Italy in autumn: harvest & wine
Autumn in Italy is one of the best times to visit. Cooler weather brings olive, grape, and truffle harvests. Food and wine festivals kick off. Prices and crowds drop. All the while, fall foliage paints the countryside in warm hues, creating the perfect backdrop for a scenic road trip.
From late August through October, the grape harvest is in full swing. Visit Tuscany, Piedmont, or Veneto to experience the buzz. Join the grape-picking, or cozy up with a custom wine tasting on a misty October afternoon.
Later, from October through early December, locals harvest olives in Puglia, Tuscany, and Umbria. Tour the olive groves and watch the oil pressing process. Around the same time, the coveted white truffle emerges in Piedmont, Tuscany, Umbria, and Emilia-Romagna.
Fall foliage peaks in central and northern Italy from mid-October through early November. This shoulder season is a great time to snag lower prices, because Italy doesn’t market to leaf peepers as heavily as Japan or New England – despite the equally picturesque scenery.
The road becomes as rewarding as the destination this time of year. Rolling vineyards shift to gold while chestnut forests turn orange and deep red. A private car transfer fully immerses you in the rich seasonal colors and unlocks medieval hilltop towns and quiet vineyards inaccessible by train.
Overall, fall is the perfect time to explore Italy thanks to cooler weather, seasonal culinary delights, and incredible scenery. While most are still chasing the sun in September and October, you’ll get to enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds with festivals and harvests to enjoy.
About the author
Morgan Carpenter is a US-based travel writer whose favorite parts of Italy are Tuscany and the Italian Riviera. On her last trip, Lucca became one of her favorite Italian destinations.
Our data suggests
By October, bookings to the most popular Italian destinations drop by an average of 28% compared to peak season, as our travelers shift their attention toward warmer destinations, such as Mexico and Thailand.
Seasonal produce
Taste the season’s peak flavors: sample decadent fresh fruits, salty cheeses, and hearty squash dishes. Italy’s autumn flavors are earthy, sweet, and rich, boasting comfort in every mouthful. Think soups, stuffed pastas, and rustic desserts.
Taste the season’s peak flavors: sample decadent fresh fruits, salty cheeses, and hearty squash dishes. Italy’s autumn flavors are earthy, sweet, and rich, boasting comfort in every mouthful. Think soups, stuffed pastas, and rustic desserts.
Porcini mushrooms
Porcini mushrooms pop up from mid-September through late October in central Italy. Try them sautéed into a creamy risotto.
Figs
Pair raw figs with salty cheeses and cured meats, or spread fig jam on a traditional tart. Best enjoyed September through mid-October.
Fresh pecorino cheese
Try soft, buttery pecorino fresco spread on warm bread in Tuscany, Lazio, or Sardinia, September through November.
Pomegranates
Pick fresh pomegranates during late autumn in Sicily, Puglia, and Tuscany. Add to salads with chicory or drink as juice.
Chestnuts
Late October through November brings chestnut harvests in central Italy. Try traditional Castagnaccio, a Tuscan cake.
Squash
Pumpkin ravioli, roasted zucchini, and velvety squash soups emerge September through November across Italy.
Where to experience
Festa della Castagna, Marradi (Tuscany)
Every Sunday in October. One of Italy's most attended chestnut festivals, held in Marradi since 1969. Street stalls, artisan producers, and a special steam train from Florence.
Almabtrieb in the Alps, South Tyrol (Dolomites)
September to October. A homecoming parade welcoming cows down from the mountain for the winter. Traditional food, dancing, and decorative headdresses for the cows.
Avella Chestnut and Hazelnut Festival (Campania)
Mid-October for 5-7 days. Craft markets, tastings of hazelnut and chestnut dishes paired with local wines. Cooking and harvesting exhibitions.
Pomaria, Trentino (Italian Alps)
An apple festival held for three days in mid-October. Pick apples and pears, browse themed markets, try family-friendly creative activities.
Pizzocchero d'oro and Autumn Flavors Weekend (Lombardy)
Weekends from September through November. Celebrates local pizzoccheri, buckwheat pasta with potatoes, cabbage, and cheese. Themed weekends focus on other autumn flavors and games.
