Electrification and hybrid propulsion
What electrification and hybrid propulsion means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The Expovina wine ships is a renowned wine exhibition held on boats in Zürich, Switzerland. Running from 29 October to 12 November 2026, this event showcases a vast selection of over 4,000 wines from 160 exhibitors.
It attracts wine lovers and industry professionals alike, offering a unique opportunity to explore the world of wine in a picturesque setting. Experience culinary delights and expert knowledge while enjoying the breathtaking views of Lake Zurich.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Expovina wine ships runs from 29 October to 12 November 2026 at Wine boats, Zürich, Switzerland.
- 2Scale and Focus: This prestigious wine exhibition features over 4,000 wines from 160 exhibitors, attracting more than 50,000 visitors.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Expovina AG, with more details available at expovina.ch.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include wine enthusiasts, industry professionals, and buyers from various sectors.
- 5Entry: Tickets are available for purchase online, providing access to a unique wine tasting experience.
Why visit
Visitors can immerse themselves in the fascinating world of wine, tasting a diverse range of wines from various regions. The event provides a platform for networking with industry professionals and discovering new trends in the wine market. Attendees will have the chance to participate in masterclasses and special tastings, enhancing their wine knowledge and appreciation.
Why exhibit
Exhibitors benefit from direct access to a large audience of wine enthusiasts and industry professionals, providing excellent opportunities for networking and sales. The event's unique setting on boats adds a distinctive charm, making it an attractive venue for showcasing wines and engaging with potential customers.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Wine enthusiasts looking to explore new varieties
Industry professionals seeking networking opportunities
Buyers from restaurants and retail chains
Culinary experts interested in wine pairings
Tourists visiting Zürich with an interest in local wines
Wine producers looking to showcase their offerings
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Wine producers from Switzerland and abroad
Wine merchants and distributors
Culinary brands offering wine pairings
Equipment suppliers for wine production
Marketing agencies specializing in the wine sector
Wine tourism companies promoting regional experiences
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Red wines from various regions
White wines including local Swiss varieties
Sparkling wines and champagnes
Dessert wines and fortified wines
Organic and biodynamic wines
Wine accessories and tasting equipment
Location & Facilities
Venue
Wine boats
Bürkliplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland
Facilities
Parking
Wine boats in Zürich typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Wine boats in Zürich typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Wine boats for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Ticket info
Ticket notes
Tickets can be purchased online for entry to the exhibition.
Who runs the show
Organisers
Expovina AG
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Zürich, Switzerland
Why it matters
On 2026-10-29 to 2026-11-12, Expovina wine ships in Zürich covering Red wines from various regions, White wines including local Swiss varieties, Sparkling wines and champagnes, Dessert win gives marine buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
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Supply-chain regionalisation
What supply-chain regionalisation means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · CHF
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Zurich Airport
Main commercial gateway for Zürich. S-Bahn S2, S16 or S24 reaches Zürich HB in about 10-15 minutes, then tram 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 or 11 to Bürkliplatz. Confirm ZVV timetables before travel
Approx. 12 km from Bürkliplatz
to venue
25-40 min by car; 30-40 min by S-Bahn and tram
by car
Use the airport bus or local transport to Basel SBB, then an IC/IR train to Zürich HB, followed by a short tram ride to Bürkliplatz. Allow extra time for border and station transfers
Approx. 90 km from Bürkliplatz
to venue
1h15-1h45 by train; 1h15-1h30 by car
by car
Geneva Airport
Geneva is a long transfer for a Zürich city event. Direct IC trains run to Zürich HB, then take a tram to Bürkliplatz. Compare total travel time and cost before booking
Approx. 280 km from Bürkliplatz
to venue
2h45-3h15 by train; 3 hours or more by car
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Hotel UTO KULM car-free hideaway in Zurich
4-star
Zürich (Uetliberg hillside)Car-free hillside hotel with panoramic views, spa and free Wi-Fi; access by train and funicular, then tram to Bürkliplatz. Best for a quiet stay rather than late-night walks to the ships.
Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich
4-star
Zürich cityCity hotel with fitness centre, restaurant and some kitchen rooms; convenient for tram or S-Bahn connections to Bellevue and Bürkliplatz.
DORMERO Hotel Zürich Airport
4-star
Zurich Airport / KlotenAirport-area hotel with spa, restaurant and fitness centre; suited to early flights, with a 15-20 minute S-Bahn ride to Zürich HB plus tram to Bürkliplatz.
Hotel Krone Unterstrass
4-star
Unterstrass, Zürich cityCity hotel near Zürich HB with restaurant, bar and room service; a practical base for tram connections to Bürkliplatz and for mainline rail trips.
