Vendemmia in Piazza: When La Morra Turns Gold and Celebrates!

Vendemmia in Piazza: The Heart of the Langhe Beats in La Morra!

When autumn paints the Langhe vineyards with a thousand shades of gold and crimson, a magical and unmissable event celebrates the fruit of a year's hard work and passion: the Vendemmia in Piazza in La Morra. This annual event is not just a festival; it's a true hymn to wine culture, rural traditions, and the beauty of a landscape unlike any other. If you love fine wine, authentic atmospheres, and traditions passed down through generations, get ready for an unforgettable experience!

An Ancient Rite Revived: Dates and Atmosphere

The "Vendemmia in Piazza" usually takes place in mid-September, right in the middle of the grape harvest season. It transforms the main square of La Morra into a lively stage of celebration and tradition. The air fills with the sweet scent of must, the sound of accordions, and laughter, creating an infectious atmosphere of joy.

What to expect:

• Traditional Grape Stomping: The heart of the event is a demonstration of old-fashioned grape stomping—with bare feet! It's a moment of great fun and engagement that takes you back in time, when modern machinery didn't exist and human strength was the only tool. Often, even the most daring visitors can try their hand (or foot!) at this ancient practice.
• Must and Wine Tastings: You can't miss the chance to taste the freshly pressed must, which is sweet and sparkling. Of course, you can also sample the wines that have made La Morra famous worldwide, especially Barolo. Local wineries set up stalls to showcase their excellent products.
• Local Market: Artisans and local producers display their delights: cheeses, cured meats, hazelnuts, sweets, and, of course, a wide selection of wines. It's the perfect opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of the Langhe.
• Folk Music and Dances: Folkloric groups enliven the square with traditional Piedmontese music and dances, inviting everyone to join the celebration.
• Parades and Reenactments: Sometimes, small parades are organized featuring vintage farm tools and people in traditional costumes to show what the grape harvest was like in the past.

The History and Deep Meaning Behind the Event

The "Vendemmia in Piazza" isn't just a simple festival; it's a celebration of a rite with roots in the millennia-old history of this region. Viticulture in the Langhe has shaped the landscape, economy, and identity of its inhabitants for centuries.

The grape harvest, in particular, has always been a moment of great social importance. It was the culmination of a year of hard work in the fields—a time of fatigue but also of great hope and shared effort. Entire families, and often the whole community, would gather for the harvest, working together and then celebrating the abundant yield.

The event in La Morra was born from the desire to preserve this deep connection to the past and to pass on the techniques, customs, and spirit of that time. It's a way to educate new generations and visitors about the crucial link between people, the land, and the wine.

Living Traditions and Folk Tales

The Langhe is a land of stories and legends, and the grape harvest has its own anecdotes:

• The Harvest Song: It's said that in the past, to ease the fatigue and synchronize movements during the harvest, workers would sing specific songs with rhythms that dictated the pace of pruning or stomping. While rare, some of these songs are still performed during the festival.
• The First Drop: A popular belief holds that the first drop of must from the stomping should be poured onto the ground as a thank you and a wish for an even more generous future harvest.
• "St. Martin's Must": Although the harvest is in September, the festival also recalls "St. Martin's Must" (November 11), when the new wine is finally ready to be tasted. "Vendemmia in Piazza" is a preview of this joy, a first taste of the promise the must will bring.

Where to Stay for the Vendemmia in Piazza?

To fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Vendemmia in Piazza and enjoy the wonders of the Langhe, choosing the right accommodation is key. La Morra and its surroundings offer a wide range of options, from farm stays with vineyard views to B&Bs in the heart of the village. For a comfortable stay, we suggest our cozy accommodation, La casa a Pollenzo. Ideally located for easy access to the main square and major attractions, it's the perfect place to relax after a day spent celebrating and discovering the beauty of this land.

More Than Just the Harvest: Explore the Langhe!

The "Vendemmia in Piazza" is the perfect opportunity to explore everything the Langhe has to offer:

• Food and Wine Routes: Take advantage of the chance to visit the numerous wineries and participate in guided tastings. Don't forget to sample the traditional dishes of Piedmontese cuisine—a true feast of flavors.
• UNESCO Panoramas: Drive along the scenic roads that wind through the vineyards, enjoying breathtaking views, especially at sunset, when the sky is painted with spectacular colors.
• Charming Villages: Explore nearby villages like Barolo, Monforte d'Alba, and Grinzane Cavour, each with its own history and traditions.

The "Vendemmia in Piazza" in La Morra is an experience that engages all the senses: the scent of the grapes, the taste of the wine, the sounds of the celebration, the colors of the vineyards, and the warmth of the people. It's an invitation to celebrate life, the land, and the traditions that make the Langhe such a special place.