by InTrieste
In Friuli Venezia Giulia, late summer means the start of the grape harvest, a ritual that has shaped the region’s culture and economy for centuries. This year, visitors once again have the opportunity to experience it firsthand, thanks to an initiative that blends tourism, education and tradition along the Strada del Vino e dei Sapori, the Wine and Flavors Route of Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Beginning August 23 in Vivaro and continuing through October, ten wineries across Collio, Colli Orientali and Friuli Grave will open their vineyards to the public for more than 180 harvest-themed events. Participants are invited not only to pick grapes but also to discover the nuances of wine making, guided by producers eager to share their expertise.
The program, coordinated by PromoTurismoFVG in partnership with the national association Città del Vino, was designed to showcase the value of harvest as a cultural and educational experience. Friuli Venezia Giulia was the first Italian region to formally commit to developing harvest-related tourism in 2023. The initiative has since grown in popularity, drawing both locals and international visitors.
Activities are tailored to different audiences. Enthusiasts can join technical workshops on grape maturity, vinification practices and guided tastings of select labels. Families, meanwhile, can opt for more playful introductions to vineyard life, with some estates offering barefoot grape-stomping for children or outdoor picnics among the vines. Many experiences conclude with a traditional harvester’s lunch or a tasting of regional products.
The wineries span the region’s diverse landscapes. Gelindo dei Magredi in Vivaro (Pordenone) launched the program with family-friendly harvest days and group bookings. In Buttrio (Udine), the centuries-old Conte d’Attimis-Maniago estate invites visitors into its 16th-century cellars for tastings. At San Vito al Tagliamento, Bagnarol recreates old-fashioned grape pressing in wooden vats, while Colutta in Manzano and Le Due Torri in Tricesimo combine harvesting with shared meals and agritourism dinners.
Other highlights include Gradis’ciutta in San Floriano del Collio, offering a deep dive into Collio’s historic terroir; Orzaia in Fontanafredda, where alpaca walks accompany the harvest for a single day in September; and Tonutti in Adegliacco, where participants join a communal meal with vineyard workers. In Prepotto, La Viarte combines harvest and tastings with sweeping vineyard views, while Elio Vini near Cividale del Friuli pairs grape picking with local salumi and cheeses.
Organizers note that schedules may shift with the weather, a reminder that harvest remains at the mercy of nature despite its touristic appeal. Information and reservations are available on the official tourism website, turismofvg.it.
For visitors, the initiative offers more than a chance to pick grapes. It is a way to step inside one of Italy’s most distinctive wine making regions, where harvest is not only work but also a celebration of community, land and tradition.
More info here.
