The Oltrepò Pavese, one of Italy‘s most fascinating wine regions, is in full swing. This is a period of intense activity in the vineyards that turns into a unique opportunity for wine and nature lovers. There is no better time to immerse yourself in the beauty of this land, where tradition, history and passion come together in an ancient and fascinating ritual: the grape harvest.
The grape harvest is much more than a simple harvest; it is an event charged with symbolism and history, rooted in ancient times.
In the Oltrepò Pavese, the grape harvest has a special place in people‘s hearts. This region, located south of the Po River, is famous for its gentle hills that produce wines of the highest quality, especially the renowned red and sparkling wines. Every year, at the end of summer, wine-growers prepare for the grape harvest, a moment that marks the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new journey for the grapes, which will go from the vines to the barrels, to become wine.
In recent years, many wineries in the Oltrepò Pavese area have opened their doors to visitors, offering the unique opportunity to experience the grape harvest first-hand. This form of experiential tourism allows participants to fully immerse themselves in wine culture, touching the work behind each bottle.
Participating in the grape harvest means not only observing, but taking an active part in the process. Tourists are invited to go down into the rows, armed with scissors, to pick the bunches of grapes, under the expert guidance of the winegrowers. This apparently simple job actually requires a certain amount of care and sensitivity, so as not to damage the plants and to select the best bunches. It is an activity that, although physically demanding, is deeply rewarding, as it allows one to get in tune with nature and understand the value of the hard work that leads to the creation of wine.
The tourist grape harvest experience goes beyond the simple harvesting of grapes. The wineries of the Oltrepò Pavese offer complete itineraries that include a visit to the vineyards, where participants can learn about the different varieties of grapes grown and the secrets of wine-growing. The visit then continues in the cellars, where the must is transformed into wine. Here, visitors can discover wine-making techniques, from traditional to more modern methods, and learn about the processes of fermentation, ageing and bottling.
The tourist grape harvest is also an opportunity to taste local wines directly in the cellars where they are produced. Guided by experienced oenologists, visitors can taste different types of wine, learning to recognise their organoleptic characteristics and understand how terroir, climate and production techniques influence the final result. The tasting is often accompanied by typical local products, creating a complete food and wine experience that enhances local excellence.
