Autunno da Bere

Vino versato, camini accesi: l’Italia delle Sagre

Mostra del Bitto: 18-19 Ottobre, Morbegno (Valtellina)

Mostra del Bitto: 18-19 Ottobre, Morbegno (Valtellina)

The Mostra del Bitto, taking place in Morbegno on October 18 and 19, 2025, is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited and beloved events in Valtellina. It celebrates the renowned Bitto cheese, a true symbol of the region’s cheesemaking tradition, born in the peaks of the Lombardy Alps as far back as the Middle Ages. But this fair is much more than just a tasting: it’s a full immersion into the culture, flavors, and stories of the territory. During the event, you can take part in guided tastings, masterclasses, and educational workshops that will unveil the secrets of Bitto, Valtellina Casera, Scimudin, and Latteria – all cheeses made using traditional methods passed down through generations. One of the highlights is the competition that rewards the best cheese wheels produced during the summer in the mountain pastures, where the unique climate and grass give these cheeses their unmistakable character. Producers and enthusiasts from across the region gather here to share tips and stories. The celebration takes over the center of Morbegno with folk music, traditional performances, historical reenactments, and themed markets — perfect for discovering local crafts and taking home an authentic piece of Valtellina. Traveling with kids? No worries — there are plenty of activities designed especially for the little ones. A local tip: don’t just stick to the city event — take advantage of the weekend to explore the nearby alpine dairies, where herders still raise their cattle the old-fashioned way, in breathtaking natural settings. A walk along the Adda River or a trip to the Morbegno waterfalls are also great ways to enjoy the fresh mountain air and postcard-perfect scenery. The Mostra del Bitto is an experience that leaves you with the scent of hay, the taste of tradition, and the passion of those who still live in close connection with nature.

Sagra del Cinghiale: 5-7 e 10-14 settembre, Capalbio

Sagra del Cinghiale: 5-7 e 10-14 settembre, Capalbio

Settembre in Maremma ha un solo profumo: quello del cinghiale che cuoce piano, tra aromi di bosco e vino rosso. Torna la leggendaria Sagra del Cinghiale di Capalbio, e quest’anno si fa il bis: due weekend consecutivi per celebrare la 60ª edizione di uno degli appuntamenti più amati della Toscana. Lo stand gastronomico è aperto ogni sera dalle 19:00, e il 13 e 14 anche a pranzo (dalle 12:00), perfetto per chi vuole un bis di cinghiale sotto il sole toscano. Dimentica prenotazioni e formalità: qui si mangia “alla buona”, tra lunghe tavolate, piatti fumanti e un’atmosfera da festa di paese vera, di quelle con musica, vino locale e sorrisi genuini. Da provare assolutamente? Le pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale, la porchetta e il cinghiale in umido con pane croccante, il tutto accompagnato da un rosso corposo della zona. Insomma, che tu venga per la cucina, per l’ambiente, o per vivere un weekend toscano fuori dai soliti giri, la Sagra del Cinghiale di Capalbio è l’evento da non perdere.

Harvest, Barolo and Truffle: the Langhe

Harvest, Barolo and Truffle: the Langhe

Between September and October, the Langhe, in southeastern Piedmont, undergo a transformation: the hills turn shades of copper and ochre, the air smells of must and damp earth, and the quiet roads winding through the vineyards fill with tractors, baskets brimming with grapes, and skilled hands working at dawn. The grape harvest here isn’t some postcard cliché — it’s a centuries-old agricultural ritual, deeply rooted in the culture of a land where wine is history before it's a label. For visitors, it's the perfect time to experience the Langhe authentically: you can join a manual harvest in a small family-run winery (book in advance), take a guided tour through the historic crus (a French term used here to refer to highly specific vineyard areas with unique soil, exposure, and microclimate, capable of producing superior and distinctive grapes — and therefore wines), or sip a young Nebbiolo as the sun sets behind the UNESCO-listed hills. Monforte d’Alba and La Morra offer panoramic tasting rooms and silence full of flavor; Neive and Barbaresco, more intimate and quiet, reflect a still-rural Piedmont — refined, but without pretense. Beyond wine, it's also the season of the white truffle, of food festivals, and the return of traditional dishes to local menus — tajarin, brasati, hazelnuts — all wrapped in the morning fogs that drift over the vineyards. You don’t need to plan much: just a weekend, a car, and the desire to follow your senses. At aperitivo hour, head to the historic center of Dogliani for an authentic Dolcetto, or drive up to Serralunga for a glass with a breathtaking view. In autumn, the Langhe are a poem — to drink, to eat, and to photograph.

Polenta Festival: October 25–28, Apiro (Marche)

Polenta Festival: October 25–28, Apiro (Marche)

In Apiro, in the heart of the Marche region, one of the most anticipated events of autumn takes place: the 63rd Polenta Festival, from October 25 to 28, 2025. Rooted in farming traditions and a deep love for the land, this festival blends authentic rural culture with a festive, welcoming atmosphere. Together with the Folk Festival held in August, the Polenta Festival is a true tribute to agricultural life and its values.

Over four days of celebration, the village comes alive with a packed program designed for all ages: a parade and show by the local folk dance group, craft markets, photo exhibitions, children’s entertainment, human foosball, a briscola card tournament, traditional dancing, and group dances. Evenings light up with live concerts and DJ sets, offering the perfect mix of tradition and fun. And of course, there’s the food. The undisputed star of the festival is polenta, prepared with passion according to time-honored recipes, ready to delight every visitor's palate. All of this is wrapped in a joyful atmosphere and the warm hospitality of a community proud of its roots.

L'Italia in Autunno, un sorso alla volta

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