text Teresa Favi

September 13, 2023

Food

The grape harvest in Tuscany: how to participate, visits and picnics among the vineyards

The most beautiful grape harvests in Tuscany where you can experience them

Between late summer and early autumn, the Tuscan hills come alive as never before, because in this region that produces great wines, the grape harvest has always been a celebration. Many wine cellars open to the public, offering the opportunity to experience close contact between rows of vines, bunches of grapes and shears.

It is therefore the right season to take a tour of the most scenic vineyards and the most renowned farms, because it is precisely now that you can understand how the production process begins, learn about the curiosities and secrets of the perfect grape harvest in a special atmosphere: during the day, the sun's September rays, more slanted than in full summer, offer softly golden and nuanced views of the landscape, while the colours of the vegetation slowly begin to bend towards the reds, yellows and browns of autumn.

WHEN

Traditionally located in September, harvest time has been extended over the last twenty years: it begins in August and ends in late October.

In the territories facing or close to the Tyrrhenian coast - those of Morellino and Montecucco in the Maremma, Bolgheri and Val di Cornia in the province of Livorno, the Colline Pisane, Montecarlo in the province of Lucca to Lunigiana in the province of Massa Carrara - harvesting begins in mid-August and lasts until the end of September. The Sangiovese grapes of Chianti Classico, Chianti and Brunello are harvested between September and October.

The timing of the harvest, which can vary a few weeks more or less each year depending on weather conditions, is dictated by a number of determining factors: 1) the geographic position of the vineyard (grapes from a vineyard facing the coast ripen faster than those from an estate in the interior of the region); 2) the height of the cultivated land in relation to sea level (at 100 metres above sea level, they ripen earlier than at 300 metres above sea level); 3) the type of grape variety: Pinot, Sauvignon and Chardonnay (the production of white and sparkling wines) are harvested first, then it is the turn of Merlot, Cabernet and Syrah, and finally come the late varieties such as Sangiovese and Canaiolo; 4) last but not least, the climate change that is causing temperatures to rise in both winter and summer, which leads to an acceleration of the ripening process of the grapes.

HOW

At this time of year, you will be surprised at the large number of small farms that happily accept extra help in their vineyards. Always remember to remind the owners when booking that you would like to participate in the planned activities. Although they can hardly guarantee the exact period during which the grape harvest will take place, if they know from the outset that you are interested they will inform you upon arrival and invite you to participate.

You can check the website of the Movimento Turistico del Vino (a non-profit organisation that brings together about one hundred members from among the most prestigious wineries in the area, selected on the basis of specific requirements, first and foremost that of the quality of the wine tourism reception) where the member wineries open to the public during the grape harvest and their programmes are listed. These range from grape harvesting for the family, with the possibility for the little ones to press the grapes with their feet, to guided tours by oenologists to explain the key stages step by step. Then picnics on the vine rows at sunset, at the end of the grape harvest, as well as grape harvest lunches and dinners, as tradition dictates.

WHERE

From the picture-postcard vineyards of Bolgheri and the Etruscan Coast to the noble DOCGs, such as Brunello, Chianti Classico (click here for Gaiole, here for Greve, and here for Radda, here for Panzano), Vino Nobile di Montepulciano and Vernaccia di San Gimignano, to the emerging territories of Val di Cornia and Lunigiana, to the magical landscapes of Val Orcia, the bucolic landscapes of the Maremma, or the more historic ones of Carmignano and Chianti Rufina.

OUR TIPS

To learn about the best Tuscan wineries where to eat among the vines click here
To know the difference between Chianti Classico and Chianti click here
For the best restaurants by the sea in Maremma click here
For the best restaurants in the villages of Maremma click here
For the best restaurants in San Gimignano click here

A taste of the opportunities for the 2023 harvest:

AREZZO

TENUTA FRASSINETO
STRADA VICINALE DEL DUCA, 14, 52100 AREZZO AR
371 4956539 OR SHOP@TENUTADIFRASSINETO.COM
WWW.TENUTADIFRASSINETO.COM
Dates: Saturday 23 September from 15:00
Events: OPEN CELLARS DURING THE GRAPE HARVEST AT THE FRASSINETO ESTATE
Guided tour of the vineyards, the Nuova Cantina and the Antica Cantina di Frassineto.
During the visit to the Antica Cantina, today BARRICAIA, you will discover the processes linked to the Champenoise Method.
At the end of the guided tour, PIC NIC in the TENUTA will follow, with a tasting of three of our wines accompanied by a board with typical local products
Booking required: 371 4956539 or shop@tenutadifrassineto.com

