The vendemmia is a magical time: the annual grape harvest. The word vendemmia comes from the Latin vindemia, meaning "grape gathering." It typically takes place between late August and early October. After being sweetened and ripened during a long Italian summer, the grapes are picked and pressed to create flavorful wines. While locals celebrate with festivals and communal meals, travelers can experience the harvest in an entirely different way: through curated, intimate encounters with Italy's most prestigious vineyards. The exact timing varies by region and grape variety: early-ripening varieties in the south are harvested first, while cooler northern regions wait until later in the season. Regardless of location, the vendemmia is a great time to bike through wine regions and experience the impact that the humble grape has on the culture, landscape, and community.
Piedmont: Cycle through the rolling hills of the Langhe and Monferrato, where misty mornings give way to golden afternoons. After your ride, retreat to a boutique wine estate for a private cellar tour and a tasting of Barolo or Barbaresco. For dinner, feast on dishes featuring seasonal ingredients like truffles, mushrooms, and the wines themselves!
Tuscany: Pedal quiet roads lined with cypress trees and medieval hill towns before arriving at a Chianti Classico estate. Imagine savoring a glass of Brunello di Montalcino on a terrace overlooking the vineyards, where harvesters make their way up and down the lines of vines.
Veneto: Glide through the UNESCO-protected Prosecco Hills, where terraced vineyards shimmer in the autumn sun. End the day with a sparkling wine tasting hosted by a sommelier in a secluded villa, accompanied by panoramic views of Valdobbiadene.
Southern Italy: In Puglia or Sicily, the vendemmia begins earlier. Here, trade off days pedaling along the stunning coastlines with days pedaling inland on roads lined with olive trees and vineyards. Explore vineyards that produce full-bodied reds like Primitivo or Nero d'Avola.
The vendemmia is not just about grapes, it's about connection: to the land, to tradition, and to the finer pleasures of life. For each of these destinations, we can plan a custom tour with scenic ride, that offer plenty of ways to connect to local traditions. Of course, we can incorporate plenty of wine tastings and vineyard experiences to offer you the best of the season.