Abruzzo wines awarded Grand Gold Medals and Gold Medals at the 2026 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles meet leading chefs at the Rassegna dei Cuochi, in a celebration of terroir, gastronomy and excellence.
From 9 to 11 October 2026, Villa Santa Maria (Chieti), historically known as the “Home of Chefs”, will host the 46th edition of the Rassegna dei Cuochi, one of Italy’s longest-running and most renowned gastronomic events. Three days dedicated to cuisine, food culture, training and the promotion of regional excellence, bringing together Italian and international chefs who are currently working in some of the world’s most prestigious fine-dining establishments.
Among the highlights of the 2026 edition will be Abruzzo wines awarded Grand Gold Medals and Gold Medals at the 2026 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, one of the most respected wine competitions on the international stage. The award-winning wines will accompany the entire programme of cooking demonstrations and talks, creating a unique journey through food and wine pairings that celebrate the region and its terroir.
Each dish prepared by the guest chefs will be paired with a wine awarded at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. Taking to the stage will be renowned professionals representing some of the finest experiences in contemporary gastronomy, including Enrico Derflingher, President of Euro-Toques Italia and ambassador of Italian cuisine worldwide; Emanuele Del Signore, chef in Monte Carlo; Batuhan Piatti, Executive Chef at Billionaire Dubai and St. Moritz; Pietro Volontè, luxury yacht chef; Andrea Levratto, from Restaurant Ariva in Lugano; Walter Giardinelli, chef in Monte Carlo; Nicola Cicchini, chef in Venice; and Dario Miccoli, from Chalet Gerard in Val Gardena.
The food and wine pairings will be presented by Marco Usai, journalist, sommelier and judge at the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles. He will guide the audience through the award-winning wines, highlighting their connection with the chefs’ creations and sharing the stories behind the wineries that have earned the competition’s highest distinctions.
In this context, wine will be far more than a simple accompaniment to the dishes: it will be one of the event’s central protagonists. The Grand Gold Medals and Gold Medals awarded to wineries from Abruzzo will serve as the common thread running through a collective celebration bringing together producers, chefs, communicators and industry professionals, while showcasing the region’s growing reputation on the international wine scene.
The Rassegna dei Cuochi thus reaffirms its role as a meeting point between tradition and the future, offering a prominent platform for the region’s finest agri-food products and strengthening the links between gastronomy, culture, tourism and regional development. It is a unique opportunity to showcase the identity of an increasingly prominent Abruzzo through the dialogue between outstanding wines and exceptional chefs, bringing the region’s excellence to tables and wine glasses around the world.
