A month devoted to the fruit of the vine
September, the month of the grape. In a region where this crop is of such importance it is only natural that there are many events devoted to celebrating the vendemmia (grape harvest).
The traditional wine festivals are ideal occasions for tourists and visitors to take part in displays and tastings of the typical products connected with wine, but also to witness truly impressive displays of folk tradition

A month devoted to the fruit of the vine
September, the month of the grape. In a region where this crop is of such importance it is only natural that there are many events devoted to celebrating the vendemmia (grape harvest).
The traditional wine festivals are ideal occasions for tourists and visitors to take part in displays and tastings of the typical products connected with wine, but also to witness truly impressive displays of folk tradition

Even in ancient Rome, with festivals in honour of Bacchus, the grape harvest was celebrated with fairs and tastings and event of all sorts. The tradition of celebrating the harvesting of the grapes and in consequence their precious juice, the wine, has not been lost even in our own day. So what with fairs and with festivals, there are many appointments not to be missed.

The picturesque Piazza Matteotti in Greve in Chianti is the setting for the 40th Rassegna del Chianti Classico, opening on Friday September 9. Wine producers will present their products for tastings and purchases, and there is a full programme of connected events. The festival continues until Sunday 12th; information is available from the Comune, Tel. 055 8546299 or on the web site.

Taking place in Rufina from September 23 to 26 will be the traditional fair known as Bacco Artigiano (Bacchus the Artisan). The three days are devoted to Chianti Rufina DOCG and Pomino DOC. By tradition this fair also makes its presence felt in Florence, and in fact the Saturday will see the arrival in the city centre of the “Carro matto”, a huge cart bearing thousands of straw-covered flasks and drawn by oxen as by ancient tradition, followed by the historic Procession of the Florentine Republic and its territory. For information apply to the commune of Rufina, Tel. 055 8396523.

Another appointment not to be missed is at Impruneta on Sunday 26 September, when the “town of terracotta” stages the traditional Festa dell'uva,  an event which attracts increasing numbers of Italian and Foreign tourists.

 The climax comes in the afternoon, with the procession of allegorical floats constructed by the four quarters of the town: Fornaci, Pallò, Sant'Antonio e Sante Marie. Near the Loggiati del Pellegrino there will be an exhibition/market with tastings of the wines of Impruneta, as well as wine and food stalls. For information apply to Tel. 055 2036426 or to the web site devoted to the occasion.

Last but not least the towns of Chianti are coming downtown to Florence, from September 9 to 12 for the brand new event Emozioni dal Chianti. Exhibitors coming from the Chianti region with wine, olive oil and deli; the area gives its best.