Tuscan Wine Harvest

We are approaching the most celebrated season of the year here in Tuscany- the much anticipated Vendemmia, or grape harvest. The annual vintage traditionally begins in late September or early October and draws the participation of most every Tuscan from the physical harvest itself to the endless array of festivals, feasts and local wine celebrations. The grape harvest is the most crucial part of the winemaking process and is begun in accordance with the the ripeness of the grape itself measured by its sugar, acid and tannin levels.

Chianti, the Tuscan area that produces Chianti Classico wine for centuries and is recognized as the best wine growing region internationally, remains Tuscany’s most prided territory. One can sense the ancient traditions and history that fills the Chianti region. First civilized by the Etruscans who were very active in the wine harvest, followed by the Romans, the control of the rich Chianti region has historically been battled for between the cities of Florence and Siena. Today, the region’s eternal chestnut and oak forests are blanketed with olive groves and vines, contributing to the global economic importance and influence of the zone. The impressive number of Chianti wineries draw the attention of tourists around the world who come to witness its breathtaking beauty.

The most well known and historical harvest festival in Italy is The Chianti Grape Harvest Festival in Impruneta, a tiny village found between Florence and the Chianti region, and is held each year on the last Sunday of September. The festival features wine-tasting, offering nearly 800 wines, artisan food-sampling, music and dancing- plus, many locals are dressed in medieval and traditional costumes.
Other significant Chianti grape festivals include Vino al Vino Wine Festival in Panzano, held each year on the third weekend in September in the Chianti village’s main square. In October, the Chianti town of Poggibonsi hosts a traditional Pigio, a grape-pressing contest competed between the seven districts of town- stepping back in time to the traditional methods of wine-making.


The number of tiny villages and towns that host grape festivals (Sagra dell'uva or Festa dell'uva) throughout the months of September and October are numerous and are the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the ancient practices and the locals’ passion for the season’s harvest.
Beyond just celebrating the taste value of Chianti’s wines, there is a large movement savoring the aesthetic benefits as well. Wine therapy, also referred as vinotherapy or vinoterapia in Italian, has received much attention in Tuscany. When applied topically, studies have proven immense benefits. The powerful antioxidant, Resveratrol, found in high concentrations in grape seeds, stems and skins is easily absorbed by the human skin and evidently functions as a method to fortify the skin reducing inflammation and the slowing the skin’s tendency to age prematurely. The substances found in the acids of the wine grape are known to strengthen microcirculation, increasing the resistance of the blood cells and stopping the destruction of the hyaluronic acid with that of the glycolic acid which serve to protect the skin’s elastic and collagen fibers.

The production of Tuscan wine therapy products is growing as an industry and products are based upon the enrichment of red wine powder, red grape seed extract, crushed grape seeds and pure grape seed oil. The past couple years the products have been developed dominantly include powders, masks, soaps, creams extracts and cosmetics.

The benefits of wine therapy were already recognized by Cleopatra and the Romans who apparently kept records of their practices. Records reveal that Cleopatra loved being massaged in the wine must.

Today, Tuscany is the home of the wine therapy movement, offering innumerable vinotherapy hotels, spas and vacation packages to those tourists and non who are interested in the ancient yet effective indulgance.
Tuscany’s wine harvest culture is truly sensational and enchanting. The ancient culture is still preserved by the locals and the passion is just as strong as one could have imagined it was during the country’s historical times.