Raise a glass and join me, Katerina Ferrara, for this special episode of the Immersion Travel Italy Podcast, where we dive into one of Italy’s most magical seasons: autumn wine festival season. Whether you dream of sipping sparkling Franciacorta in Lombardy, strolling the lakeside promenade in Bardolino during the Festa dell’Uva e del Vino, or tasting the very first pour of vino novello on San Martino, this episode is your passport to experiencing Italy at its most authentic.

Italy has been called the land of wine for over 4,000 years, and in this episode, I take you on a journey that blends history, tradition, and travel tips for wine lovers.

We’ll start in northern Italy, in the rolling foothills of Lombardy where Franciacorta is made using the classic champagne method. Discover what makes Franciacorta special, from underground cellars to guided vineyard walks, and why Franciacorta in Cantina is a bucket-list festival for sparkling wine fans.

From there, we head east to Lake Garda for Bardolino’s famous wine celebration. Picture dozens of tasting booths along the lakefront, local food pairings like bigoli pasta, music filling the air, and fireworks over the water. This is Veneto at its most picturesque, a place where wine and celebration meet la dolce vita.

Then, we climb into the Dolomites to Belluno for Fiera di San Martino, celebrated every November 11. Learn why San Martino is more than a saint’s feast day, it’s a turning point in the agricultural year, when Italians traditionally taste the new vintage for the first time. Across Italy, Cantine Aperte a San Martino open their cellars so you can taste young wines with roasted chestnuts and seasonal dishes.

Next, we travel south to Lazio, home of the Sagra dell’Uva di Marino in the Castelli Romani near Rome, where fountains actually flow with wine! I’ll share the history of this incredible event, its ties to the Battle of Lepanto, and why Marino is one of the most charming wine towns near Rome.

Our journey continues to Puglia, where the flat plains produce powerful reds like Primitivo and Negroamaro. We stop in Martina Franca for a cozy San Martino celebration, tasting wine alongside focaccia and caciocavallo cheese. Finally, we end in Sicily, on the slopes of Mount Etna at Vini Milo, a festival dedicated to the island’s volcanic wines. Discover why Etna Rosso is one of Italy’s most exciting wines right now, and why September and October are the perfect months to visit.

This episode is more than a tasting guide, it’s a call to slow down, travel with purpose, and immerse yourself in Italy’s wine culture. You’ll learn about Italy’s DOC and DOCG classifications, how to plan your trip around open cellar weekends (Cantine Aperte), and why autumn may be the best time to visit Italy (cooler weather, fewer crowds, and festivals everywhere!).

If you love Italian wine, slow travel, harvest festivals, and authentic local experiences, this episode is for you. Grab a glass of Chianti, Primitivo, or Etna Rosso, press play, and plan your perfect fall escape.

🔗 Resources & Links:
📚 Explore my Ultimate Festival & Travel Guide series – with full chapters on Lombardy, Venice & the Veneto, Rome & Lazio, Puglia, and Sicily: katerinaferrara.com
🛒 Find my books on Amazon: Ultimate Festival & Travel Guide Sicily, Puglia, Rome & Beyond, and more.

🎧 Perfect for: Wine lovers, slow travelers, foodies, Italy dreamers, festival chasers, and anyone planning a fall trip to Italy in 2025 or 2026.