After a quite disastrous 2014, a time when most wine producers in Italy lamented very poor harvests due to the inclement weather, it seems like 2015 will be the complete opposite: thanks to perfect weather conditions and high temperatures, the vendemmia -the harvesting of grapes to make wine- has been anticipated this year, with many locations starting as early as August 20th. Producers expect 2015 to be a great vintage and, while we won’t be able to try these wines for a couple of years, we are sure the atmosphere at the various sagre della vendemmia around Italy will, indeed, be quite joyous.
Sagra dell’Uva e del Vino dei Colli Ceriti in Cerveteri (province of Rome). As a different way to say goodbye to the summer, the Pro Loco Cerveteri organizes three days of fun and wine tasting from August 28th to August 30th. Enjoy both red and whites a stone’s throw away from the sea in the old historical center and make sure you try a glass of Giacché, an ancient vintage said to date back to Etruscan times.
Festa dell’Uva in Gattinara (province of Vercelli). At its 33rd edition, this popular wine festival promises three days jam packed with events of all kinds: from a horse parade to jazz and latin live music, from vintage motorcycles to wine tasting. Cellars, restaurants and hotels will open their doors from September 4th to September 6th giving visitors the opportunity to sample local wines Gattinara and Coste del Sesia along with savory and sweet delicacies typical of the area.
Festa della Vendemmia at Villa Paladin in Annone Veneto (province of Venice). Sunday September 13th will see Villa Paladin, in partnership with Slow Food Treviso, will present some of the best prosecco around, along with other beloved local wines such as Paladin e Bosco del Merlo, Chianti Classico Premiata Fattoria di Castelvecchi e Franciacorta Castello Bonomi. The wine, of course, will be accompanied by Slow Food specialties and by a barbecue lunch featuring a skewer with four different meats. For more information or to reserve a table: +39 0422 768167
Festa della Vendemmia in Mazzè (Province of Torino). For a more intimate and smaller festival, the Azienda Agrigola Santa Clelia has in store a party perfect for the whole family, as it will include several activities for kids to be entertained while the grown ups enjoy the wine. On Sunday, September 13th, visitors can try to stomp on grapes – just like the vendemmia was done in the past – and can enjoy an apertif in the vineyard, a nice sit down lunch, live music and cooking demonstrations, proof that the vendemmia can truly be an event for everyone.
Vino al Vino, Panzano in Chianti (province of Florence). Every year, on the third weekend of September, the wine producers of Panzano meet in the village square to showcase their wines, often winners of regional and national contests. Visitors have the chance to sample different styles of wines, chat with the winemakers and listen to some great jazz from Thursday September 17th to Sunday, September 20th. Once only a small local festival, the group of wineries participating has steadily grown and today it forms an important group of winemakers who control quality production, promote organic and sustainable vineyard techniques and much more. Interesting for those who want to learn more about the wine production process. http://www.vinoalvinopanzano.com/vinoalvino/?lang=en
Festa e Marcia dell’Uva 2015 in Verla di Giovo (province of Trento). Food, wine, but also sport and an out of season Carnival like parade: the Marcia dell’Uva is a unique event that attracts thousands of people each year. From September 25th to the 27th, wine lovers can enjoy their favorite beverage, but also partake in a leisurely walk through the vineyards, hills and local chapels, choosing between a 5 km, 10 km or 16 km path. The highlight of the party, though, is the allegorical chariots parade on Sunday, similar to those seen during famous Carnivals, that concludes this quirky wine festival.
Festa del Vino in Alba (province of Cuneo). Notorious and delicious wines are under the spotlight at the 17th edition of this festival: Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Roero, Roero Arnesi, Barbera, Dolcetto and many others. On Sunday, September 27th, the historical downtown district of Alba will be the place to be for those who like wines from Piedmont, to be enjoyed of course along with local cheeses and cold cuts and other specialties. For details visit http://www.gowinet.it
Donate