The Grape Harvest Marks The End Of Summer

Summer signals its surrender by leaves turning to golden and russet shades — temperatures become mild during the day and pleasantly cool at night. The countryside is ablaze with colour.

September and October are the months for the Tuscan vendemmia, the grape harvest. The exact date is decided year by year, depending on the weather and the quantity of rain fall. The most important thing is that grapes must have the right level of sweetness.

The grape harvest is a social affair — first and foremost, the whole family participates. It would not be unusual to see three or even four generations working together and celebrating the bounty of nature over a sumptuous lunch. Neighbors and friends happily join in and at times, even a tourist or two!

Picking starts early in the morning. Bunches of grapes are cut and put into a crate or a basket. Then, someone collects the baskets with the grapes and takes them to the wine cellar or even to the local piazza to start the wine making process. Many families make their own wine annually — it is not sold, but only enjoyed by the family who has tended it from start to finish. The little ones observe and participate in the process every year — there is no need for formal lessons in tradition and culture — they simply live it alongside their families.

Salute!

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