Each September, the Italian countryside is awash with groups of locals harvesting the grapes to make wine, in a process called La Vendemmia.
The region of Franciacorta is no exception and the festival of grape-picking is one of the most celebrated occasions in the Italian calendar, with many local families gathering in the fields to help with this time-honoured tradition.
It is therefore a great time to book a break at L’Albereta, a boutique, ivy-clad hotel in hilltop Lombardy. Set amid vineyards and its own Bellavista winery, this is a fantastic mini-break for wine-lovers and a great chance to capture the last of the summer sunshine whilst experiencing this wonderful annual event.
The Franciacorta region is one of Italy’s best kept secrets and is to Italy what Champagne is to France. Bellavista’s sparkling wine is handmade in the same way as champagne and guests of the hotel can not only witness the harvest process and the rituals of the occasion but also experience tours of the local wineries and of course sample Bellavista for themselves. And if all the wine tasting becomes too much, L’Albereta has its own Henri Chenot spa, perfect for an afternoon of relaxation.
Special rates available throughout September. L’Albereta, Via Vittorio Emanuele, n° 23 – 25030, Erbusco (Brescia), Italy, www.albereta.it