Mövenpick Zurich Regensdorf
4-star
Regensdorf, north ZürichSuburban 4-star hotel with indoor pool, restaurant and fitness centre; requires a tram or train connection to the city centre and is better for drivers or quieter stays.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
S-Bahn
Estimated costApprox. CHF 7-9 single, 2nd class (ZVV zones 110/121; confirm current fare)
Best forZurich Airport (ZRH) to Zürich HB
S-Bahn S2, S16 or S24 runs from the airport station to Zürich HB in about 10-15 minutes. Then take tram 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 or 11 to Bürkliplatz.
tram
Estimated costApprox. CHF 4.60 single 1-hour ticket (zone 110; confirm ZVV fare)
Best forZürich HB to Bürkliplatz
Trams 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 and 11 serve the Bürkliplatz and Bellevue area. The ride from Zürich HB is usually 5-10 minutes.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CHF 60-80 for a metered taxi (12 km; traffic-dependent)
Best forZurich Airport (ZRH) to Wine boats
Taxis and ride-hail pickups are available at ZRH. Allow 25-40 minutes in normal traffic and more during peak hours or rain.
train
Estimated costApprox. CHF 35-50 single 2nd class (SBB; confirm fare)
Best forBasel EuroAirport (BSL) to Zürich HB
Take the airport bus or local transport to Basel SBB, then an IC/IR train to Zürich HB. Allow about 1h15-1h45 for the full transfer.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CHF 260-340 (85-95 km; confirm with operator)
Best forBasel EuroAirport (BSL) to Wine boats
A direct taxi is expensive and slower than rail in peak traffic. Use train via Basel SBB and Zürich HB unless you have heavy equipment.
parking
Estimated costApprox. CHF 3-5 per hour, CHF 30-45 daily maximum (Urania or Opéra garages; confirm current tariff)
Best forBürkliplatz and Bellevue area garages
City-centre parking is limited. Use a nearby garage and walk 5-10 minutes to the wine ships; check height restrictions and event-time surcharges.
train
Estimated costApprox. CHF 90-130 single 2nd class (SBB; confirm fare)
Best forGeneva Airport (GVA) to Zürich HB
InterCity trains run from Geneva Airport to Zürich HB with a change or direct service depending on departure. Allow about 2h45-3h15, then tram to Bürkliplatz.
taxi
Estimated costApprox. CHF 650-800 (280 km; not recommended; confirm with operator)
Best forGeneva Airport (GVA) to Wine boats
A direct taxi from Geneva is not practical for most visitors. The train is faster, cheaper and more reliable for this distance.
Weather
Late October in Zürich is mild but changeable: daytime highs often 8-15°C, with rain showers and morning fog. The lakefront at Bürkliplatz can feel colder in the evening. This is general climate guidance, not an official event forecast; check MeteoSwiss 48 hours before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Switzerland has strong 4G and 5G coverage in cities and at Zurich Airport. EU roaming rules do not fully apply in Switzerland, so check your mobile plan before using data. Public Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafés but not guaranteed on the ships. Power sockets are type J, 230V; bring a suitable adapter for UK, US or EU plugs. A Swiss eSIM or local SIM bought at ZRH is useful for maps and transit apps.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Tasting etiquette
Expovina is a tasting fair: pour sizes are small, spittoons are normal and water is useful between wines. Ask before taking photos of stands and avoid strong perfume that interferes with tasting.
Greetings and language
A handshake and a clear greeting are standard in Swiss business settings. Swiss German is the local everyday language, German is widely understood, and English is common among international exhibitors and younger visitors.
Punctuality and reservations
Arrive on time for appointments and reserve restaurants for evening meals during the fair. Trams and S-Bahn trains run frequently, but allow extra time around Bellevue and Bürkliplatz at peak tasting hours.
Tipping
Service is usually included in Swiss restaurant and bar bills. Rounding up or leaving a small extra amount is appreciated for good service, but not mandatory.
Sunday and shopping
Most shops in Zürich are closed on Sundays. Buy supplies, transit tickets and any wine accessories on Saturday or at the airport if you arrive on a Sunday.
Cash and cards
Cards are widely accepted in Zürich, including at many fair stands, but keep some CHF cash for small purchases. Confirm payment methods with individual exhibitors before ordering.
Alcohol and transport
The Swiss drink-drive limit is 0.05%. Use trams, S-Bahn or taxis after tasting sessions and do not plan to drive between ship visits.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: ZRH
Book to Zurich Airport (ZRH) for the shortest transfer to Bürkliplatz. Compare Basel (BSL) and Geneva (GVA) only if the airfare saving outweighs the 1-3 hour train connection to Zürich. Late October is a normal city-break period, so book 6-10 weeks ahead for better fares and confirm baggage rules for wine purchases. Allow 30-40 minutes from ZRH to the venue by S-Bahn and tram.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Zurich Airport (ZRH): 25-40 min by car; 30-40 min by S-Bahn and tram; Basel EuroAirport (BSL): 1h15-1h45 by train; 1h15-1h30 by car; Geneva Airport (GVA): 2h45-3h15 by train; 3 hours or more by car. Allow road or rail time to Wine boats; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Wine boats: Zürich (Uetliberg hillside): Hotel UTO KULM car-free hideaway in Zurich; Zürich city: Radisson Hotel & Suites Zurich; Zurich Airport / Kloten: DORMERO Hotel Zürich Airport.
