September… you can already smell the must! The mind automatically associates this month with the grape harvest, which can begin much earlier and in midsummer in certain regions, and above all, it associates it with the first tastings of wine. Of course, you will have to wait until midseason to actually uncork the first bottles, but by September people are already talking about quality and the best vintages to put on the menu. Numerous festivals, especially in Europe, are dedicated to wine this month. We would like to highlight some internationally renowned events associated with beautiful locations and capitals. In short… a September vacation in Paris, Berlin, or Florence is worth even more than a glass of red wine, right?
Among the Italian vineyards of Chianti…
The Expo Chianti event—which opens in Florence and the Chianti region on September 12th—is one of the most important as for this industry. After landing comfortably at Florence Airport (FLR), you can travel at your leisure in a chauffeured vehicle to the lush Chianti hills. The event takes place primarily in the city, but some tastings are offered at local wineries, particularly in the municipality of Greve in Chianti.
In Greve town, in addition to the wineries, you can and must admire marvelous medieval architecture, such as castles (Montefioralle, Uzzano, Canonica, Mugnana, and Verrazzano) and small churches, known here as “pievi”, which alternate with elegant villas such as Villa Bordy, Villa Calcinaia, Villa Vignamaggio.
And then there’s Florence, of course: one of Italy’s most beautiful art cities, offering countless attractions to visit. From the historic heart of the city, Cathedral Square, home to the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Giotto’s Bell Tower, and the Baptistery of San Giovanni, to Signoria Square, dominated by Palazzo Vecchio and its important sculptures. Strolling along the Arno River, you reach the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, lined with ancient shops. Art lovers can visit the Uffizi Gallery and admire masterpieces by artists such as Botticelli and Leonardo da Vinci. Finally, it’s worth making a trip to Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a splendid panoramic view of the city.
Swiss Wine Encounters
This is the name of the event taking place in Lucerne from September 11th to 13th. The aim is to discover new labels, rare or unique wines to offer this fall, while waiting for the new products of the year to be launched. An excellent event for the curious and wine enthusiasts, held in a charming setting.
Lucerne is one of the most beautiful and well-known cities in Switzerland. It is located in the central part of the country, on the shores of a lake, surrounded by mountains and spectacular natural landscapes. The city is best known for its historic center, characterized by narrow streets, picturesque squares, and ornate old buildings. One of Lucerne’s symbols is the Chapel Bridge, a covered wooden bridge built in the 14th century. Numerous historical paintings can be admired on the bridge. Not far away is the Water Tower, an ancient structure that has served various purposes over the centuries. Another important site is the Lion Monument, carved into the rock in memory of the Swiss Guards who fell during the French Revolution. Lucerne also offers numerous opportunities for strolling along the lake or hiking in nearby mountains, such as Pilatus and Rigi.
The city is also an important cultural and tourist center. Thanks to its combination of history, nature, and culture, Lucerne is a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The nearest airport is Zurich Airport (ZRH).
The Berlin Wine Festival
Between September 11th and 13th, the Berlin Wine Festival will take place in Lichtenrade, an elegant village on the southern outskirts of Berlin. This event, held in a park around a romantic lake, brings together winemakers from across Germany and Europe to exchange ideas and achievements. The main event is accompanied by conferences, concerts, and cultural meetings. Because wine is more than just “food for the body”!
By landing at Berlin Airport (BER) and renting a comfortable transfer with a driver, you can attend the event as well as classic tours of the German capital. Starting from the Brandenburg Gate, located near the Reichstag—the seat of the German Parliament—you can admire the Holocaust Memorial and the remains of the Berlin Wall (especially the East Side Gallery, which houses numerous murals). Another important site is Checkpoint Charlie, a former crossing point between East and West Berlin. Art lovers can visit Museum Island, home to some of Germany’s most important museums. Finally, it’s worth strolling through the large Tiergarten, the city’s central park and zoo, or visiting Alexanderplatz and the famous TV Tower, which offers a bird’s-eye view of Berlin.
How could you not love Paris and its wines?
Land at Paris’s De Gaulle Airport and be whisked away to Mer et Vigne (September 18-20), the largest food and wine tasting event of the French autumn. As you head to your destination, you’ll admire the best of the capital “of a thousand lights”, because even in just two days you can see many attractions in Paris.
On the first day, you can start at the Eiffel Tower, the city’s symbol, and then stroll along the Seine to the Champs-Élysées and the Arc de Triomphe. In the afternoon, we recommend visiting the Louvre Museum, famous for works such as the Mona Lisa, or admiring the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
On your second day, you can explore the Montmartre neighborhood, with its quaint streets, artists, and the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, which offers splendid views of the city. Afterward, you can stroll through the historic center, visiting the Latin Quarter and the Luxembourg Gardens. Finally, in the evening, it’s a pleasant experience to take a cruise on the Seine or enjoy a traditional French dinner in one of the many Parisian restaurants. If you prefer, you can replace one of these visits with a visit to Versailles and its gardens. Or, simply enjoy the wine festival more … if it’s really worth it… and give Paris only your spare time.
Trentino delicacies
At the end of September (days 25-27), the Trentodoc Festival takes place in Italy, in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The event is held in Trento, the capital of the semi-independent province of the same name, and the aim is to uncork the finest locally produced sparkling wines for the first time. Wines, of course, but of the highest quality and refinement. With a flavor that evokes the scents of the surrounding mountains.
Trento is a short drive from Verona Airport (VRN) and boasts a historic center brimming with fascinating features. It can be explored effortlessly in just a few hours: from the Duomo square, dominated by the Cathedral of San Vigilio and the Fountain of Neptune, to Buonconsiglio Castle—one of the city’s symbols, home to important art collections—to the MUSE, the Science Museum, perfect for discovering the world of nature and technology. For those who love panoramic points, you can climb Monte Bondone and enjoy a splendid view of the surrounding mountains. Trento is therefore an ideal destination for combining culture, nature, and taste… and there’s no taste, in September, without a sip of good wine!
