Join us for WINE, FOOD & GOOD LIVING - VIINI & RUOKA 2026 from October 22-25 in Helsinki, Finland, featuring tastings and culinary competitions.
Dates
22–25 Oct 2026
City / country
Helsinki, Finland
Venue
Helsinki Fair Centre
Time
Thursday 12 – 20, Friday 12 – 21, Saturday 10 – 21, Sunday 10 – 18
Are you the organiser of this event?
Event overview
WINE, FOOD & GOOD LIVING - VIINI & RUOKA 2026 will take place from October 22 to 25, 2026, at the Helsinki Fair Centre.
This event gathers wine and food enthusiasts, culinary experts, and gastronomes under one roof, offering a plethora of tasting experiences, programs, and special offers.
TL;DR
Taste your way through Finland's most delicious event. One ticket to Viini & Ruoka also opens the co-located Helsinki Book Fair under the same roof at Messukeskus, so visitors can move between wines, spirits, gourmet foods and author events in a single day. Book guided tastings to learn from sommeliers and producers, watch the Finnish grape-stomping championship, and shop fair-only offers direct from importers. The programme runs across four days from 22 to 25 October 2026 with extended weekend opening hours, and stands are staffed by people who can talk you through region, grape and vintage. Come for the tastings, stay for the food, and leave with a shortlist of bottles and producers to buy again.
Exhibitors gain access to a targeted audience of food and wine lovers, enhancing brand visibility and potential sales through direct engagement with consumers. Scale and Setting: Finland's leading wine and food fair fills Messukeskus in Helsinki from 22 to 25 October 2026. Buyer Authority: Consumers, trade buyers, importers and sommeliers meet producers and importers across wine, spirits and gourmet food. This event is significant as it showcases the best of wine and food.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Location & Facilities
Messuaukio 1, 00520 Helsinki, Finland
Attend
Event days & opening times
How the last edition performed
Last edition
2025
This edition
2026
Next edition
Not announced yet
Impact
WINE, FOOD & GOOD LIVING - VIINI & RUOKA 2026 will take place from October 22 to 25, 2026, at the Helsinki Fair Centre. This event gathers wine and food enthusiasts, culinary experts, and gastronomes under one roof, offering a plethora of tasting experiences, programs, and special offers. This event is significant as it showcases the best of wine and food culture, attracting culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike. It serves as a.
Audience quality
Visitors typically include Wine enthusiasts looking to explore new varieties, Food lovers interested in culinary experiences, Culinary professionals seeking networking opportunities, Gastronomy students and educators. Event Dates: October 22-25, 2026. Location: Helsinki Fair Centre, Helsinki, Finland. Features tastings, culinary competitions, and special programs. Open to food and wine enthusiasts. WINE, FOOD & GOOD LIVING - VIINI & RUOKA 2026 attracts an audience aligned with the organiser's published visitor.
Exhibitor outcomes
Exhibitors gain access to a targeted audience of food and wine lovers, enhancing brand visibility and potential sales through direct engagement with consumers. This event is significant as it showcases the best of wine and food culture, attracting culinary professionals and enthusiasts alike. It serves as a platform for networking and discovering new trends in the gastronomy sector. Exhibitor categories include Wineries showcasing their latest products, Food producers offering gourmet items, Culinary schools.
Intelligence
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Why it matters
Attending WINE, FOOD & GOOD LIVING - VIINI & RUOKA 2026 on 2026-10-22 to 2026-10-25 in Helsinki lets buyers and specifiers benchmark suppliers, see live demonstrations, and compress months of vendor meetings into one focused trade visit — worthwhile when your category roadmap aligns with the official exhibitor profile.
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Digital buyer journeys
Professionals expect pre-show agendas, product finders, and meeting tools; suppliers align demos and literature to short on-stand decision cycles.
Sustainability in procurement
Energy use, recyclable materials, and carbon reporting increasingly appear in RFPs and exhibitor scorecards across industrial trade fairs.
Automation and labour efficiency
Visitors benchmark machinery, software, and services that reduce downtime, staffing pressure, and total cost of ownership.
Regional supply-chain resilience
Buyers diversify suppliers across Europe, MENA, and Asia while favouring vendors with local service, spare parts, and training.
Hybrid engagement models
Live demonstrations remain decisive, but follow-up webinars, digital catalogues, and year-round supplier portals extend the commercial window after the show.
