OPEN CELLARS DURING HARVEST: IN UMBRIA, WE RETURN TO THE VINEYARDS TO EXPERIENCE THE GRAPE HARVEST

To experience the grape harvest, you don't just have to watch it from afar. In Umbria, in September and October, 12 wineries belonging to the Umbria Wine Tourism Movement open their doors to allow adults and children alike to delve into the heart of the most anticipated moment of the winemaking year: the grape harvest.

It's Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia , the event that brings enthusiasts and the curious directly among the rows, with a program of initiatives designed to tell the story of wine starting from its origins, through experiences that combine activities in the vineyard, visits to the cellar, tastings and convivial moments.

" The grape harvest is one of the most interesting times to visit a winery," emphasizes Giovanni Dubini , president of the Umbria Wine Tourism Movement , "because it allows you to see up close the work that goes into the harvest and the initial stages of grape processing. With Cantine Aperte in Vendemmia (Open Cellars in Harvest), we want to offer enthusiasts, families, and the curious the opportunity to participate and learn more about this time of year ."

The formula varies from winery to winery: you can participate in the manual grape harvest , discover what happens to the bunches once they arrive at the cellar, taste the freshly picked grapes and the fresh must, or try your hand at foot pressing , retracing one of the most recognizable gestures of the grape harvest of the past.

For families, there are also old-fashioned games, bee workshops, carriage rides and scenic picnics , in addition to harvesting activities.

The program also includes snacks in the vineyard, brunches, lunches in the woods, tastings of Umbrian products, dinners in the cellar, and aperitifs at sunset.

There is no shortage of guided tours of the cellar, tastings of grapes and musts and itineraries dedicated to the different phases of winemaking.

The calendar also includes theatrical performances, music and end-of-summer parties , alongside events dedicated to wine and the grape harvest.

The events take place on various dates between September and October , and many require reservations. The full program and participation details are available through the Umbria Wine Tourism Movement and participating wineries.