For a culture so deeply entwined with wine, the season of vendemmia is an especially exciting and celebratory time in Italy.
Vendemmia is the Italian word for “grape harvest.” Harvest season for grape farmers in Italy ranges from late August to early October. There is no specific date for the harvest as it all depends on whether the grapes are ready or not. Each winemaker has their own preference for the sugar and acid levels of their grapes, so as harvest time draws near, the growers must keep a close eye on their grapes in order to determine the exact right time to pick their grapes.

Grapes must picked and collected with care so as not to break the skins and start the fermentation process early.
Even the slightest miscalculation can affect the overall quality of the wine. Harvest too early, and the grapes will still have too much acidity in them. Harvest too late, and the grapes will lose their freshness and be overly sweet. Whether a vintage will be ordinary or extraordinary is up to that year’s climate, weather, and the maturity of the grapes during vendemmia. Many of Italy’s most famous wines, such as Brunello di Montalcino, Barolo, and Amarone, are directly affected by the precise timing and conditions of the vendemmia, emphasizing just how critical a good harvest is to the wine's final flavor profile, aroma, and aging potential.
This agricultural process is also a deep-rooted tradition in Italy’s cultural heritage, with the nation’s relationship to wine dating back to the time of Ancient Rome. Vendemmia is celebrated across Italy but is a particularly special occasion in the regions of Tuscany, Piedmont, Sicily, and Veneto. In these regions, wine lovers can explore dozens of festivals, tours, and tastings to pay tribute to vendemmia and the bounty of that year’s harvest. Agritourism, a type of tourism that involves visiting farms, ranches, or vineyards, is extremely popular during vendemmia, with small, private farmers or B&Bs offering visitors the opportunity to participate in vendemmia themselves.
For those living in Italy, especially in smaller villages, vendemmia is a family and community affair. A family-owned vineyard will often have the entire family as well as friends and neighbors assisting with the grape picking. This tradition connects the community with each other and with their shared past heritage. Once vendemmia is complete, everyone celebrates with large feasts, sharing food and wine together to commemorate all the hard work of the past growing season.
Wine is just as important economically to Italy as it is culturally. Italy, often referred to as one of the world’s wine capitals, contributes approximately 20% of global wine production, making it one of the largest wine producers on the planet. This substantial output underscores the vital role that wine plays in the country's economy, as the wine industry impacts multiple sectors and regions across Italy, from small family-owned vineyards to large-scale producers.
Take a closer look at some top wines produced during vendemmia!
Brunello de Montalcino
A revered red wine produced in the small Tuscan town of Montalcino. Made from Sangiovese grapes, this wine is bold, structured, and has the ability to age for not just years, but for decades. Strict production regulations require the wine to be aged for a minimum of 4 years. Typically, these wines are defined by flavors of dark cherry, plum, tobacco, and earthy spice.
Barolo
Barolo, lovingly known as the “King of Wines”, hails from Piedmont. It is a prestigious red wine crafted exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. This deep, ruby red wine is known for its complex aromas of dark fruit, rose petals, tar, and earth with robust tannins and high levels of acidity. Barolo also has strict production regulations that require it to be aged for at least 38 months, 18 of which must be in wooden barrels.
Amarone
This distinguished wine comes from the Valpolicella region and is popular for its rich and robust character. A unique method known as appassimento is used to produce this wine. This is where grapes are dried for several months after harvesting to concentrate their sugars and flavors. The result - a full-bodied wine with complex aromas of ripe cherry, fig, chocolate, and spice with slight hints of leather and herbs. Amarone has a velvety texture and balanced acidity, making it powerful yet smooth on the palate.