Italy has no such thing as a fall foliage forecast, as it is not as known as in other countries. But foliage takes place in the vineyards, where autumn colors hold you in a warm embrace on the first cold days of the year.
Only one month ago, vineyards in Italy were carrying heavy bunches of round grapes, yellow or purple, according to their vines.
Today, delivered of their fruits, they are not yet naked, as their leaves are mostly all still there, only turned their colors from green into warm nuances of yellows, reds, and browns. And specially from a certain distance, they design stunning views that can be admired for hours until the sunset adds some gold to the picture.
While lingering in this warm embrace, grabbing a nice glass of wine is strongly recommended, possibly of the “vino Novello“, which has just been made with the landscape.
This show takes place in many locations with vineyards in the Italian countryside. There are, of course, some sites and vines worth an afternoon stop. And in each place, of course, there is a particular food to try along with all this.
Fall foliage in Chianti, Tuscany, noble wines, and culture.
The beautiful initial stretch of the Arbia valleys and the Pesa rivers in Tuscany is the region of the “Chianti Classico” vine, the Sangiovese. Several cultural attractions, like the archeological site dating back to 200 b.C., or the mighty walls of Radda are also worth a stop.
There are countless food specialties to try, along with a nice glass of Chianti Classico, the Finocchiona ham, the Lard, and the local Pecorino cheese.
In the sweet hills of Langhe, on the Romantic Itinerary
The Romantic Road is the perfect itinerary to enjoy one of the most exciting fall vineyard foliage, about 90 miles and 11 stages crossing Le Langhe region. We are n the Piedmont region around the town of Alba, with hills and vineyards alternating with castles and historic villages and, above all, the land of the Barolo and Barbaresco wine production.
It is mandatory to visit one of the local cellars.
Typical products are truffles, cured meats, and cheeses. The famous white truffle of Alba is celebrated with the International White Truffle Alba Fair, usually held in October and November.
3 – Fall foliage in the Umbria vineyards in a photo contest
The Strada del Sagrantino is an itinerary crossing central Italy’s Umbria region near Perugia. It is the area of the best Sagrantino grape variety, which in its autumn colors holds the combination of rich territory, mild climate, and care of Umbrian winemakers.
The photographic challenge ‘Autumn colors, the foliage of the Sagrantino vine’ takes place in November and December and is dedicated to the landscapes designed by the presence of the prized native vine.
Between a snap and a glass of Sagrantino, inevitable is the tasting of ham or mortadella from Norcia, but also coral salami, capocollo, Guanciale or Barbozzo … the list has no end!