FLORENCE

VILLA IL POZZO
VIA LUCARDESE 615, CERTALDO (FLORENCE)
3286135978 DONATO@TENUTAILPOZZO.IT
WWW.VILLAILPOZZO.IT
Dates: 8-9-21-24-28 October
Events: Tasting of Chianti and a Supertuscan accompanied by schiacciata con l'uva and cantuccino with Vinsanto
8 and 9 October 2023 - Draconid meteor shower
21 October 2023 - Orionid meteor shower
24 October 2023 - Venus visible and Moon in conjunction with Saturn
28 October 2023 - Partial eclipse of the Moon (clearly visible)
Booking required: donato@tenutailpozzo.it; simona@tenutailpozzo.it - +39 328 6135978
Cost per person: 22€ pax adults - Children free

FATTORIE DI GALIGA E VETRICE
VIA DI VETRICE, 5 50065 PONTASSIEVE (FI)
ROSSI.COSTANZA13@GMAIL.COM 338/1264943 TOTTAROSSI01@GMAIL.COM 392/0823007
INSTAGRAM: @FATTORIADIGALIGAEVETRICE FACEBOOK: @GRATI WINERY

Dates: Saturday 16 and 23 September - Sunday 17 September
Events:
- Saturday 16 September: Welcome Harvest
- Sunday 17 September: Tasting on the Terrace
- Saturday 23 September: Autumn Equinox

- Saturday 16 September: (from 19:00)
Apericena based on Taglieri misti Toscani, Chalices/Bottles of Wine from our three estates: Villa di Vetrice, Grati, Borgo Prunatelli and/or wine-based aperitifs accompanied by a DJ Set.
- Sunday 17 September: (from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.)
Tasting of 5 types of wine selected from our three different but complementary realities: Villa di Vetrice, Grati, Borgo Prunatelli paired with small Tuscan chopping boards
- Saturday 23 September: (from 16:00)
Pestaggio Dell'Uva, Dj Set and Apericena based on mixed Tuscan Taglieri (chopping boards), Chalices/Bottles of Wine from our three realities: Villa di Vetrice, Grati, Borgo Prunatelli and/or wine-based aperitifs.
Event also suitable for children: Saturday 23 September - Grape stomping, as it used to be done in the past, with background music.
Booking required: rossi.costanza13@gmail.com 338/1264943 - tottarossi01@gmail.com 392/0823007
Cost per person:
Aperitifs: € 6/each
Glasses: € 4/each
Tastings: € 20/each
Chopping boards: € 12 to € 20
Bottles: depending on the bottle chosen
Grape crush: Free

LAMOLE DI LAMOLE
VIA LAMOLE, 50022 GREVE IN CHIANTI (FI)
+39 3420912853 - VISIT@LAMOLE.COM
WWW.LAMOLE.COM
Dates: Weekends, Friday to Sunday from 22 September to 29 October 2023
Events: Waiting for the 2023 Harvest
Over the weekend, during the period of the grape harvest, it will be possible to visit our winery with a
tour that starts from the Historic and Experimental Vineyards where the
unique characteristics of our terroir, with a focus on the characteristics of our Sangiovese, passes through the modern Vinification Cellar, where the production techniques that lead to the birth of our wines will be explained, and ends in the 14th-century Historical Cellar, where our wines rest in the oak barrels used for ageing. At the end of the visit, it will be possible to taste 4 Chianti Classico wines, accompanied by samples of typical local products.
Due to production requirements, the tour route may be subject to some variations. It is not possible to take
active part in the grape harvest operations, for safety reasons.
Event also suitable for children (drawings and paints will also be available)
Booking required: visit@lamole.com
Cost per person: 25€ adults

