As summer draws to a close and warm colors paint the Tuscan hills, one of the most magical times of the year begins: the grape harvest. At Castello di Gargonza, a medieval village nestled between Arezzo and Siena, we hold this ancient tradition close to our hearts and want to share it with you, as it still marks the rhythm of life in the countryside today.

An ancient rite steeped in history

The grape harvest in Tuscany is much more than just picking grapes—it’s a true ritual rooted in centuries of rural tradition. Starting in August and continuing into September, Tuscany comes alive with one of the most important cultural events of the year. Grapes, having absorbed the sun and the essence of nature, are carefully hand-picked and brought to the cellar.

Here at Castello di Gargonza, where history can be felt in every stone of our fortified village, the harvest holds deep meaning. It was in the mid-17th century that an organized farm with sharecropping lands was established, and since then, viticulture has been an integral part of our identity.

When does the Grape Harvest begin in Tuscany?

In Tuscany, the grape harvest takes place between August and October, with timing varying based on altitude and location:

• In coastal areas and Maremma (like Bolgheri or Morellino), it starts as early as mid-August.
• In hill areas, such as Chianti Classico or the lands of Sangiovese, harvesting occurs from September to early October.
• Vineyards located at 100 m above sea level ripen earlier than those at 300 m.

At Castello di Gargonza, in the heart of Tuscany, the harvest falls right in the middle of this calendar, offering visitors the chance to witness—and participate in—one of the year’s most symbolic events. Each harvest comes with its own challenges and surprises: nature is our teacher, and we are its most attentive students.

The ritual of harvesting

The act of harvesting grapes still holds a near-sacred quality. Each bunch is carefully selected, evaluated for the ideal level of ripeness. Over the last 100 years, the harvesting process has remained virtually unchanged, while winemaking techniques have evolved, enhanced by new technologies that blend innovation with respect for ancient rural traditions.

It’s not just a technical task: there’s something deeply human in the gesture of cutting a bunch from the vine, feeling the texture of the ripe grapes under your fingers, and smelling the sweet, heady scent rising from the full baskets.

How the Harvest works: tradition and technique

Even though modern technology supports wine production, manual harvesting remains a symbol of quality and respect for the land. Here’s how it unfolds:

• Manual Harvesting: Each bunch is handpicked, carefully cut, and placed into perforated crates to avoid crushing the grapes. This method ensures that only the best fruit makes it to the cellar.
• Transport to the cellar: The grapes are transported quickly to preserve their quality. Red grapes are destemmed and crushed, separating berries and stems, and then begin alcoholic fermentation in controlled containers where natural yeasts turn the must into wine.
• Traditional tuscan techniques: The region’s winemaking heritage is also preserved through methods like governo all’uso toscano, a controlled refermentation with the addition of slightly dried grapes. This technique gives the wine more aromatic complexity and a fuller structure.
• Monitoring and aging: Fermentation is monitored daily. Afterward, the wine rests in oak barrels or steel tanks, refining its bouquet and flavor until it’s ready for bottling.

The stars of the Harvest: tuscan grape varieties

The iconic Tuscan grape is Sangiovese, the foundation of Chianti, Nobile di Montepulciano, and Brunello di Montalcino. At Gargonza, this variety yields authentic expressions, with floral and fruity aromas, elegant tannins, and excellent structure.

Alongside Sangiovese, we also grow:

• International varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, often used in blends.
• White varieties such as Pinot, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon, harvested earlier to preserve freshness and aroma.

A unique territory: the Val di Chiana

Castello di Gargonza overlooks the beautiful Val di Chiana, between Arezzo and Siena, 70 km south of Florence. With over 500 hectares of wooded land, this extraordinary area offers ideal conditions for winemaking.

Its gentle hills, alternating sun and shade, and the breeze rising from the valley create a microclimate that makes the wines of this area truly unique. It’s no surprise that winemaking here is so deeply rooted and continues to produce wines of exceptional quality.

Experience the Harvest at Castello di Gargonza

From our medieval village, where every stone tells a story centuries old, the grape harvest takes on a unique charm. Around the central tower, cobbled lanes weave between buildings preserved just as they were in the Middle Ages.

If you want to experience the magic of the harvest up close, we invite you to stay at Castello di Gargonza. Among the stone alleys, surrounded by the beauty of the Val di Chiana, you can become part of a tradition that continues to thrive, season after season, with the same intensity as in the past.

The grape harvest awaits you: an adventure steeped in the scent of earth, sun, and that timeless magic that only Tuscany can offer.