Talamello Fossa Cheese Fair (Emilia-Romagna)
Two Sundays in November. The annual unveiling of “pit cheese” matured in sandstone pits. See the ceremonial pit opening, sample the cheese with fresh bread, balsamic vinegar, and cured meat.
Sagre del Cinghiale in Chianni (Tuscany)
Two weekends in November. Pop-up kitchens and tasting events centered around locally caught wild boar, in its 50th year. Reservation-based dining in most restaurants.
Porcino and Chianina Autumn Festival in Castelfranco di Sotto (Tuscany)
Four weekends from October through November. Celebrates porcini mushrooms and Chianina beef with gourmet tastings. Expect rich meat sauces on handmade pasta, fried porcini, and grilled steaks.
Festa del Torrone, Cremona (Lombardy)
November 7-22, 2026. Celebrating torrone, a honey and nut nougat dessert that’s popular at Christmas. Tastings, nougat sculptures, and costumed pageants.
Lucca Comics and Games (Tuscany)
Late October. The largest festival of its kind in Europe, focusing on comics, animation, fantasy, and gaming. Costumes and cultural events throughout the city.
Experience the autumn grape harvest in Italy, the “Vendemmia.” Watch tractors chug by on rolling vineyard roads, surrounded by golden vines. Smell the tangy sweetness of fermenting grapes. Sip on freshly pressed grape juice and specialty wines paired with local meats and cheeses.
Experience the autumn grape harvest in Italy, the “Vendemmia.” Watch tractors chug by on rolling vineyard roads, surrounded by golden vines. Smell the tangy sweetness of fermenting grapes. Sip on freshly pressed grape juice and specialty wines paired with local meats and cheeses.
Coastal zones (Bolgheri, Maremma, Sicily)
Earliest harvest, late August into September; Nero d'Avola and the Super Tuscans of the Tyrrhenian coast come in first
Veneto (Prosecco, Amarone)
Prosecco hills of Valdobbiadene from late August; Corvina grapes for Amarone picked in late September and dried through winter
Tuscany (Chianti Classico, Val d'Orcia, Montalcino)
September into early October harvests; Sangiovese, Tuscany’s signature red, dominates alongside Trebbiano
Piedmont (Langhe, Monferrato)
Latest ripening grapes, final harvests stretching into November. Large varieties like Nebbiolo (used in Barolo and Barbaresco)
How to visit a harvest
- Choose smaller, family-run estates for intimate tastings and hands-on experiences
- Visitors can’t participate in harvests at major wineries, but may be able to join symbolic harvests at smaller family-run farms
- Tour the cool underground cellars and learn more about the fermentation and aging processes
- Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes if touring vineyards, which can be uneven and muddy
- Book vineyard experiences and farm stays well in advance, ideally before August
- Pack layers for all-day vineyard experiences; Autumn mornings get chilly but the afternoons can quickly heat up
Fall foliage
Drive through warm autumn landscapes, admiring the season’s vibrant display of gold, amber, and maroon. Enjoy a quieter atmosphere than more popular foliage destinations, following uncrowded roads to sleepy hilltop villages, mountain peaks, and vineyards.
Drive through warm autumn landscapes, admiring the season’s vibrant display of gold, amber, and maroon. Enjoy a quieter atmosphere than more popular foliage destinations, following uncrowded roads to sleepy hilltop villages, mountain peaks, and vineyards.
The Dolomites
Escape to the alpine beauty of the Dolomites to witness the contrast between golden leaves and evergreen pines, all set against dramatic peaks.
- See larch trees shift to a fiery golden hue in October while pines stay a rich green
- Stay near Cortina d’Ampezzo for easy hiking access and local food events
- Hike to Lago Federa, a sparkling alpine lake backed by vibrant larch trees and distant peaks, enjoying cooler weather and uncrowded trails
- Visit Brixen for its fall festivals, golden vineyards, and snowcapped peaks
- Try canederli, bread dumplings filled with smoked ham and cheese, served in a comforting broth or alongside beef stew
The Langhe Hills
Admire the autumnal patchwork of yellow, burnt orange, and maroon vineyards while sipping on local wines in The Langhe Hills.