Ride-hail: Uber operates in Zürich and can be booked to Bürkliplatz or Bellevue; taxis are also available at ranks near Zürich HB and Bellevue. Ride-hail supply can tighten during evening tasting sessions and in rain, so allow extra time or use the ZVV tram network. Confirm the pickup point with your driver because the Bürkliplatz lakefront has pedestrian-only sections.
Public transit: Zürich's ZVV network combines trams, buses, S-Bahn trains and lake boats. For Expovina, ride tram 2, 4, 5, 8, 9 or 11 to Bürkliplatz, or take any S-Bahn to Zürich HB and connect by tram. Zürich Airport (ZRH) has its own S-Bahn station with direct trains to Zürich HB in about 10-15 minutes. A single ticket is valid for a set time within the selected zones; buy via the ZVV app, ticket machine or SBB. Check ZVV and ZSG timetables for late returns and lake boat connections.
Parking: Parking near Bürkliplatz is limited. Use the Urania or Opéra park garages around Bellevue and Seefeld and walk 5-10 minutes to the wine ships; expect roughly CHF 3-5 per hour and CHF 30-45 for a day, with event-time surcharges possible. Confirm current tariffs and height restrictions before driving. For most visitors, tram or S-Bahn is simpler than parking in the city centre.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Approx. 8-15°C by day and 4-8°C overnight; warm alpine winds and lake breezes can shift the feel quickly. Confirm the forecast 48 hours before travel.
Seasonality: Autumn is changeable in Zürich: rain showers and morning fog are common, with some bright, cool days. The lakefront can be windy in the evening; a compact umbrella and waterproof layer are useful.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes for tram and lakeside transfers, and a notebook for tasting. Smart-casual dress works for evening sessions; bring a type J power adapter and a reusable water bottle. If you plan to buy wine, leave space in checked baggage and check airline and Swiss customs limits.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Expovina wine ships usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
T-1
Confirm dates and access
T-2
Book accommodation
T-3
Book flights or rail
T-4
Set up transit payment
T-5
Review the exhibitor list
T-6
Check weather and pack
T-7
Plan tasting logistics
T-8
Confirm route to Bürkliplatz
T-9
Arrive early
T-10
Taste responsibly
T-11
Arrange wine shipping
T-12
Follow up
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Wine boats
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Expovina wine ships registration concourse
Wine boats
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Wine boats
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nightsCHF 190.00
- Per diem × 2CHF 150.00
Estimated totalCHF 340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Expovina wine ships fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Expovina wine ships, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Red wines from various regions and White wines including local Swiss varieties solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Expovina wine ships in Zürich.
Min. budget
$450.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Red wines from various regions and White wines including local Swiss varieties products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Zürich show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
Glossary
- Expovina
- Zürich's annual wine fair staged on ships moored at Bürkliplatz; used here for the 2026 edition.
- Wine ship (Weinschiff)
- A lake vessel fitted out as a floating exhibition and tasting room during Expovina.
- Bürkliplatz
- Central Zürich lakefront square and tram stop where the Expovina wine ships are moored.
- Zürichsee
- Lake Zürich, the body of water on which the Expovina ships sit during the fair.
- ZVV
- Zürcher Verkehrsverbund, the regional network of trams, buses, S-Bahn trains and boats in Zürich.
- AOC
- Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée, a Swiss protected designation for wines from a defined origin.
- IGP
- Indication Géographique Protégée, a Swiss origin label for wines that meet defined regional rules.
- Chasselas
- A white grape widely planted in Vaud and Valais and central to Swiss white wine tasting.
- Pinot Noir
- The main red grape of German-speaking Switzerland and Graubünden, often made in a lighter cool-climate style.
- Fendant
- A Valais white wine made from Chasselas, usually dry and crisp.
- Dégustation
- French for tasting; at Expovina it refers to small-pour tasting of wines and spirits.
- Spittoon
- A cup used for spitting wine during tasting so visitors can assess many wines responsibly.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Expovina wine ships 2026
- Expovina wine ships Zürich 2026
- Expovina 2026
- Expovina Zürich 2026
- Zürich Switzerland
- Red wines from various regions
- White wines including local Swiss varieties
- Sparkling wines and champagnes
- Dessert wines and fortified wines
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.