Why the fall season is important in Chianti

The fall season in Chianti is a truly enchanting time, when the Tuscan countryside transforms into a
vibrant tapestry of colors.

As the vines prepare for harvest, the vineyards take on hues of deep gold, amber, and burgundy, creating a stunning contrast against the still-green olive groves and cypress trees.

The rolling hills, which seem to stretch endlessly, are bathed in soft, golden sunlight, casting long
shadows and giving everything a warm, ethereal glow. Walking through the vineyards, you can hear the rustle of the leaves underfoot and feel the gentle autumn breeze.

Every corner of Chianti in fall feels like a painting, with the medieval castles, ancient abbeys like Badia a Passignano, and charming farmhouses nestled among the changing landscape.

Whether you’re driving along the Strada del Vino (the Wine Road) or exploring the rustic trails, the
beauty of Chianti in autumn captivates the senses, offering a serene yet vibrant escape into the heart of
Tuscany.

The Harvest season in Chianti: “la vendemmia”

The harvest season in Chianti, known as “la vendemmia,” is a magical time when the region’s rich winemaking heritage comes to life. Typically taking place from late September to early October, this period is the culmination of a year’s labor, where the vineyards—bursting with ripe Sangiovese grapes—are carefully picked by hand. The landscape of rolling hills, adorned with rows of vines, buzzes with activity as local farmers, families, and workers gather to collect the grapes that will become the next vintage of Chianti Classico wine.

The air is filled with the sweet fragrance of ripened fruit, and the sound of laughter, chatter, and clinking shears echoes across the fields. It’s a time of both hard work and celebration. Each cluster is inspected for quality, ensuring that only the best grapes make it into the large baskets, which are then transported to nearby cellars for pressing.

Small, ancient villages like Tavarnelle, Greve and Castellina are alive with the spirit of the harvest, as their piazzas host festivals and markets offering local products like olive oil, cheeses, and cured meats. The rhythm of the harvest becomes a communal experience, deeply rooted in tradition, where winegrowers share meals and stories at long communal tables, celebrating the land and its fruits.

Join Clantenova during the Fall season

In the cool of the evening, the golden light of the Tuscan sun fades, and the work of the day slows. The grapes are crushed, beginning the transformation from fruit to wine. The vineyards, still cloaked in autumn colors, rest under a starry sky, while in the cellars, the fermentation process begins—a timeless dance between nature and craftsmanship that defines the soul of Chianti.

In this season, the air is crisp and filled with the earthy scents of ripe grapes and fallen leaves. The villages and hilltop towns, like Greve, Panzano, and Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, come alive with the harvest festivals, celebrating the bounty of the land. Locals gather to harvest grapes for the world-famous Chianti wines, and there’s a tangible sense of tradition and community.

Meet us in Clantenova Winery and taste the nature and organic ingredients in our products!