- Vineyard colors peak mid-October to early November; each grape variety turns a different color
- Take a day trip to Turin, the capital of Piedmont, for its art galleries and rich history
- Stay in Alba to sample white truffles and enjoy a livelier city center, perfect for an afternoon cultural escape
- Enjoy scenic vineyard walks, or opt for an adventurous romp through the woods on a local truffle hunt
- Sip on locally produced Barolo, Barbaresco, or Barbera wines paired with handmade pasta topped with shaved truffle
Foreste Casentinesi National Park
See some of Europe’s most impressive autumn foliage in this vast national forest
- Spot copper-colored beech trees growing alongside dark green firs on UNESCO-protected trails
- Local “Autunno Slow” weekends encourage visitors to appreciate the beauty of the season on guided hikes and tastings
- Stay in Poppi, tucked into a lush valley and home to a medieval castle
- Visit historic pilgrimage sites like the mountaintop Sanctuary of La Verna for sweeping views of the amber leaves below
- Try comforting dishes like traditional potato tortelli, coated in butter and sage
Immerse yourself in Italy’s bustling olive harvest season. The country officially recognizes olive oil tourism, or “Oleoturismo,” so many farms open their doors to visitors. Try traditional picking methods, tour pressing facilities, and enjoy tastings of the freshly pressed, pungent oil.
Immerse yourself in Italy’s bustling olive harvest season. The country officially recognizes olive oil tourism, or “Oleoturismo,” so many farms open their doors to visitors. Try traditional picking methods, tour pressing facilities, and enjoy tastings of the freshly pressed, pungent o...
Sicily and Calabria
The earliest harvest starts in mid-September for bright green Nocellara and Biancolilla. Visit Mount Etna or Buccheri.
Puglia
Italy’s primary olive region awakens in October. Coratina and Ogliarola varieties. See Ostuni or the Itria Valley.
Central regions (Tuscany, Lazio, Umbria)
Mid-October harvests of purple Frantoio, Moraiolo and Leccio cultivars. Explore Chianti, Montalcino, Trevi, or Spello.
Northern regions (Lombardy, Liguria, Lake Garda)
Delicate varieties peak late October-November. Taggiasca or Casaliva varieties. See Bardolino, Imperia, and Rimini.
How to visit a harvest
- Taste “olio nuovo” at an olive mill, enjoying fresh-pressed green oil, unaged and unfiltered for a pungent, peppery kick
- Learn about DOP vs. IGP labels and how to choose between them
- Buy oils directly from mills at harvest events for the most authentic, high-quality product
- Spend a whole day on a local farm to be fully immersed in the harvest experience and enjoy communal harvest lunches
- Pair your hands-on harvest experience with local oil celebrations and food festivals to enjoy the local culture
- Prepare for rewarding physical work if participating in the harvest; dress in sturdy shoes and light layers
Did you know
DOP requires all stages, from growing to bottling, to occur within a specific microregion. IGP labels require that only one stage of the process occur within a specific microregion. IGP offers balanced regional flavors at a lower cost, while DOP carries strong hyper-local flavor and is best for raw finishing.
Where to experience
Sagra dell’Olivo (Lazio)
The country’s oldest olive oil festival, held in early December. Join bruschetta-fests in the central square to taste fresh local DOP oil drizzled over bruschetta.
Caroceto DOP festival (Marche)
November celebration of decadent Cartoceto oil. Tastings paired with local wines, cheeses, and meats. Local craft fairs.
Mostra Mercato dell’Olio Calenzano (Tuscany)
Market for smaller producers in Mid-November. Shop for oil, taste Pecorino cheese, and enjoy autumnal soups.
Sagra delle Olive (Puglia)
October 10-12 in Sannicandro di Bari. Fresh oil on bruschetta, brined olives, and folk art displays.
Badia a Coltibuono (Gaiole, Tuscany)
“Abbey of the Good Harvest.” Historic former abbey, cellars, and gardens. Enjoy farm-to-table meals and oil tastings.