Buyers covering wine, spirits and gourmet food use Viini & Ruoka as their Nordic autumn stop and combine it with the larger European and Gulf shows to compare producers, pricing and distributor coverage across markets. Helsinki also gives access to Baltic and Nordic importers in a single trip, with the co-located Helsinki Book Fair adding media, publishing and lifestyle contacts on the same ticket.
Pre-show
Lock in exhibitor meetings, masterclass tickets and Nordic importer appointments for Viini & Ruoka; confirm stand or visiting arrangements and sample shipments.
Show week
Hall walk-throughs, guided tastings, importer and retail buyer negotiations at Messukeskus, plus cross-over meetings at the co-located Helsinki Book Fair.
Follow-on
Sequence the Nordic visit against ProWein, Wine Paris or Anuga to consolidate European distribution agreements in one buying cycle.
Peer events are established sector fairs operated by their respective organisers; confirm current dates on each organiser website before booking travel.
Plan your trip
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Main international gateway for Helsinki and the fair. The Ring Rail Line (HSL commuter trains I and P) runs from the terminal straight to Pasila in about 25–30 minutes, with Messukeskus a five-minute walk from Pasila station. Taxis and ride-hail ranks sit directly outside Arrivals; the taxi ride to the venue takes roughly 20–30 minutes outside rush hour.
~19 km
to venue
20–30 min by car off-peak; 25–30 min by train
by car
Useful alternative for travellers combining the fair with western Finland. Bus 103 links the terminal to Tampere centre in about 25 minutes, then an intercity train to Helsinki Pasila takes around 1 h 40 min.
~175 km
to venue
~1 h 50 min by car; ~2 h 15 min by coach/train via Tampere city centre
by car
Convenient for south-west Finland itineraries; frequent intercity trains from Turku to Helsinki Pasila, which is directly opposite the fair venue. Bus 1 connects the airport to Turku centre in around 25 minutes.
~165 km
to venue
~1 h 45 min by car; ~1 h 50 min by train from Turku station to Pasila
by car
A practical twin-city gateway: fly into Tallinn, take a Tallink, Eckerö or Viking Line ferry from Tallinn Old City Harbour to Helsinki West Terminal (2 hours), then tram 9 or tram/metro to Pasila. Works well if you want a day in Tallinn around the fair.
~80 km plus the Gulf of Finland crossing
to venue
~3 h 30 min door to door (flight ~35 min; ferry crossing 2 h plus transfers)
by car
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
CheapSleep Hostel Helsinki
Citybox Helsinki
VALO Hotel & Work
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Commuter train / metro
Trains run frequently; the total journey from the airport takes about 30 minutes via Pasila.
Taxi / ride-hail
Roughly 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.
Car and parking
Park-and-ride options connect to public transport; see the HSL journey planner for live routes.
taxi
~1 h 50 min by car; ~2 h 15 min by coach/train via Tampere city centre; Useful alternative for travellers combining the fair with western Finland. Bus 103 links the terminal to Tampere centre in about 25 minutes, then an intercity train to Helsinki Pasila takes around 1 h 40 min.
taxi
~1 h 45 min by car; ~1 h 50 min by train from Turku station to Pasila; Convenient for south-west Finland itineraries; frequent intercity trains from Turku to Helsinki Pasila, which is directly opposite the fair venue. Bus 1 connects the airport to Turku centre in around 25 minute
taxi
~3 h 30 min door to door (flight ~35 min; ferry crossing 2 h plus transfers); A practical twin-city gateway: fly into Tallinn, take a Tallink, Eckerö or Viking Line ferry from Tallinn Old City Harbour to Helsinki West Terminal (2 hours), then tram 9 or tram/metro to Pasila. Works
Plan your trip
Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.
Finland is in the Schengen area: EU/EEA citizens and many other nationalities can enter visa-free for short visits, while non-EU/EEA nationals who need a visa must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa before travel.
Finland is an EU member and exhibitors can use an ATA carnet for temporarily importing exhibition goods and professional equipment; confirm the exact procedure and acceptance with Finnish Customs before shipping.
