Montefalco is the capital of the Sagrantino DOC wine producing area of Umbria and this weekend it was the epicenter of the completed grape harvest. Every year they have tastings and events culminating in a fun, hokey parade (of sorts). We just happened to have made reservations for our group of friends who enjoy lunches together. Then, yesterday I heard the ”parade” was starting at 3pm. I knew what it was about because I had attended this festival once before.
We all arrived and had a great table in the Piazza del comune. The main public space in the small hill-town. It was a gorgeous autumn day. As we sat there choosing our food and getting wine the other tables filled with groups and families. The hum of conversation and laughter filled the air. We asked ourselves more than once what it is about going out for a meal in beautiful weather surrounded by Italians that was different from every other place on earth. You can dine outside in nice weather in most cities, but you’ll never get the happy vibe you will in Italy. We love living here.
Here are some photos of the food, the piazza and the Harvest Festa. It is pretty clear the participants have been sampling the harvest wine! and having fun, of course.
The Piazza before.
The Lunch.
The Harvest Festival. It consisted primarily of tractors of all shapes and sizes pulling wagons full of celebrating people usually with a grape press and plates of food which was shared with the crowd. Very loud music accompanied each float.
Hi Andrea, you ARE a long-time reader! my husband had specific meds and no doctor here. He still had a medical plan in the US so he ordered refills Isn’t to my sister who mailed to us). It was not the best experience. The medication was held up in customs and we had to fill out forms and return and eventually he got it and had to pay duty to receive. That all said, most people now seem to go to a doctor here (paying privately) with their medications and a prescription if they have one and, if the medication is available here, the doctor normally will write a script to get it here. This is a much better way. We had no idea at the time it was possible before we got into the health system. You should research if the mediations are available here online.
HI Catheerine, it was special. all of us at the table felt it and remarked on what is is, exactly, about it here? as opposed to other places. I do love living here. thanks for the nice comment.
Hi there, long time blog reader and I enjoy your musings! Thank you for that. My question is I may be wrong but I have a recollection of you having medication sent from the US which was a bit of a problem. Let me know if it was you and what the procedure is but if not you- sorry to take your time and thanks again for your enjoyable blog!
This was a fun and uplifting post – with yummy desserts to boot! The way you described the hum of the crowd, the unity of laughter etc reminded me of the very special lifestyle/vibe Italy has to offer. Made me feel nostalgic. So nice that you can enjoy that special warmth.
Hi Liz, Isn’t it pretty? Every table had them and they were all different. The name was on the plates. Here is a link. https://domizianidesignshop.com/collections/all
I just love the dishware and I forwarded your pics to my friend who is a potter (stephenhawes.ca) He just loved them. He wondered if you happen to know the name of the potter. Hope all is well with you, Luther and the boyz.
Divertiti!
It was Leah!
Non vedo l’ora fino ad arrivo in Piemonte …solo una mesa!
How fun!