Agriturismo Tananei (Marliana, Tuscany)
Immersive olive oil experiences include tours of the groves, guided oil-tasting, and a Tuscan dinner.
Olive Hill Sabina (Sabina, Lazio)
Organic grove near Rome. Farm tours, guided tastings, and harvest experiences.
Frantoio Savoia (Fasano, Puglia)
Family-run estate producing since 1909. Sprawling groves and 13th-century underground mill. Guided tastings.
Truffle season
Join the hunt for autumn truffles in Piedmont, Tuscany, and Umbria. These rare underground fungi grow near tree roots and cannot be farmed, making them a precious seasonal treat. Tag along for a dog-led truffle hunt or simply enjoy a tasting of these aromatic, garlicky tubers.
Join the hunt for autumn truffles in Piedmont, Tuscany, and Umbria. These rare underground fungi grow near tree roots and cannot be farmed, making them a precious seasonal treat. Tag along for a dog-led truffle hunt or simply enjoy a tasting of these aromatic, garlicky tubers.
White truffles
White truffles are the rarest variety and pack the most potent flavor profile.
- Appear only near oak, poplar, or willow roots briefly during autumn in Italy and Croatia
- Tastes earthy, savory, garlicky, and almost cheese-like; The aroma fades quickly, so it is often served freshly shaved
- Grow wild in Piedmont (especially around Alba), Tuscany, and Umbria from early October, peaking in November
- Attend a truffle festival or visit a local osteria to taste the delicacy shaved over fresh pasta dishes or fried eggs
- Join a hunting tour with an official “trifolao” (truffle hunter) and watch a highly trained dog sniff out truffles
- Purchase truffle-infused products from certified graders at weekend markets
Black truffles
Black truffles come in summer and winter varieties. Winter truffles offer a bolder, more complex flavor.
- Harvest for black winter truffles is November to March; Summer harvest is from May to September
- Winter truffle grows along oak, hazelnut, and beech roots; Hunts depend on a dog, just like white truffles
- Flavor profile is earthy, slightly sweet, and sometimes nutty, great with rich dishes like risotto or pasta
- Winter variety grows wild in Tuscany, Piedmont, Umbria, and for a quieter experience, Molise
- Join a truffle hunting tour and then enjoy a farmhouse meal in Molise for an authentic experience in mid-November
- Visit a traditional trattoria in season to try cheesy risottos or fried eggs with truffles shaved paper-thin tableside
Quote
"A dish that immediately takes me home are strangozzi with truffles, or a simple slice of bread with freshly pressed Umbrian extra virgin olive oil."
– Cristian Cagnoni, Daytrip driver in Spoleto, Perugia, Italy.
Where to experience
International Alba White Truffle Fair (Piedmont)
Busiest truffle event in the world. Weekends from October through November. Authentic truffle market, tastings and wine pairings, folklore performances.
National White Truffle Fair of Acqualagna (Marche)
Weekends from late October through November. Communal tasting events, cooking demonstrations, local vendors.
San Miniato National Market Exhibition of the White Truffle (Tuscany)
Three weekends in November. Scenic hilltop town. Truffle tastings, wine pairings, cooking demonstrations.
Tartufesta (Emilia-Romagna)
Mid-October through the first week in November. Throughout Bolognese towns. Street markets, food stands, dog competitions.
Drive through warm autumn landscapes, admiring the season’s vibrant display of gold, amber, and maroon. Enjoy a quieter atmosphere than more popular foliage destinations, following uncrowded roads to sleepy hilltop villages, mountain peaks, and vineyards.
Drive through warm autumn landscapes, admiring the season’s vibrant display of gold, amber, and maroon. Enjoy a quieter atmosphere than more popular foliage destinations, following uncrowded roads to sleepy hilltop villages, mountain peaks, and vineyards.
The Dolomites
Escape to the alpine beauty of the Dolomites to witness the contrast between golden leaves and evergreen pines, all set against dramatic peaks.