MARCHESI GONDI – TENUTA BOSSI
VIA DELLO STRACCHINO 32, 50065 PONTASSIEVE (FI)
+39 0558317830 - INFO@TENUTABOSSI.COM
www.marchesigondi.com
Dates: 23/9 and 15/10
Events: Grape Harvest Festival
The grape harvest festival is an opportunity to learn more about the splendid territory of Chianti Rufina, through a visit to the centuries-old park and the cellar, which will obviously be at the height of the grape harvest, followed by a visit and tasting in the small farming museum. The tasting of three wines will provide an in-depth look at the territory through the Sangiovese and other grape varieties produced here. The tasting will be accompanied by small Tuscan samples. The tastings start every hour 10-11-12-15-16-17-18
Event also suitable for children
Booking required: info@tenutabobossi.com or 0558317830
Cost per person: 15 € adults, children free

TENUTA DI CASTELFALFI
LOCALITY CASTELFALFI, 50050 MONTAIONE (FI)
winery@castelfalfi.com - 0571 891014
www.castelfalfi.com
Dates:
- Monday 18 to Friday 22 September - 9 to 12 a.m.
- Monday 25 to Friday 29 September - 9 am to 12 noon
Events: It's harvest time
Also this year, for the second edition of the event It's harvest time, you can actively participate in the grape harvest with us. Armed with the kit like a real winemaker, you will have the opportunity to experience all the stages of the winemaking process at first hand: from the vineyard to the cellar, you will be able to discover the fascinating stages of grape processing to better understand the transformation of this magnificent fruit into wine. After participating in the outdoor activity in our unspoilt landscape, the grape harvest experience continues at the
cellar and the Barriccaia, to witness the crushing of the grapes and the first moments of the
fermentation. A tasting tour to discover our organic wines B relax in the estate's renovated Wine Shop & Garden, where our expert team will delight you with a guided tasting of Castelfalfi's organic wines.
This event is also suitable for children: the wine tasting dedicated to adults will be replaced
with a special tasting designed for children.
Booking required: winery@castelfalfi.com -0571 891014 - web site
Cost per person: 90€

TORRACCIA DI PRESURA
VIA DELLA MONTAGNOLA 94, GREVE IN CHIANTI (FI) 50027, C/O HOLIDAY FARM VILLA
ULIVELLO IN CHIANTI
INFO@ULIVELLO.IT - 3884630045
WWW.TORRACCIADIPRESURA.COM/EN
Dates: Grape harvest in progress - Saturday 23/09 at 9:30 a.m.
Harvest in progress - From Saturday 23/09 at 9:30 a.m. to Sunday 24/09 at 10:30 a.m.
Events:
Grape harvest in progress
Trekking through the vineyards with assistance in grape picking activities and visit to the winery with assistance in winemaking activities and tasting of must at various stages of fermentation. Followed at 12 noon by a tasting in the company of the producer, where selected vintages of the winery's most important wines will be sampled in combination with Tuscan specialities.
Harvest Stay
On Saturday morning there will be a trek through the vineyards with assistance in the grape harvesting activities, followed by a visit to the winery to watch the vinification process and taste musts at various stages of fermentation.

In the evening, from 7 p.m. at the agriturismo, Grand Tasting Dinner to get to know and appreciate the traditional flavours of Tuscan cuisine paired with our wines (the dinner includes 6 courses, each paired with one of our wines). Overnight stay of 1 night in the historic
Villa Ulivello in Chianti with accommodation in a double room with en-suite bathroom. Breakfast, wi-fi and parking are included in the price. A complimentary bottle of our Chianti Classico.
Booking required: info@ulivello.it, 3884630045
Cost per person: Vendemmia in Corso € 60/person / Stay in Vendemmia € 330 for 2 people

GROSSETO

FATTORIA LA MALIOSA
FARM LA MALIOSA
LOCALITY PODERE MONTE CAVALLO SNC - SATURNIA (GR) 58014
INFO@FATTORIALAMALIOSA.IT - 3271860416
WWW.FATTORIALAMALIOSA.IT

