The arrival of September in Tuscany marks the beginning of the Vendemmia, that is grape harvest. Grape berries gradually lose their characteristic shades of green to change to the typical color of their variety: red for black grapes and yellow for white ones. A long process that starts with harvesting the grapes, continues with crushing and fermentation and ends with bottling.

If you're staying at the Grand Hotel & Riviera in Lido di Camaiore, don't miss the opportunity to organize an itinerary among the most renowned wineries in the area. From Lucca to Garfagnana and the Apuan Alps: discover the best wines produced all around Versilia.

The wines of Lucca's hills DOC

Let's start this itinerary with Lucca and its beautiful hills, where we find mainly Sangiovese-type vines, Merlot, and other locally grown red grapes. From these vines the Sangiovese DOC and Merlot DOC are produced. On the palate, both wines are pleasant and are an ideal paring for the typical recipes of the autumn season. 

The hills around Lucca have been famous since ancient times for the richness and fertility of their soils. Thus, if you prefer the lightness and aromaticity of white wine, you will not be disappointed. You can't miss Vino Bianco delle Colline Lucchesi DOC, pleasant and harmonious on the palate, Vino delle Colline Lucchesi Sauvignon DOC, delicate and soft-tasting, and, finally, the Vino delle Colline Lucchesi Vermentino DOC, mellow-tasting and dry.

Both whites and reds from the hills of Lucca have been awarded the DOC label, which is the second level of protection in the Italian classification of wines. The Rosso delle Colline Lucchesi was one of the first wines in Tuscany to be awarded the certification in 1968.

A glass of red in Garfagnana

Excellent labels can also be found in nearby Garfagnana, although the wine-making tradition is not as spread as that of the hills of Lucca. Garfagnana tends to be renowned for its beer; an artisanal spelt beer that has been awarded the IGP designation.

In any case, Garfagnana wines are getting more and more admirers nowadays, so much so that production has seen a fair increase in recent years. There are no actual rules governing local production. What is certain, though, is that if you visit this marvellous area, it is worth indulging in a good glass of red.

The DOC Candia wines of the Apuan Alps

Let us now move to the Apuan Alps, where the white grape variety is the most widespread. In particular, Vermentino is the base of most of the white wines produced in the territory and is often used in combination with other grapes such as Albarola, Tuscan Trebbiano, and Malvasia. Wines made from these grapes have a fruity, floral flavor that is well suited to fish dishes.

Red wines are also worth trying. Although they’re not as typical as the white ones, they’re still tasty and perfect to accompany meat dishes. You’ll find the classic Sangiovese and also other red ones made with some native grape varieties, such as Vermentino Nero and Masseretta.

The months of September and October are ideal for indulging in this food and wine itinerary. In fact, many wineries organize special events with lunches and dinners in the vineyard, wine treks, and guided tastings, which allow you to taste their best bottles and discover up close how wine production takes place.

Book an end-of-season stay at the Grand Hotel & Riviera in Lido di Camaiore, Versilia, and set off on a taste itinerary to discover the best wines in the Lucca area.