The month of September, in Italy as in much of Europe, is synonymous with harvest: the moment when grapes reach maturity and enter the cellar to become wine. An ancient rite that unites agriculture, celebration and culture, and that still today preserves a unique charm made of scents, anticipation and traditions.
Why in September?
The harvest period varies according to the grape variety, the area and the climate of the year.
- In Italy, it already begins at the end of August with early white grapes such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- In September the most common varieties are harvested, while October and November are dedicated to late varieties such as Nebbiolo or Aglianico.
September remains the symbolic month of harvest because the late summer sun, combined with the first cool nights, allows grapes to reach the perfect balance between sugars, acidity and aromas.
Harvest in Italy: work, community and celebration
In Italy the harvest is not only an agricultural practice: it is a moment of community. In the past, families gathered to pick grapes together, and the day ended with banquets and folk songs.
Today this tradition is renewed through wine tourism. Many wineries offer unique experiences such as:
- days in the vineyard to take part in the harvest,
- tastings of must and fermenting wines,
- picnics among the rows,
- guided tours of cellars to discover winemaking techniques.
A special opportunity to experience up close the magic of the birth of wine.
Curiosities about the harvest
Italy is the world’s leading wine producer, but the harvest is celebrated all over Europe.
- France: in Burgundy and Bordeaux fairs and festivals are organized; in Paris, in the Montmartre district, the historic Fête des Vendanges is held every year.
- Spain: in Rioja and Catalonia the harvest is accompanied by popular festivals with dances, parades and the traditional barefoot grape pressing.
- Germany: along the Moselle and Rhine valleys the harvest lasts until October. Here the famous Weinfeste enliven villages with markets, concerts and tastings.
New wine: the first fruit of the harvest
Among the curiosities of September is the expectation of new wine, the first wine that arrives on the table a few weeks after the harvest.
- What it is: it is born thanks to the technique of carbonic maceration, which accelerates fermentation. It is young, fresh and full of fruity aromas.
- When to drink it: in Italy it goes on sale from October 30, while in France the famous Beaujolais Nouveau is celebrated on the third Thursday of November.
- Pairings: ideal with chestnuts, cured meats, fresh cheeses and light autumn dishes. It is the wine of conviviality, to be enjoyed within a few months.
Harvest: between tradition and future
The harvest remains one of the most exciting moments of the year for wine lovers. It is tradition, but also innovation: manual techniques are joined by modern harvesters and scientific analyses that determine the perfect time to pick.
👉 Taking part in a harvest, in Italy or abroad, means living an experience that unites culture, nature and conviviality. And if the future looks at sustainability and technology, the charm of the “first cut of the bunch” remains unchanged.
Haier solutions and hOn app for smart wine management
For those who love wine, it is not enough to choose the right label: it is essential to store and manage it in the best way. Haier and the hOn app offer a complete range of solutions:
- Wine cellars: available in various formats, built-in or freestanding, also with dual temperature, to keep reds and whites in ideal conditions.
- Wine accessories: a range of tools perfect for cultivating your passion or for making original gifts.
- Smart management with the hOn app: catalog bottles, receive personalized suggestions and control the wine cellar remotely has never been so simple.
Buy your wines directly from the app
With the hOn app you can order your favorite bottles on Vino.com with dedicated discounts. A practical and quick way to enrich your collection with selected labels: from great Italian and European classics to niche wines, up to new wines, perfect for an autumn toast.
👉 Discover the Haier range and manage your wine cellar smartly with the hOn app: the pleasure of wine always at your fingertips.
