We are going to Italy at the end of September and I think that is harvest time. Does anyone know of a place where you can stomp grapes? We will be in the Tuscany region.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Well I guess that sure showed me a thing or two I didn't know.
I've deleted my incorrect first post.
Not sure PJ is still with us or ever saw it. That happens a lot here.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Be sure to dress like Lucy if you find a place to do this. (^_^)
Posted by
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
8293 posts
And maybe after the grape stomping you can take part in the annual spaghetti harvest, which according to the BBC film on same involves costumes, folk songs and dance.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Lucy as in Lucille Ball or Lucy as in separation anxiety Lucy from the dog posts?
Kent: Actually, I think you were right. I’m certainly no expert by any stretch, but serious growers do employ machines to press the grapes. Mechanization effectively removes the stems and other waste material (although it may not be wasted if you can turn it into grappa). I suppose some artisan growers may do some picking by hand, but machines are used for picking, too.
Oh, you could go north of Turin and participate in the orange-throwing festival. Apparently, the idea is to get all hopped up on red hot spicy wine and start pelting townsfolk with oranges. Something about Barbarossa…???
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Hi PJ - After Kent tried to rain on your parade allow me to contradict him. All over Tuscany in September as well as October the vineyards and/or the villages surrounding them, have grape stomping festivals - It's a wonderful time to enjoy the atmosphere of Tuscany and the "flavor" of the vineyards. Yes, machines are often used BUT the old time rituals are still held in high esteem.
Enjoy Tuscany and the Grapes
Ciao, Greg
Posted by
Fort Wayne, IN, USA
2349 posts
Kent is a fun stomper.
Posted by
Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
From what I’ve read, I believe this tradition is making a modest comeback in Italy because of fall festivals, the slow food movement, and a general trend on behalf of regular American tourists to somehow become more cultured through wine. Even in Iowa, there are 300 vineyards and 60 wineries…wine has been in and a fad now for several years nationwide. Many wineries here are booked in the fall with people wishing to pay to pick the grapes for the winery (as a family outing of sorts). So, I can certainly understand someone wishing to stomp grapes. There are many different kinds of wine related tours one can take in Tuscany. Your best bet might be to perform an internet search and contact several tours and/or wineries by e-mail to see if they can help you.
Posted by
Freedonia
16285 posts
I, too, would like to know which wineries still foot stomp their grapes. Not that I want to do it, I just want to know which wines to avoid.
Posted by
Jonesboro, Arkansas, USA
606 posts
"Not that I want to do it, I just want to know which wines to avoid."
Right you are Frank II! Thanks for my best laugh of the day!
Posted by
Winter Park
6 posts
My husband and I are going to be staying in Florence for 3 days and to note, this is our first visit to Italy. We'd like to visit a few wineries, without having to do an actual wine tour/s. Does anyone have any recommendations on which towns to visit and if it is possible to fit a couple in one day? Any suggestions would be very appreciated - Thanks!!
Posted by
Winter Park
6 posts
Sorry, PJ! First time poster....need to pay better attention. :)