Official visa pageWeather
Helsinki in late October is cool and damp: average daytime highs around 8-11 C and overnight lows near 4 C, with roughly 12 rainy days across the month. Daylight shortens noticeably and conditions are changeable and often windy, so bring a waterproof jacket and warm layers for walking between halls at Messukeskus.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Finland has fast, wide mobile coverage and free Wi-Fi is generally available at hotels and at Messukeskus. Travellers with an EU/EEA SIM can use their home plan under EU roaming rules; other visitors can buy a prepaid travel SIM or an eSIM before flying, with Finland plans starting from around USD 3.50.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business etiquette
Finnish business culture is punctual and fairly informal; meetings start on time and first names are commonly used. Confirm appointments in advance rather than dropping in.
Payment and tipping
Finland uses the euro and is largely cashless; cards are accepted almost everywhere and tipping is not expected.
Venue and access
Viini & Ruoka is held at Messukeskus in the Pasila district of Helsinki, alongside Helsinki Book Fair; both events are reached with the same ticket.
Practical guides
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Destination: HEL
Compare flights to the nearest international gateway serving Helsinki; confirm ground transport on the organiser site.
Finland is in the Schengen area. EU/EEA citizens and many other nationalities can visit visa-free for short trips, but non-EU/EEA nationals such as Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay (type C) visa for a trade fair, conference or business meetings. A visa permits stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and must be obtained before travel.
Estimated cost: Approx EUR 90 adult Schengen visa fee (labeled approximate); check the Finnish mission or visa centre for current rates.
Processing: Apply at least 15 calendar days before travel; several weeks is recommended.
Documents typically include a passport valid at least 3 months beyond departure, travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover, proof of funds of about EUR 50 per day, confirmed travel and accommodation, and an employer letter or invitation. Apply via the Finnish mission, VFS Global or finlandvisa.fi.
OfficialGet to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL): 20–30 min by car off-peak; 25–30 min by train; Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP): ~1 h 50 min by car; ~2 h 15 min by coach/train via Tampere city centre; Turku Airport (TKU): ~1 h 45 min by car; ~1 h 50 min by train from Turku station to Pasila; Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL): ~3 h 30 min door to door (flight ~35 min; ferry crossing 2 h plus transfers). Allow road or rail time to Helsinki Fair Centre; on-site parking is usually available at major
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Helsinki Fair Centre: Pasila / central Helsinki: CheapSleep Hostel Helsinki; Kallio / central Helsinki: Citybox Helsinki; Helsinki: VALO Hotel & Work.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps are commonly used in Helsinki; confirm local availability before travel.
Public transit: Helsinki's HSL network of trains, trams, buses and metro serves Pasila, next to Messukeskus. Buy single or multi-day tickets in the HSL app; the venue points visitors to the HSL journey planner for live routes and fares.
Parking: On-site parking is available at Helsinki Fair Centre; confirm daily rates and hall access on the organiser or venue site.
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: October 2026
Temperature: Average daytime highs around 8-11 C and average overnight lows near 4 C, falling through the month
Seasonality: October is wet and transitional, with about 12 rainy days and roughly 35-80 mm of rain across the month; expect short daylight and brisk, changeable weather.
Packing: Pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, an umbrella and comfortable waterproof shoes; add a light coat for evenings when temperatures drop near 4 C.
Plan your trip
Best day to visit: Friday 23 October 2026
Friday is the strongest day for anyone visiting with a business purpose: the full tasting and masterclass programme is running, Finnish importers, distributors and restaurant buyers are on the floor, and the aisles are still uncrowded enough to hold real conversations at the wine, spirits and gourmet food stands. Saturday carries the heaviest consumer traffic and the headline features — the grape-stomping championship, chef demonstrations and the busiest Helsinki Book Fair programme — so choose Saturday if you are visiting purely for the experience and want the widest choice of ticketed tastings. Sunday is the shortest and quietest day, best for closing last-day deals and sample collection before the halls pack down.
Confirm dates and register — Viini & Ruoka 2026 runs 22-25 October 2026 at Messukeskus, Helsinki; check viiniruoka.fi for ticket and registration links.
Check visa and passport validity — Non-EU/EEA visitors such as Indian passport holders need a Schengen short-stay visa; ensure your passport is valid at least 3 months beyond departure.
Book flights to Helsinki — Helsinki Airport (HEL) is the main gateway, about 30 minutes by train from the venue.
Reserve a hotel near the venue — Look at Pasila (1.5-2.5 km from Messukeskus) or central Helsinki; plan check-in 22 October and check-out 25 October 2026.
Submit visa application and insurance — Arrange travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 medical cover and proof of funds of about EUR 50 per day if required.