Dates: Every day by appointment from 1/09 to 30/09 at 12.00 noon and 4.00 p.m.
Events: Picnic in the vineyard on the Scovaventi Deck under the Great Oak with panoramic views of the Maremma hills
A picnic totally immersed in the Sangiovese bush vineyard, in the shade of the Grande Quercia, with a view of the surrounding Maremma hills.
The Scovaventi Deck is a landscape installation inspired by the place name: the Scovaventi estate faces south on the slope of a Maremma hill with a wild, rugged horizon, inside the Fattoria La Maliosa estates. The eight wooden steps indicate the names of the winds, become seats, belvedere and lace around the trunk of the centuries-old oak tree. They put the agricultural landscape and human care into perspective.
A unique location for a picnic in total relaxation with the people you love.
The picnic includes:
- a selection of cheeses from the Caseificio di Sorano
- a selection of cured meats from Ercolani - Sorano
- sliced Tuscan bread
- 100ml of organic EVO oil of our own production
- crispy pizza
- homemade biscuits
- water
- 1 bottle of natural red wine from our own production
Event also suitable for children
Booking required: info@fattorialamaliosa.it - 3271860416
Cost per person: 33€ adults (19€ children under 18)

LIVORNO

CAMPO ALLE COMETE
LOCALITY SUGHERICCIO VIA FORNACELLE 249 57022, CASTAGNETO CARDUCCI (LI)
INFO@CAMPOALLECOMETE.IT - 0565 766056
WWW.CAMPOALLECOMETE.IT
Dates: 9 September
Events: Journey through the Enchanted Garden
The surprising Campo alle Comete winery, housed in an early 20th century villa, is located in the heart of Bolgheri, one of the most prestigious wine territories in the world, where it works on 26 hectares of vineyards, enhancing the Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Vermentino varieties.
A few kilometres from the winery, the marvellous medieval tower of Donoratico dominates the highest vineyards of Bolgheri, where the winery's new vineyards were planted three years ago.
Our tour begins with a walk through the vineyards, proceeding with a visit to the winery to discover our production philosophy and finally a visit to the Villa, which offers a spectacular view of Castagneto Carducci.
- Wine tasting: Bolgheri Bianco Doc - Bolgheri Rosso Doc paired with a platter of local products;
- Duration about 1.5 hours;
- Visiting hours: 11.30 am and 4 pm.
Booking required: info@campoallecomete.it - 0565 766056
Cost per person: 30€

PISA

AGRICOLA CASTELVECCHIO – TERRICCIOLA
VIA DI BAGNO SNC 56030 TERRICCIOLA (PISA)
0587658318 - 3803238844 - INFO@AGRICASTELVECCHIO.IT
WWW.AGRICASTELVECCHIO.IT

Dates: EVERY DAY UNTIL 31 OCTOBER
Events: CELLAR TOUR AND WINE TASTING
Guided tour of the wine cellar every day at 11 a.m., 3.30 p.m. and 5 p.m., tasting of 5 wines: Bianco and Rosato di Toscana IGT, Terre di Pisa Rosso, Terre di Pisa Sangiovese, Vin Santo del Chianti; tasting of bread with our own olive oil.
Booking required: 0587658318 - 3803238844 - info@agricastelvecchio.it
Cost per person: 10€ adults only

GIANNI MOSCARDINI
VIA MACCHIA AL PINO, POMAIA, SANTA LUCE (PI)
+39 347 6948937 - ENOTECA@GIANNIMOSCARDINI.COM
WWW.GIANNIMOSCARDINI.COM/EN

Dates:
SATURDAY, SEPT. 16, 4-6 P.M.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 4-6 P.M.
Events: Harvest Party
To celebrate the beginning and unfolding of the 2023 harvest, we look forward to seeing the vineyards together at the winery and following the winery steps at harvest time. All accompanied by two tastings of your choice from our native and non-native monovarietal wines: Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, Verdicchio, Merlot. To enjoy the purity of the grape variety at its best. Finger food of typical Tuscan dishes will also be paired.
Event also suitable for children
Reservations required: +39 347 6948937 - enoteca@giannimoscardini.com please specify any dietary requirements
Cost per person: 20€ adults and 10€ children

