Harvest Season in Tuscany: Wine, Food and Art in the Countryside

Vineyard tours: a celebration of winemaking

Fall in Tuscany is synonymous with winemaking. Across the region’s rolling hills, vines hang heavy with grapes ready for harvest. Visiting during this time offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the art of winemaking firsthand. Guided vineyard tours allow you to stroll through the vineyards. Learn about the specific grape varieties and the traditional harvesting techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Many vineyards invite visitors to participate in the harvest, providing a hands-on experience. Feel the rich earth beneath your feet as you pick grapes alongside local vintners, then follow the journey of those grapes from vine to bottle. As you wander through cellars filled with aging barrels, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the meticulous care that goes into producing Tuscany’s world-famous wines, such as Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino.

Of course, no vineyard tour is complete without a tasting. Savor the rich, complex flavors of the region’s wines, often accompanied by local cheeses, cured meats and freshly baked bread. In some villages, you can even enjoy "vino novello"—a fresh and fruity young wine made from the first grapes of the season.

Farm-to-table experiences: Tuscany’s bounty on your plate

Harvest season in Tuscany is also a time when the region’s culinary scene truly shines. Local markets brim with fresh produce, cheeses, olives and handmade pastas. Farm-to-table dining here is more than a trend. It's a way of life, where seasonal ingredients are celebrated in every dish.

Many agriturismos (working farms that offer accommodations) invite guests to dine on the fruits of their labor. Picture yourself sitting on a sun-drenched terrace overlooking the rolling hills, enjoying a meal prepared with ingredients grown just a few feet away. The food is simple yet exquisite — dishes like ribollita, a hearty bread and vegetable soup, or tagliatelle topped with wild boar ragu, embody the essence of Tuscan cuisine.

For a deeper connection to the land, consider joining a cooking class. Under the guidance of local chefs, you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes using ingredients gathered from the surrounding fields. Whether you’re rolling out fresh pasta or crafting the perfect bruschetta, these classes immerse you in the flavors and techniques of Tuscany.

Artisan workshops: craftsmanship in every corner

Beyond wine and food, Tuscany’s countryside is a hub for artisans who have honed their craft over centuries. The region’s villages are filled with workshops where skilled makers produce everything from pottery and leather goods to hand-painted ceramics and textiles.

During the harvest season, many artisans open their doors to travelers, offering workshops that allow you to learn about their crafts. In the hilltop town of Montelupo Fiorentino, famous for its ceramics, you can try your hand at painting traditional patterns on locally made pottery. Or, in the town of San Gimignano, known for its ancient towers, leatherworkers teach the art of crafting handmade wallets and bags using Tuscan leather.

These hands-on experiences offer a window into the region’s rich artistic heritage and provide a unique opportunity to bring home a truly one-of-a-kind souvenir, made by your own hands.

Day trips:

• Montefioralle and Panzano: Montefioralle is a small medieval village near Greve in Chianti that feels like stepping back in time.

• San Casciano dei Bagni: A hidden gem nestled in the southern part of Tuscany, San Casciano dei Bagni is famous for its natural hot springs. Spend the day soaking in thermal baths surrounded by nature, away from the crowds.

Trip extensions:

• Maremma Coast: Extend your trip to the Maremma Coast, Tuscany’s wild and rugged coastline.

• Amiata Mountain: For a nature-focused extension, head to Mount Amiata, a dormant volcano in southern Tuscany.

These lesser-known destinations offer a more intimate experience of Tuscany, perfect for travelers seeking something beyond the usual tourist routes.