Seven hundred people took part in the2026 edition of Taste Ticino, the food and wine walk organized in the city of Zurich, which, for the third time following those in 2022 and 2024, has once again sold out. The initiative confirms the Swiss public's growing interest in Ticino's products, traditions, and tourism offerings, cementing its position as a key tool for promoting the region beyond the canton's borders.
The event was organized by Ticino Turismo, Amis da la forchéta, Swiss Wine Ticino, and the Centro di Competenze Agroalimentari Ticino (CCAT), with the involvement of the four regional tourism organizations and over thirty partners from the Canton's agri-food and tourism sectors.
A nine-kilometer itinerary of flavors and traditions
The format maintained its now consolidated structure: a nine-kilometer route divided into seven gastronomic stops, during which participants were able to taste an entire Ticino menu, from breakfast to dessert.
The 2026 edition essentially followed the same route as previous events, introducing a significant innovation with the inclusion of Casa Nostra, the staff restaurant of the Widder Hotel, among the stops on the itinerary.
The tastings were accompanied by musical entertainment, a competition, and informational materials on the Canton's tourism opportunities, with the aim of offering participants a comprehensive experience that showcases Ticino through its gastronomic culture.
The promotion of Ticino also passes through the media
Ample media coverage was also provided. RSI Rete Uno, the event's media partner, covered the event with live broadcasts from the various stages of the walk.
Alice Pedrazzini and Alice Tognetti reported on the day from the fifth stop, hosted at Bottega di Mario, while Joas Balmelli gave numerous presentations along the route, gathering testimonials from organizers, producers, and participants. Among the guests who attended was SRF-1 food journalist Esthern Kern. Several content creators, including "newinzürich," also participated in the initiative, helping to boost the event's visibility on digital channels.
Ticino Tourism: "An invitation to explore the region."
For Ticino Turismo, the event represents a promotional tool that goes beyond the gastronomic aspect.
Marketing Director and Country Manager for Switzerland, Manuela Nicoletti, emphasized how Gusta Ticino is an opportunity to showcase the canton through its flavors, people, and region. She also emphasized that the successful participation and the numerous positive feedback received from partners and visitors confirm the validity of the project, which began at the end of 2025 with a lengthy promotional campaign, and represents an incentive to continue developing the initiative in future editions.
Ticino wine takes centre stage beyond the Gotthard Pass
Ivan Trezzini, director of Ticinowine – Swiss Wine Ticino, also expressed satisfaction, calling the Zurich edition a success both for the high level of participation and the quality of the experience offered.
According to Trezzini, events like this allow Ticino wines and local products to be showcased to an audience from across Switzerland, highlighting the collaboration between the agri-food, restaurant, and tourism sectors as a key element in strengthening the canton's image.
Certified local products promoted
For the second consecutive year, the Ticino a te project, promoted by the Ticino Agri-food Competence Center (CCAT), was part of the organizing committee.
Director Sibilla Quadri emphasized how the participants' reactions demonstrate the appreciation of this format even beyond the Alps. During the event, particular attention was paid to products certified with the Ticino regio.garantie brand, to companies deeply rooted in the region, and to mountain pasture products, considered among the most representative expressions of the canton's dairy tradition.
A collaboration between numerous local actors
Fabio Guerra, Marketing and Communications Manager for Amis da la Forchéta, emphasized the enthusiasm shown by the 700 participants he met along the way, attributing the success achieved to the collaboration between all the partners involved.
According to Guerra, the event once again presented a coordinated image of Ticino's food and wine beyond the Gotthard Pass, laying the foundation for ensuring the initiative's continuity in future years.
A network of partners to support the project
The 2026 edition involved the regional tourist organizations of Ascona-Locarno, Bellinzona and Valleys, Lugano Region, and Mendrisiotto.
The partners also included BancaStato as the main partner, GastroTicino as the institutional partner, RSI and Le Menu as media partners.
Numerous producers contributed to the creation of the walk, including Bigatt Hotel & Restaurant, La Bottega di Mario, Rapelli, Cantina alla Maggia, TiGusto, and Vanini. On the beverage side, Chicco d'Oro, Ciao Beer, Erbe Ticino, Gazzose Fizzy, Slivoo, and Verzaschella were present. The wineries involved included Angelo Delea SA, Cantina alla Maggia, Società Cooperativa Cantina Mendrisio, and Ghidossi Wine Group.
The initiative was also supported by Transhelvetica, Stiftung St. Jakob Beck & Kafi, Widder by The Living Circle, Loft Five and Kantonsschule Enge.
