Here in California, sustainability is so much more than a buzzword – it’s a way of life. Around 98% of our farms are family-owned. Our commitment to protecting the environment, preserving natural resources and improving our communities is woven into everything we do. That’s why the mission of Terra Madre Americas resonates so deeply here, and why Sacramento is proud to host this incredible biannual international event!

What IS Terra Madre?

Terra Madre was founded by Slow Food International, an organization dedicated to a global initiative of promoting local food traditions, sustainable agriculture, and access to good, clean food. At the inaugural Terra Madre event in 2004 in Turin, Italy, over 5000 people representing 130 countries attended the global gathering.

Over the last 20 years, Terra Madre has grown like wildfire. The original event, now known as Terra Madre Salone del Gusto, still occurs in Turin, Italy, biannually. In 2024, Terra Madre made its American debut. The first Terra Madre Americas event was held in Sacramento from September 26 – 28, 2025. Terra Madre Americas is showcases sustainable farms and producers, but also includes events such as educational workshops and panels, as well as wine tastings, farm tours, chef demonstrations, and live music. 

What is Slow Food International?

In March 1986, a McDonald’s opened near Rome’s Spanish Steps, sparking national outrage. Many Italians viewed this as a desecration of their culture and history. The arrival of the Quarter Pounder was a catalyst for the Slow Food movement, ultimately leading to the establishment of Slow Food International. By 1989, Slow Food International had garnered support across 15 countries. The organization aims to preserve local food cultures and traditions, and raise awareness about where food comes from and how food choices impact not only their local economy but also the world. 

Why was Sacramento chosen to host Terra Madre Americas? 

Over the last decade, Slow Food International determined that hosting Terra Madre in the Americas would help to foster a truly international presence. So, out of all the potential cities across the Americas, why is Sacramento the location for Terra Madre Americas? 

Karen Ross, California Secretary of Food and Agriculture, answers, “Terra Madre should be here in Sacramento. For over a decade, this region has been about being the farm-to-fork capital of America. And it’s time that we really show it off. It’s not just a slogan, it’s real. It’s about the people who make up the food production system, chefs, servers, all those folks in hospitality that create the atmosphere and showcase the best of what we have to offer. California is the fourth-largest wine producer in the world, and we have wine throughout all the regions represented here. It’s the perfect place to be about food and about coming together as a community to truly enjoy it.”

Sacramento will host the next Terra Madre Americas in 2027. Sign up for emails from Terra Madre to receive information as it becomes available!

Where in Sacramento is Terra Madre Americas held?

Terra Madre Americas 2025 took place in and around the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento. Some off-site events, such as dinners and farm tours, took place at local farms and restaurants. 

How much does it cost to attend Terra Madre Americas? 

While admission to the Safe Credit Union Convention Center and the Street Festival featuring live music, food trucks and local vendors is free, certain masterclasses, tastings, and demonstrations require advanced purchase. 

What to expect if you go to Terra Madre Americas

In 2025, over 75 farms, producers and organizations hosted booths and interactive exhibits in the Terra Madre Marketplace. Many offered free samples and tastings, demos or items for purchase. While the majority of the vendors hailed from the Golden State, attendees flew in from across the globe. Prior to the event, Patrick Mulvaney, owner of Mulvaney’s B&L, noted, “Terra Madre Americas means that there’s gonna be a hundred thousand people who are going to be in Sacramento to talk about good, clean, fair food for all. And that means producers, distillers, wine makers, growers, farmers, ranchers from Newfoundland down to Patagonia.”

Beyond the Terra Madre Americas Marketplace and Street Fair, here’s a taste of Terra Madre Americas 2025 and what you might expect in 2027.

Educational Panels and Workshops

Throughout the weekend, growers, chefs, Slow Food experts, and researchers hosted educational panels and workshops.

Topics included introductions to California’s growing regions, such as Slow Taste of the Capay Valley: Seka Hills Olive Oil, detailed tasting experiences like Jujube Fresh Variety Tasting, and in-depth discussions, including The Importance of Small Farms in California and the United States.

Enoteca Wine Bar

Terra Madre Americas showcased a diverse range of wines, highlighting unique varietals from around the world. California winemakers were well-represented, including those from our friends at Matthiasson, Clif Family, and New Clairvaux.

Slow Food Experiences

The Terra Madre Marketplace and Street Festival provided numerous opportunities to sample coffee, cocktails, slow food, craft beer, and handmade goods from around the world. We spotted a few of our friends from farms across the Golden State, including Placer Grown, Good Humus, Sèka Hills, Sierra Orchards, Food Literacy Center, Three Sisters Gardens, Bogle, Calivirgin and Visit Lodi.

Terra Madre Americas Bistro

Looking for an unforgettable experience that’s sure to strike envy in the hearts of all your friends and followers? Careful curation goes into the Terra Madre Americas Bistro with a three-course meal hosted by some of America’s most beloved celebrity chefs!

Grand Tasting

Terra Madre Americas’ Grand Tasting is the ultimate way to kick off your weekend! Featuring over 20 of Sacramento’s lauded culinary legends, the Grand Tasting is the best way to get a taste of why Sacramento is the Farm-to-Fork Capital of the World. 

Live Music

During Terra Madre Americas, both local and well-known bands graced the Golden 1 Live Music Stage, including The War on Drugs, Spoon, Big Head Todd & the Monsters, Jade Bird, Passion Pit (Solo Acoustic), Jon Wiilde, hotplug, The Golden Cadillacs, Son Café, ZEPHYR, DJ Lady Char, and DJ NESSS.

External Events and Tours

Some Sacramento-area farms, restaurants, and producers host external events that coincide with Terra Madre. Look for local farm tours and CA GROWN specials at restaurants like Mulvaney’s B&L, Nixtaco, Bella Bru, Canon, and Franquette. 

Get all the latest info on Terra Madre Americas 2027

Sacramento will host the next Terra Madre Americas in 2027. Want to make sure you’re in the loop? Sign up for email updates to be the first to know about upcoming events, ticket sales and more! Looking for more details? Follow Visit Sacramento and Slow Food Sacramento on social media. 

Article and photography by Hilary Rance.