Download the programme and hall plan — Review the programme and tasting schedule on viiniruoka.fi and plan your day around the tastings you want.
Pre-book tastings and events — Guided tastings and the grape-stomping championship can fill up; reserve slots in advance where offered.
Plan local transport — Use the HSL app for trains, trams and buses; Pasila station is a 5-minute walk from Messukeskus.
Prepare for the weather — Late October in Helsinki is cool and wet, around 4-11 C with about 12 rainy days; pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket and umbrella.
Set a budget and payment method — Finland uses the euro and is largely cashless; factor in ticket, transport, food and any fair purchases.
Pack essentials — Bring a refillable water bottle, comfortable shoes for walking the halls, and a tote for bottles or gourmet purchases.
Travel day and badge collection — Arrive in Helsinki, reach Messukeskus from the airport by train via Pasila, and collect your ticket or badge on arrival.
Porvoo
Tallinn, Estonia
Turku and the Archipelago
Tasting bars in the wine & spirits hall
The natural meeting point with importers, sommeliers and producers pouring by the glass; conversations start easily over a tasting flight and business cards are exchanged at the counter.
Helsinki Book Fair café and stage areas
Shared ticket access brings publishers, media and hospitality contacts into the same building — quieter seating for informal talks between tasting rounds.
Mall of Tripla, Pasila
Restaurants, cafés and bars five minutes' walk from the halls — the practical spot for after-show dinners and follow-up meetings once the fair closes.
Budget
Official cost items and estimated ranges for exhibitors.
visa_fee
visitor · Schengen short-stay visa (type C)
EUR 90 / per person
accommodation
visitor · budget
EUR 45–90 / per room per night
accommodation
visitor · mid-range
EUR 110–165 / per room per night
accommodation
both · premium
EUR 180–280 / per room per night
per_diem
visitor · standard
EUR 60–95 / per person per day
local_transport
visitor · HSL public transport
EUR 3–4.4 / single journey (A–C zones, incl. airport line)
local_transport
visitor · taxi from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
EUR 40–55 / per trip to Messukeskus
| Item | For | Tier | Estimated range | Status | As of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| visa_fee | visitor | Schengen short-stay visa (type C) | EUR 90 / per person | official | |
| accommodation | visitor | budget | EUR 45–90 / per room per night | estimate | |
| accommodation | visitor | mid-range | EUR 110–165 / per room per night | estimate | |
| accommodation | both | premium | EUR 180–280 / per room per night | estimate | |
| per_diem | visitor | standard | EUR 60–95 / per person per day | estimate | |
| local_transport | visitor | HSL public transport | EUR 3–4.4 / single journey (A–C zones, incl. airport line) | estimate | |
| local_transport | visitor | taxi from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport | EUR 40–55 / per trip to Messukeskus | estimate |
Decision
Pick the closest answer for each. Your recommendation updates live.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
What is your primary role?
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
You want to taste, shortlist and buy across wine, spirits and gourmet food and can combine the trip with Helsinki Book Fair on the same ticket.
Best for
Wine and food enthusiasts, sommeliers, restaurant and retail buyers, and importers sourcing Finnish and international producers.
Min. budget
$350.00
Timeline
4-6 weeks to arrange flights, a hotel near the venue and any visa.
Risks
Late October is a busy period in Helsinki; hotels near the venue fill up, so book early.
Non-EU visitors need a Schengen visa, which can take several weeks to process.
Popular tastings and the grape-stomping championship can be fully booked.
exhibit
You want direct access to importers and buyers and to showcase products to Finnish consumers under one roof.
Best for
Wine, spirits and gourmet food producers, importers and brands targeting Finnish consumers and trade buyers.
Min. budget
$2,200.00
Timeline
2-3 months to secure a stand, build it and ship samples.
Risks
Stand and shell-scheme space, freight and customs for alcohol samples add cost and lead time.
Hall allocation and premium positions are limited and go early.
Staffing and marketing at a consumer-heavy fair must be planned to convert tastings into sales.
skip
Your products or target buyers sit outside the wine, spirits and gourmet food sectors served by this event.
Best for
Businesses with no Finnish market interest or no wine, spirits or gourmet food offer.
Timeline
Not applicable.
Risks
No major risks listed.
FAQs & glossary
Frequently asked
Glossary
Trust footer
4
References
2
Publishers
0
Date checked
Viinilehti Oy
Viinilehti
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