September is harvest season in Piemonte. Barolo, the King of Wines is first, and the White Truffle of Alba is the next in line. As usual, the Italians welcome these harvests with festivals!

This year, the festival starts in Vergne, a pictoresque hamlet between Barolo and Narzole, with the FESTA DELL'AMICIZIA E DEL BON VIN (festival of friendship and good wine), from September 3rd to 7th. The program includes dance, music, kites meetings, wine tastings and a photography exhibition. For further information call (+39)017377305 or (+39)3392264982

Next is the Barolo Wine Festival (Festa del Vino Barolo) in the town of Barolo September 11-13, 2009

Events include a three-act play by Faletti called "I fieul 'd Grinuia" On Friday Sept 11 at 9:00 PM

Then on September 12 at 4:00 PM in Piazza Caduti per la Liberta there will be games for the children. From 4:00 PM until 6:30 PM, and then from 8:30 PM until 11:00 PM at the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo, there is "Parmigiano Reggiano meets Barolo" with workshops and tastings of Italy's most famous cheese.

Finally on Sunday, September 13, 2009 there will be an open air market providing a oenogastronomic tour along the streets and around the castle of Barolo. A wide variety of vintages and labels paired with selected chocolate will be available for tasting. Info: Assn. Pro Loco Barolo: tel 0173-56106, email: barolo@ruparpiemonte.it

If you are on an Italian vacation during these dates, don't miss out!