Harvest time: an ancestral ritual

The harvest is something that connects us to our ancestors and keeps the rituals and traditions handed down from generation to generation alive. It’s a special moment, when the fruits of an entire year’s work in the vineyards are literally reaped, before the process continues with vinification and ageing. The grape harvest remains a celebration that brings generations together, uniting friends and wine lovers who – after a long day among the vines – sit down around the table to celebrate the ritual with good wine and traditional dishes.

The local vinification method is another way in which we nurture our ties with our ancestors.

This ancient process sees the wines naturally ferment in the bottles using their natural yeasts, with no additional yeasts or sugars added, resulting in unique, characterful flavour. It’s no wonder that this technique is gaining popularity once more in modern wine making.

If you're planning to explore a vineyard, one place you simply have to visit is the TerraQuilia winery in the Modena Appennines region. You’ll be able to taste wines created according to the ancient method, including unfiltered sparkling wines that are certified organic and vegan and offer particularly flavoursome, fragrant drinking experiences.

As well as delighting your tastebuds with a wine tasting and a light lunch, another big draw for the TerraQuilia winery is the stunning views.

The vineyards are located 500 metres above sea level and benefit from panoramic views over the Modena region, including the Sassi di Roccamalatina Regional Park – a 100 km oasis of forests, chestnut groves, rural villages and tiny churches. Don’t miss out on a visit to the hamlet of Giuglia, which is known as the “balcony of Emilia”.

This is a great destination for a tasting tour encompassing art, history and the natural surroundings – not to mention plenty of good food and excellent organic, vegan wine!

If that sounds like your thing, a wine tasting tour of TerraQuilia is the experience for you!