Fall in Italy brings the vendemmia – the grape harvest, a time when vineyards, wine cellars and villages in Piedmont and Tuscany hum with energy. Learn why this is more than just winemaking, but a living tradition that blends agricultural skill, community celebration, and culinary heritage.
At Gourmand Breaks, we specialize in immersive wine tours that connect travelers with Italy’s most celebrated wine regions. Many of our guests return year after year to experience these unforgettable harvest celebrations.
Barolo & Barbaresco (Piedmont)
Where: The Langhe hills – home to Barolo and Barbaresco
When: Late September – Early October
As Nebbiolo grapes reach their peak, the Langhe region glows with autumn light. Harvest becomes a shared ritual, visitors can join picking crews, try their hand at grape-stomping, and taste the year’s first Mosto (freshly pressed juice).
The Barolo Harvest Festival features vineyard tours, barrel tastings, music, and hearty Piedmontese fare. Nearby, Barbaresco’s Festa della Vendemmia pairs its world-class wine with local dishes and folk traditions.
Highlights:
- Expert-led vineyard and cellar tours
- Barrel tastings of Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto
- Traditional grape-stomping contests
Montepulciano & Montalcino (Tuscany)
Where: Southern Tuscany’s hilltop towns and estates
When: Late September – October
Here, Tuscany’s vendemmia unfolds in iconic landscapes: golden hills, medieval towers, and endless rows of Sangiovese. Montepulciano’s Vino Nobile and Montalcino’s Brunello headline the season, with intimate harvest events woven into local life.
Visitors can pick grapes alongside vintners, enjoy alfresco harvest picnics, and learn the secrets of small-batch fermentation – all while overlooking the Val d’Orcia and Chianti hills.
Signature Experiences:
- Hand-pick grapes from vine to vat
- Learn traditional winemaking and vineyard care
- Feast on Sienese classics: pici pasta, wild boar ragù, and wine-grape flatbread
Why Go During Harvest?
- Be part of the process – pick, stomp, and even help with barrel work
- Taste regional diversity – from Piedmont’s refined Nebbiolo to Tuscany’s regal Sangiovese
- Immerse in culture and scenery – traditions rooted in centuries, set against Italy’s most breathtaking landscapes
Tailored Harvest Journeys
At Gourmand Breaks, we create custom-designed wine tours in Italy, timed to capture the magic of harvest season. From private tastings in centuries-old cellars to alfresco lunches overlooking golden vineyards, we craft authentic, enriching experiences for passionate wine lovers.
Explore our curated Italy wine itineraries and plan your own vendemmia adventure – book your harvest wine tour with Gourmand Breaks today.