The preparation for the harvest

Many months of hard work lead up to the magical moment: the grape harvest

The grape harvest in the Langhe: a unique experience of vineyards and tradition

During summer, many days of hard work in the vineyards prepare the way for the extraordinary spectacle that takes place in autumn: the grape harvest. It feels almost like an ancient ritual which not only produces fine wines, but also captivates anyone lucky enough to witness it, perhaps while walking through the vineyards. The UNESCO-listed Langhe are famous for their rolling hills and vineyards, which create an almost artistic landscape. Here, nature has joined forces with human ingenuity and hard work to create something unique.

The essence of the grape harvest in the Langhe

From June to September, the vineyards experience one of the most intense periods of the year. The rows of vines, glowing green and gold in summer, hold within their bunches all the commitment and passion of local winegrowers. These men and women, often heirs to centuries-old traditions, treat each vine like a child: they tend it, protect it and help it grow so that it can produce the finest possible fruit.

The harvest is not simply a time for picking grapes, but a genuine event. September and October attract thousands of wine enthusiasts eager to discover the secrets of this extraordinary area. Experiencing this season in the Langhe means not only tasting great wines, but also coming into close contact with nature, culture and tradition.

Summer work in the vineyards

Before the harvest arrives, however, the vineyard requires a long process of care and maintenance. In July and August, farmers carry out numerous essential tasks to ensure a high-quality crop. For your curiosity, here is a list of vineyard jobs in the Piedmontese dialect. You may be able to surprise a winegrower with your knowledge—but be careful: they may start a long conversation in Piedmontese, and I cannot promise you will understand everything!

• Cugé i brambuj (laying down the shoots): essential work that allows workers to move easily between the rows.
• Dé ‘l vardaram (applying copper treatment): a crucial defence against vine diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew and botrytis.
• Gavé gl’arbüt (removing shoots): this controls growth and encourages new leaves that protect the grape bunches.
• Tajé l’erba/trincé (cutting the grass): this keeps the ground tidy and helps prevent pests.
• Gavé ‘l föje dan sul’uva (removing leaves around the grapes): an important step that allows sunlight to reach the bunches and helps them ripen.

Tourism and wine tasting in the Langhe

If you are planning a trip to the Langhe, perhaps during the harvest itself, prepare for a sea of colours and aromas. Many wineries open their doors to visitors for tastings. Some may also take you for a walk through the vineyard, giving you a true sense of how much they love their land. There is no better way to discover this area: immerse yourself in its wine culture and taste an excellent Barolo, an aromatic Barbaresco and one of the many Nebbiolo wines that every producer will be proud to introduce.

A toast to hard work

The harvest is only one stage, but it is the culmination of months of hard work and dedication. When you raise your glass, remember that behind the wine lies the tireless work of people who care for the vineyards with love and passion. Langhe farmers know that every vine, patiently tended, rewards them with a superior wine.

So raise your glass with me and let us toast our farmers! September and October carry the hope of an excellent vintage.

An article about the grape harvest in Alba and the surrounding Langhe, a land of magnificent vineyards and excellent wine