by InTrieste
A regional initiative offers travelers the chance to pick grapes alongside winemakers, explore historic vineyards and cellars, and discover the traditions behind one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions.
TRIESTE, Italy — As the grape harvest approaches across Friuli Venezia Giulia, a number of wineries are opening their vineyards to visitors through a series of educational harvest experiences that combine hands-on participation with wine, food and local history.
Organized by wineries belonging to the Strada del Vino e dei Sapori (Wine and Flavors Route), the initiative allows participants to join seasonal harvesting activities while learning about grape cultivation, ripening and the first stages of winemaking directly from producers.
The experiences are designed for a broad audience, from wine enthusiasts seeking technical tastings and cellar tours to families looking for an accessible introduction to rural traditions. Many wineries also conclude the day with communal meals or guided tastings featuring regional wines and local specialties.
Visitors can reserve their preferred experience through the official PromoTurismoFVG harvest program.
Harvest experiences across the region
Colutta (Friuli Colli Orientali)
Available on request during the harvest season, Colutta’s program begins with morning grape picking before moving into the cellar, where visitors observe the early phases of vinification. The experience concludes with a tasting of the estate’s wines paired with traditional local products.
More information: Colutta Harvest Experience
Conte d’Attimis-Maniago (Buttrio)
From Aug. 28 through Sept. 30, this historic estate offers guided walks through centuries-old vineyards and its 16th-century underground cellar. Wine tastings are included, with optional off-road vineyard tours and picnics in the estate orchard.
More information: Conte d’Attimis-Maniago Winery Visits
Elio Vini (Grupignano di Cividale)
Scheduled for Sept. 12, 19 and 26, visitors are welcomed by winemaker Franco Venica before taking part in the harvest. The day concludes with tastings accompanied by locally produced cured meats and cheeses.
More information: Elio Vini Harvest Experience
Gelindo dei Magredi (Vivaro)
Designed with families in mind, this experience takes place on Aug. 30 and Sept. 5, 13 and 19. Guests travel by horse-drawn carriage to the vineyard, harvest grapes, and later participate in the traditional barefoot grape pressing, bottling fresh grape juice to take home.
More information: Gelindo dei Magredi Family Harvest
Gradis’ciutta (Collio)
On Sept. 12, participants explore organic viticulture through vineyard work, a cellar visit and a guided tasting of wines produced in the heart of the Collio appellation.
More information: Gradis’ciutta Harvest Experience
Le Due Torri (Friuli Colli Orientali)
During the third and fourth weekends of September, visitors harvest grapes, tour the winery and enjoy an evening tasting dinner. Children can also experience the traditional practice of pressing grapes barefoot, offering a glimpse into a long-standing harvest tradition.
More information: Le Due Torri Educational Harvest
Agriturismo Tonutti (Friuli Grave)
At the Tonutti estate in Adegliacco, guests join the harvest, learn how grapes are transformed into must, and share the customary harvest lunch that has long marked the end of a day’s work in the vineyards.
More information: Agriturismo Tonutti Harvest Experience
A model for wine tourism
Friuli Venezia Giulia became the first Italian region in 2023 to formally promote educational grape harvesting through a protocol signed by PromoTurismoFVG and the regional branch of the National Association of Wine Cities. The initiative aims to strengthen sustainable wine tourism while preserving the cultural traditions surrounding the annual vendemmia.
Rather than observing from the sidelines, visitors are invited to take part in one of Italy’s oldest agricultural rituals—sharing in the harvest, the craft skills and the convivial spirit that define the region’s wine culture.
