HARVEST SEASON IN BASSANO DEL GRAPPA & THE VENETO HILLS.
There’s no better time to experience the heart and soul of northern Italy than during harvest season. From late summer through autumn, the hills and valleys of Veneto come alive with tradition, flavor, and celebration. In Bassano del Grappa, you’ll find golden fields of white asparagus in spring and vineyards heavy with grapes in Prosecco country by September. Local markets overflow with porcini mushrooms, truffles, and chestnuts, while olive groves begin the age-old ritual of pressing vibrant green olio nuovo. It’s a season of abundance and the perfect moment to eat, drink, and live like a local.
Wine Harvest (La Vendemmia)
Late August – October
Grapes are typically harvested from late August to early October, depending on the region and grape variety.
Northern regions (like Piedmont and Veneto) often start in September, while southern regions (like Sicily and Puglia) begin earlier.
This is a fantastic time to visit wineries, take part in grape-stomping festivals, and taste the new vintage.
Bassano del Grappa offers a year-round calendar brimming with historical, cultural, culinary and sporting events. From vibrant holiday markets and bridge concerts to art fairs, dance performances, cycling races, and car rallies, there's something for everyone. Don't miss the renowned July 'White Nights,' weekly town markets, live music in the castle and park, and traditional religious celebrations, all steeped in deep Italian traditions.
White Asparagus Season
Mid-March to Late May
Grown mainly in Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia, and Emilia-Romagna, with Bassano del Grappa being especially famous for it.
The prized Asparago Bianco di Bassano DOP is thick, tender, and sweet, with a protected designation of origin.
You'll find it featured in regional dishes like asparagi con uova e parmigiano (with soft-boiled eggs and parmesan) or risotto.
Many towns (especially in Veneto) hold asparagus festivals during the season — a great time to visit for food lovers!
Mushroom Season
September – November (peak in October)
Porcini mushrooms are the stars of Italian autumn forests.
Found in northern and central regions (Tuscany, Umbria, Trentino, Emilia-Romagna).
Local foraging tours and rustic trattoria menus feature freshly gathered mushrooms.
Truffle Season
White Truffles: October – December
Black Truffles: November – March (and summer varieties June–August)
White truffles are the most prized and found mainly in Piedmont, Tuscany, and Umbria in the fall.
Black truffles are more common and can be found at different times throughout the year.
Visit towns like Alba or San Miniato for truffle fairs and tastings.
OTHER HARVEST + FOOD FESTIVALS IN ITALY
Garlic & Onion Festivals – Summer
Especially in Emilia-Romagna and Lazio (e.g. Viterbo’s Sagra dell’Aglio).
A celebration of strong flavors, preserved traditions, and rural food culture.
Cheese Festivals (e.g., Pecorino, Parmigiano) – Various times
Pienza (Tuscany) hosts the Fiera del Cacio in early September.
Events often include cheese tastings, rolling contests, and artisan food markets.
Tomato & Harvest Fairs – July to September
In southern Italy, including Campania and Puglia, you’ll find celebrations of San Marzano and heirloom tomatoes.
Sunflower Season – July
While not a harvest festival per se, sunflower fields in Tuscany, Umbria, and Le Marche become iconic mid-summer destinations and photo ops.
Autumnal “Sagre” Across Italy – September to November
These small-town food festivals celebrate everything from wild boar to polenta to local wine and are found all over Italy in fall.
Think of them as hyper-local harvest parties with rustic food, music, and community vibes.
SEASONAL HARVEST IN ITALY
Olive Harvest
Late October – Early December
A beautiful time to visit olive groves in Tuscany, Umbria, Puglia, and Sicily.
Participate in olive-picking and enjoy freshly pressed olio nuovo — bright green, peppery, and delicious!
Citrus Season (Sicily especially)
December – February
Winter is citrus heaven in southern Italy — think blood oranges, mandarins, and lemons.
Perfect for food lovers wanting a sunny, off-season trip.
Other Autumn Harvests
Chestnuts: October – November, celebrated in mountain festivals (sagre) in regions like Liguria, Tuscany, and the Alps.
Pumpkins & Squash: Late September – November, found in northern Italian cuisine like pumpkin tortelli.
Figs & Late Summer Fruit: August – September, especially in southern Italy.
Cherry Festivals (Festa delle Ciliegie) – May to June
Celebrated in towns like Vignola (Emilia-Romagna) and Marostica (Veneto).
Great for sampling fresh cherries, desserts, and watching parades or local games.
Peach & Summer Fruit Festivals – June to August
In regions like Emilia-Romagna, Veneto, and Campania, towns celebrate peaches, apricots, and figs.
Small, charming sagre often feature music, dancing, and local crafts.
(Images Courtesy of: Live Like a Local Italy | Bassano Tourism | Villa Angarano Bianchi Michiel)
