- BY ISSIMO
- September 14, 2023
September is the perfect time to witness a quintessential Italian tradition
You know Italy for its art, history, and culinary prowess. But the boot-shaped country also boasts a vibrant tradition that speaks to the heart of its culture: the vendemmia, or grape harvest. This enchanting event, celebrated from the vineyard-covered hills of the north to the sun-kissed landscapes of the south, offers visitors an opportunity to experience Italy’s deep-rooted connection to its vineyards, wines, and often centuries-old vinification methods.
In Italy, vendemmia isn’t merely a seasonal task; it’s a symphony of heritage, nature, and tradition.
Ready to know more? Here are five captivating destinations where you can witness the magic of vendemmia. Buon viaggio!
Piedmont
The Elegance of the North
BEST TIME TO GO: Late September to Early October
Start your voyage in the northern region of Piedmont, where the rolling hills of Langhe and Roero come alive with the vendemmia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a tapestry of vineyards, orchards, and mediaeval villages, which are especially great to explore in the fall. Visit during this time, and you’ll find the air filled with the sweet scent of Nebbiolo and Barbera grapes as they are lovingly plucked from the vines.
Not all vineyards are open to the public during this period but reserve a stop at Agriturismo Ca’ San Sebastiano and you’ll be able to experience cutting grapes and crushing them first-hand. Around the region, watch as the precious juice is transformed into Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and enjoy tastings in centuries-old wine cellars. In the background, enjoy the stunning views of the Alps – the most perfect setting for this elegant celebration of Italian winemaking.
Not all vineyards are open to the public during this period but reserve a stop at Agriturismo Ca’ San Sebastiano and you’ll be able to experience cutting grapes and crushing them first-hand. Around the region, watch as the precious juice is transformed into Barolo and Barbaresco wines, and enjoy tastings in centuries-old wine cellars. In the background, enjoy the stunning views of the Alps – the most perfect setting for this elegant celebration of Italian winemaking.
Tuscany
A Renaissance in the Vineyards
BEST TIME TO GO: Late September to Early October
Continuing your journey southward, arrive in the heart of Tuscany, home to iconic landscapes and legendary wines. The vendemmia here is an age-old tradition, with vineyards extending as far as the eye can see, adorned with rows of Sangiovese grapes.
Under the Tuscan sun, you can participate in grape picking, observe the winemaking process, and take in the remarkable views of rolling hills, cypress trees, and mediaeval hilltop towns like Montalcino and Montepulciano – or, why not, simply sip on Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino while basking in the artistic and culinary riches of this region.
Our personal recommendation? The Castello di Velona, where you can watch the harvest of the Brunello di Montalcino vineyards with picnics in the vineyard, tastings and crushing.
Under the Tuscan sun, you can participate in grape picking, observe the winemaking process, and take in the remarkable views of rolling hills, cypress trees, and mediaeval hilltop towns like Montalcino and Montepulciano – or, why not, simply sip on Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino while basking in the artistic and culinary riches of this region.
Our personal recommendation? The Castello di Velona, where you can watch the harvest of the Brunello di Montalcino vineyards with picnics in the vineyard, tastings and crushing.
Veneto
The Sparkling Beauty of Prosecco
BEST TIME TO GO: Late August to Early September
Venturing east, reach Veneto, where the vendemmia is synonymous with the creation of the world-famous Prosecco. The lush hillsides of the region are adorned with Glera grapes, destined to become the effervescent nectar that delights palates around the globe.
Witness the spectacle of grape pickers navigating steep slopes, visit traditional wineries, and savour the crisp, refreshing taste of Prosecco while overlooking the picturesque vineyards. The rolling countryside and charming villages of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano provide a serene backdrop to this bubbly celebration, and an idyllic destination to while away a few days.
L’agriturismo Le Spezie is a great place to witness the process. Here, you’ll be able to see the “classic” method of harvesting by hand, to limit as much as possible the possibility that valuable Prosecco vines could be damaged by the use of mechanical harvesting machinery.
Witness the spectacle of grape pickers navigating steep slopes, visit traditional wineries, and savour the crisp, refreshing taste of Prosecco while overlooking the picturesque vineyards. The rolling countryside and charming villages of Valdobbiadene and Conegliano provide a serene backdrop to this bubbly celebration, and an idyllic destination to while away a few days.
L’agriturismo Le Spezie is a great place to witness the process. Here, you’ll be able to see the “classic” method of harvesting by hand, to limit as much as possible the possibility that valuable Prosecco vines could be damaged by the use of mechanical harvesting machinery.
Umbria
The Hidden Gem of Central Italy
BEST TIME TO GO: Late September to Early October
Heading south into central Italy, discover the vineyards of Umbria. Less frequented by tourists, this region offers a more intimate vendemmia experience. The undulating landscapes of Assisi, Perugia, and Orvieto are draped in vineyards producing exquisite wines like Sagrantino and Orvieto Classico, which, in our opinion, are just as good as Chianti and Sangiovese.
Participate in the grape harvest at Agriturismo Marilena la Casella or the Azienda Lungarotti, which opens its doors to the public during the grape harvest and offers guided tours of the vineyards and winery with tastings of Torre di Giano and Rubesco. While in the area, explore historic towns and dine on rustic Umbrian cuisine complemented by local wines: The serene beauty of this region is an enchanting alternative to other, more bustling Italian wine destinations.
Participate in the grape harvest at Agriturismo Marilena la Casella or the Azienda Lungarotti, which opens its doors to the public during the grape harvest and offers guided tours of the vineyards and winery with tastings of Torre di Giano and Rubesco. While in the area, explore historic towns and dine on rustic Umbrian cuisine complemented by local wines: The serene beauty of this region is an enchanting alternative to other, more bustling Italian wine destinations.
Sicily
A Mediterranean Finale
BEST TIME TO GO: Late August to Early September
Concludes your journey on the sun-kissed island of Sicily, where the vendemmia is an exuberant celebration of a Mediterranean way of life. The landscape here is a patchwork of terraced vineyards against a backdrop of azure seas and the formidable Mount Etna.
Experience the grape harvest while surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of citrus blossoms and taste the unique wines of the region at the Festa della Vendemmia di Pachino, running September 22-24 – a three-day festival that celebrates vendemmia and wine production across Sicily. Visitors have the opportunity to witness and participate in the pressing of the grapes, taste wines from local companies, and immerse themselves in the colours, culinary traditions and spirit that make Sicily so unique. In other words: This is wine lovers’ heaven.
Experience the grape harvest while surrounded by the intoxicating aroma of citrus blossoms and taste the unique wines of the region at the Festa della Vendemmia di Pachino, running September 22-24 – a three-day festival that celebrates vendemmia and wine production across Sicily. Visitors have the opportunity to witness and participate in the pressing of the grapes, taste wines from local companies, and immerse themselves in the colours, culinary traditions and spirit that make Sicily so unique. In other words: This is wine lovers’ heaven.
