News from Italy

Poggiotondo: live the grape harvest in Casentino

28 September 2009

In October, like every year, Poggiotondo gives hospitality to anyone who likes to see all the phases of the grape harvesting. Special price stayings in the structures of the area are provided for people who whish to stay at night.

Lorenzo Massart, the Casentino grapegrower and winemaker of Poggiotondo in Subbiano (Arezzo), confirms his day dedicated to the grape harvest feast to which he invites all the people interested in seeing what happens in a winery, in the vineyards and in the cellar during the “hottest” days in the year.

"We must open our wineries during the grape harvest, that is the great feast of the countryside. Only in this way our guests may start enjoying the countryside, its typical rhythms and the people who live there...Personally I would be very happy if my guests feel the wish for coming back independently from me or the grape harvest...So I would like them to be willing to discover Casentino, a marvellous land where there are many villages ready to arouse enthusiasm in the most demanding travellers".

"The enotourist then comes to Poggiotondo not only to taste and enjoy its wine, but because he wants to meet the person who makes it and he wants to know the way in which it is made, because he thinks that the wine is the portrait of the person who produces it. Therefore if the winemaker is an ugly and unpleasant person his wine will be like him as well. That's why during the grape harvest I always try to be nice – says Mr. Massart smiling – because I think so as well... If the winemaker does not do his best and does not put his soul in his wine, and by tasting it you'll understand it, then I prefer give it up".

The grape harvest will take place at Le Rancole where the vineyards and the cellar of Poggiotondo are situated and it “should” start in the period between 1st to 10th October (the harvesting  will actually start only when the grapes will have reached the best ripening and if the weather conditions are fit for it). To take part to the grape harvest just call 329.59.26.089 or write an email to info@poggiotondo.it.

"Our guest – says Mr. Massart- will be only an enospectator: no other active role, he is allowed to follow all that happens in the vineyards and in the cellar, he will have meal with us...Of course he is supposed to taste and drink all the wines and Vinsanto bearing in mind that it might be quite risky driving back home".

Therefore who is willing to stay in Subbiano after the harvesting Torre Santa Flora (tel. 0575.42.10.45) and Chenno (tel. 0575.48.80.02) will offer rooms and meals at very special prices.