of 72 collaborators. Among them, for the first time, were five students from the Bellinzona School of Hotellerie and Tourism, who were directly involved in the operational activities.
Student participation represents a further step in the effort to create connections between the education and professional sectors, offering concrete opportunities for hands-on experience.
The philosophy of The Living Circle
The Taste Market is part of the vision developed by The Living Circle, a family-run Swiss group active in the hospitality and agricultural sectors.
The property brings together hotels, restaurants, farms, and a winery, promoting the concept of “Luxury fed by nature,” based on the valorization of its own products and a direct relationship with the local area.
In Ticino this model finds one of its most complete expressions through the Castello del Sole, the Cantina alla Maggia and the Terreni alla Maggia, entities that share an integrated supply chain capable of connecting agricultural production, transformation and hospitality.
Partners and support for the initiative
The 2026 edition was supported by numerous partners from the economic, tourism, and media sectors.
Main sponsors include BancaStato and Winteler. Institutional partners include Borgo di Ascona, Ascona-Locarno, Ticino a te, and Ticino Gourmet.
Several local companies also collaborated, including Impresa Cocquio SA, Elettro Mastai SA, Aerimpianti, Ferretti & Co. SA, Giugni SA, LumiLight Sagl, More Engineering SA, Petrucciani, Scerpella SA, Luca Stauffer, Morisoli & Figli SA, Pedrazzi Pavimenti SA and Pasinelli SA.
Rete Uno was the media partner of the event.
Appointment to 2027
After an edition characterized by strong participation and particularly significant numbers, the organizers are already looking to the future.
The fifth edition of the Mercato del Gusto has already been scheduled for June 13, 2027. The goal remains to further consolidate an event that over the years has become one of the main showcases dedicated to local products, signature gastronomy, and Ticino's food and wine culture.