- See larch trees shift to a fiery golden hue in October while pines stay a rich green
- Stay near Cortina d’Ampezzo for easy hiking access and local food events
- Hike to Lago Federa, a sparkling alpine lake backed by vibrant larch trees and distant peaks, enjoying cooler weather and uncrowded trails
- Visit Brixen for its fall festivals, golden vineyards, and snowcapped peaks
- Try canederli, bread dumplings filled with smoked ham and cheese, served in a comforting broth or alongside beef stew
The Langhe Hills
Admire the autumnal patchwork of yellow, burnt orange, and maroon vineyards while sipping on local wines in The Langhe Hills.
- Vineyard colors peak mid-October to early November; each grape variety turns a different color
- Take a day trip to Turin, the capital of Piedmont, for its art galleries and rich history
- Stay in Alba to sample white truffles and enjoy a livelier city center, perfect for an afternoon cultural escape
- Enjoy scenic vineyard walks, or opt for an adventurous romp through the woods on a local truffle hunt
- Sip on locally produced Barolo, Barbaresco, or Barbera wines paired with handmade pasta topped with shaved truffle
Foreste Casentinesi National Park
See some of Europe’s most impressive autumn foliage in this vast national forest
- Spot copper-colored beech trees growing alongside dark green firs on UNESCO-protected trails
- Local “Autunno Slow” weekends encourage visitors to appreciate the beauty of the season on guided hikes and tastings
- Stay in Poppi, tucked into a lush valley and home to a medieval castle
- Visit historic pilgrimage sites like the mountaintop Sanctuary of La Verna for sweeping views of the amber leaves below
- Try comforting dishes like traditional potato tortelli, coated in butter and sage
Cansiglio Forest
Bright red and orange foliage awaits visitors to this forest sprawling across Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia.
- See amber and crimson beech leaves alongside Norway Spruce forests that stay a rich green year-round
- Listen for the bellowing calls of rutting deer deep in the forest from mid-September to mid-October
- Hike easy loops like the Bus de la Lum for scenic autumn foliage on family-friendly trails
- Stay in nearby cities like Belluno, offering easy access to both the forest’s trails and the Prosecco Hills
- Sample Formaggio Cansiglio, a local cheese infused with mountain herbs
Aosta Valley
Soak up golden and orange foliage and crisp mountain air in this peaceful valley.
- Bright yellow-orange larch trees take center stage here from October through early November
- See Aosta town, home to well-preserved Roman ruins and mountain views
- Take the cable car from Aosta to the ridgeline hikes and alpine meadows of Pila
- Stay in Courmayeur for upscale accommodation and dining near Mont Blanc
- Try Carbonade Valdostana, a seasonal beef stew flavored with red wine served with polenta
Our recommended fall routes in Italy
Siena to Rome
2h 37min • 234km (145.4mi)
From €497
Siena to Florence
1h 11min • 76km (47.2mi)
From €353
Assisi to Rome
2h 17min • 174km (108.1mi)
From €407
Milan to Tirano
2h 40min • 162km (100.7mi)
From €362
Florence to Montepulciano
1h 29min • 109km (67.7mi)
From €365
Catania to Palermo
2h 27min • 212km (131.7mi)
From €368
Bari to Matera
1h 5min • 67km (41.6mi)
From €180
Venice to Bologna
1h 48min • 157km (97.6mi)
From €319
Venice to Verona
1h 25min • 121km (75.2mi)
From €296
Milan to Alba
1h 49min • 152km (94.4mi)
From €310
Turin to Aosta
1h 26min • 115km (71.5mi)
From €378
Florence to Poppi
1h 20min • 57km (35.4mi)
From €351
Best fall day trips
Florence to Antinori nel Chianti Classico: Private day trip
Turin to Barolo: Private day trip
Florence to Pisa and Lucca: Private day trip
Rome to Orvieto and Assisi: Private day trip
Verona to Sirmione and Riva del Garda: Private day trip
Florence to Siena and Monteriggioni: Private day trip
Florence to San Gimignano and Volterra: Private day trip
Bologna to Modena: Private day trip
Catania to Mount Etna and Taormina: Private day trip
Ostuni to Locorotondo and Martina Franca: Private day trip
Turin to Aosta and Ivrea: Private day trip
Euganean hilltowns and vineyards: Day trip from Venice
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