Italy is a country with a rich winemaking heritage, where every corner is infused with the aroma of vineyards and history.
Vendemmia is a special period in winemaking when the ripe grape harvest is gathered to create exquisite and noble drinks. A journey through the wine roads of Italy during vendemmia will immerse you in the unique atmosphere of the harvest season and allow you to dive into the world of Italian winemaking.
Italy is famous for the diversity of its wine regions, each of which has its unique characteristics and traditions of wine production.
Vendemmia is not just a time for harvesting; it is a true celebration for all those involved in winemaking. Participating in the grape harvest at an Italian winery means immersing yourself in an atmosphere of labor and joy, witnessing the wine-making process from the inside. You will feel like part of this ancient tradition and learn the secrets of vineyard care.
After participating in the harvest, you will be greeted with a true culinary and wine festival. Tasting local varieties of wines, cheeses, olive oil, prosciutto – you will be able to enjoy the full diversity of Italian gastronomy. Experienced sommeliers and winemakers will tell you about the subtleties of tasting, pairing wine with dishes, and the peculiarities of wine production and storage.
A journey through the wine roads of Italy includes visits to wineries where you can see all stages of wine production – from harvesting to bottling the drink. You will also dive into the history of local estates.
Autumn in Italy is the time for the grape harvest.
Vendemmia is a festive but quite exhausting activity, previously conducted in hot and humid days. Today, grape harvesting is much simpler. Once, grapes grew at the very top of the vines – to reach them, one had to climb a ladder; the harvested grapes were placed in woven baskets, hung on hooks from the branches of the vines. The baskets with grapes then had to be carried to the vats, which were placed at the highest point of the vineyard, next to a cart pulled by oxen, which would then head to the cellar. Now, a tractor passes between the rows of vines – and the grape pickers throw bunches of grapes directly into the loaded containers on the tractor.
Grapes of particularly valuable varieties, for example, for vin santo, were harvested only at certain hours, avoiding the heat of the afternoon. In general, an extra two or three days in the sun can play a colossal role in how the wine will ultimately turn out.
Vendemmia is usually held in October-November.
After the grape harvest, you can stay for lunch or dinner or simply taste the estate’s wines from previous years with light snacks.
A picnic at the winery can also be organized for you in good weather.
