September is traditionally the month of grape harvesting in Valpolicella, in the Veneto Region and all along Italy. In Veneto the harvest started in late August for some grape varieties and will continue throughout the current month. Although production is falling, there has been an increase in the quality and sustainability of grapes thanks to the commitment of local winemakers. Total production is estimated at around 12.8 million quintals.
The harvest time changes from region to region based on the climate. The grape harvest begins in August and ends in October, although there are late grapes that are harvested even in November. It is in Sicily, in fact, that generally the harvest season opens at the end of July, followed by Tuscany, Veneto, Piedmont and other Italian regions. Climate change is responsible for any delay on harvest dates.
“Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia”, in cooperation with the Wine Tourism Movement, in which the participating wineries will offer the possibility of experimenting the pressing and harvesting itself: on the weekends of September 21st and 28th it will be possible to take part into the harvest of the grapes, manually selecting the best Amarone ones.
Although there are machines that speed up the harvesting process, you will be asked to apply the manual procedure. To cut the bunches of grapes you can use both garden shears and a specific knife with a curved tip (a kind of small sickle, but really very small). It is a good idea to wear a pair of gloves, even to protect yourself from insect bites that sometimes flit between bunches. The grapes should be picked gently and placed in wicker baskets so as not to damage them. Usually, harvest starts early in the morning to avoid the heat effects.
If you would like to take part into the harvest this month please check all the available wineries on the regional pages of the Wine Tourism Movement.
