Wine and Food Helsinki 2025 will take place from October 23 to 26, 2025, at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre, running alongside the Helsinki Book Fair. The event will showcase over a thousand wines, high-quality dishes from Finland’s leading restaurants, and an expanded range of experiences for food and wine enthusiasts.
This year, visitors can explore a record number of 150 exhibitor stands, setting a new milestone for Finland’s largest food and wine event.
According to event organizers Antti Leistén and Tanja Pasila from the Helsinki Fair Center, the collaboration between Wine and Food Helsinki 2025 and the Helsinki Book Fair creates a unique cultural experience that blends culinary enjoyment with literature and creativity. The weekend will offer an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in both the world of flavors and the stories that inspire them.
This year’s event will highlight the growing trends in wine, with tasting sessions and guided experiences available across multiple stands. Wine experts note that while traditional wine regions are regaining attention, there is also a growing preference for modern, lighter styles that still respect heritage.
Visitors can discover the renowned Bordeaux wine bar, offering both classic vintages and innovative flavors from the region. Lesser-known wine areas, such as the Canary Islands, will also be represented, giving guests the chance to explore unique selections rarely seen in the Finnish market.
Antti Rinta-Huumo, an expert from Viini magazine, said that the fair’s approach allows visitors to learn about regional characteristics and taste profiles in an authentic, educational setting.
One of the newest highlights at Wine and Food Helsinki 2025 is the Eat & Feel Well section, which promotes balance, enjoyment, and well-being. The program will include cooking demonstrations, wellness talks, blind tastings, and expert discussions on nutrition and modern diets. Activities such as Skumppa Yoga, live recipe sessions, and the entertaining Cake Battle competition will be available throughout the weekend.
A returning favorite, the Grape Stomping Championship, will take place on Saturday, October 25 at 7 PM. The event will see wine influencers, media personalities, and industry experts compete in teams. This year’s participants include Linnea Vihonen and Aleksi Vihonen, Samuli Pasanen and Jonas Sahlberg from Viinilehten Viinipod, and influencers Jonathan Heino (jontte.heino) and Anne-Mari Ijäs (viinijas). The competition will be hosted by Ilkka Sirén, known for his engaging presentation style.
Writers and Chefs Share the Stage
The Show Kitchen will once again host both chefs and authors, creating a shared space for culinary creativity and storytelling. Among the guests this year are:
- Sikke Sumari & Jaakko Lieminen
- Saku Tuominen: Everything I’ve Learned About Good Wine
- Sami Kuronen: Kuronen with All the Spices
- Iman & Leena: Everyday Affair 2
- Elina Innanen: Vegan Christmas Book
On Friday, October 24 at 10:30 AM, the Finnish Food Publishers Association will announce the Domestic Cookbook of the Year award, now in its seventh edition, celebrating excellence in Finnish culinary publishing.
Chef and Waiter of the Year 2025 Competitions
The Chef of the Year 2025 and Waiter of the Year 2025 competitions will take place on Thursday and Friday, October 23 and 24, in the Show Kitchen. These events highlight Finland’s best restaurant professionals and promote the development of the country’s culinary culture.
The 2024 winners, Simo Harrivaara and Jannika Tiensuu, have created an exclusive menu for Wine and Food Helsinki 2025, paired with wine recommendations. Visitors will be able to taste their creations and experience the expertise that defines Finland’s modern gastronomy. Recipes and recommendations will be available at www.viiniruoka.fi
Finalists for the Chef of the Year 2025 competition include Piero Silvani (Bistro Ego), Tobias Malm (Restaurant HEJM), Zhao Wen (Gordon) Yam (Restaurant Grön), Otto Hietamies (Lapland Hotels Bulevardi, Kulta kitchen), Ville Neulanen (Restaurant Emo), and Miika Keskitalo (Restaurant Scolare).
For Waiter of the Year 2025, the finalists are Leeni Hyvärinen (Freelancer), Kelvin Tse (Restaurant Vinkkeli), Sallamari Pietilä (Vintero), Katrina Laitinen (BasBas Kulma), Emilia Salminen (Restaurant Pöllöwaari), and Alma Syrjänen (Bon Group).
The award ceremony will be held on Friday, October 24 at 6 PM in the Show Kitchen.
Wine & Food Piazza – a tasting experience from top restaurants
The heart of the event is the Wine & Food Piazza , where you can enjoy dishes from top restaurants: Bisou bisou, Le Grec, Osteria dei Gusti/Osteria dei Mancini and Vår . Desserts are provided by Chjoko . The wine cellar bar offers carefully selected wine pairings for all dishes.
Welcome to taste, learn and be inspired!
Wine & Food offers four days full of experiences for lovers of food, wine and literature – all under one roof at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre.
Wine & Food is Finland’s largest food and wine event. It will be held from 23 to 26 October 2025 at the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre, simultaneously with the Helsinki Book Fair. The event is jointly organised by Viinilehti Oy and the Helsinki Exhibition and Convention Centre. The Wine & Food Fair is open on Thursday 23 October from 12 to 20, Friday 24 October from 12 to 21, Saturday 25 October from 10 to 21 and Sunday 26 October from 10 to 18. The opening hours of the Helsinki Book Fair vary slightly from these. The book fair opens daily at 10 am and closes Thursday-Saturday at 8 pm. Tickets are cheaper in advance in the online store http://shop.messukeskus.com