PISTOIA

MARINI FARM – SOCIETÀ AGRICOLA MARINI GIUSEPPE
VIA BARTOLOMEO SESTINI, 274, 51100 PISTOIA PT
0573 451162 - 3929587997
WWW.MARINIFARM.IT
Dates: Sept. 9
Events: Children Winemakers for a Day
The educational grape harvest dedicated to Children and their Families. They will be able to experience grape picking and pressing with their feet. Followed by a visit to the Vinsantaia, with the grapes drying and explanation of how Vin Santo is made. The experience concludes with the "Merenda di una volta" where children can taste our bruschetta with oil, and our Grape Juice, while adults can taste our Wines, accompanied with bruschetta and cured meats. As a memento of the experience, each child, will receive a "Winemaker for a Day Diploma."
Comfortable and "suitable to get dirty" clothing is recommended. For safety reasons, children must be accompanied by an adult. Scissors for grape picking will not be provided by the winery.
Reservations required: 0573 451162 - 3929587997 - info@marinifarm.it
Cost per person: Children € 13.00 - Adults € 20.00 - Free for 0 to 3 years old

SIENA

BADIA A COLTIBUONO
LOC. BADIA A COLTIBUONO, 2 - GAIOLE IN CHIANTI (SI) 53013
RECEPTION@COLTIBUONO.COM - TEL. 057774481 INT. 250
WWW.COLTIBUONO.COM

Dates: Friday, September 29, 2023
Events: Full moon in Badia a Coltibuono
19:00 Visit to the historic winery of Badia a Coltibuono and organic wine tasting in the garden of Badia a Coltibuono
20:30 Restaurant Badia a Coltibuono dinner "waiting for the Supermoon" with organic farm wine tasting
This will be followed by moon observation with the Astrophilic Group

Reservation required: reception@coltibuono.com tel. 057774481 or restaurant.booking@coltibuono.com tel. (+39) 0577 74481 - whatsapp (+39) 353 409 8692
Cost per person:
Visit and Tasting € 15.00
Dinner and Tasting € 35.00
Visit and Tasting + Dinner and Tasting € 50.00 (Free Tasting "Occhio di Pernice" Badia a Coltibuono).

FRANCO PACENTI
LOC. CANALICCHIO DI SOPRA 6, MONTALCINO (SI)
VISIT@FRANCOPACENTICANALICCHIO.IT - +39 0577/849277 - +39 320/7685330
www.francopacenticanalicchio.it
Dates: October 7-8, 2023
Events: "Trekking & Picnic in the Vineyard"
Benfinita of the grape harvest October 7-8, 2023 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
A walk in the vineyards to learn about the peculiarities of our terroir, tasting the excellence of Montalcino. A day for young and old, immersed in the Tuscan countryside in total relaxation, to delight body and mind.
Welcome of guests with tour of the winery
Departure for Trekking in own car
PANORAMIC TREKKING to discover the vineyards: 2 KM route in the estate vineyards for about 1 hour walk
PICNIC IN THE VINEYARD: tasting of Rosso and Brunello di Montalcino paired with a farmer's snack.
*Comfortable clothing suitable for walking is recommended
Also suitable for children
October 7-8, 2023: https://my.book-dnatasting.it/francopacenticanalicchio/my/sitoweb/booking-engine/booking.php?id=133
For info: visit@francopacenticanalicchio.it - 0577849277 - 320/7685330
Cost per person: € 35.00 adults - € 15.00 children (4/12 years old)

OLIVI – LE BUCHE
ROAD VICINALE DELLE BUCHE 25, SARTEANO (SI), 53047
BUSINESS WHATSAPP AND LANDLINE +39 0578274066 - WINERY@LEBUCHE.EU
WWW.LEBUCHE.EU

Dates: UNTIL SEPTEMBER 30, OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M., SATURDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M. OCTOBER 2 TO OCTOBER 21, OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M., SATURDAY ONLY BY RESERVATION. SUNDAYS ALWAYS CLOSED.
Events: Experience the Grape Harvest at Olivi- Le Buche Winery.
Become a winemaker for a day. Depending on the timing of the harvest you will be able to see the grape harvest in the vineyard, the sorting of the berries on the sorting mat, the pressing of the grapes or you will walk through the rows not yet harvested and be able to "steal" the berries directly from the vine. In the winery you will taste the must not yet fermented
During the tasting you will taste 4 wines, one white and two reds and to conclude our late harvest paired with samples of local pecorino cheese.
Reservations required: Yes always, 24h hours notice appreciated. Tasting room with limited capacity. BUSINESS WHATSAPP AND LANDLINE +39 0578274066 - winery@lebuche.eu
Cost per person: 22€.

Connect with Firenze Made in Tuscany

Sign up our newsletter