Each September, as the summer heat softens into golden autumn sunshine, the vineyards of Puglia come alive with one of the most important events in the winemaking calendar — the red grape harvest. For Terre Di San Vito, this is more than just a seasonal activity; it's a celebration of tradition, family, and the incredible land that produces their artisan wines.

A Time-Honoured Tradition in Puglia

Puglia, the sun-drenched region in southern Italy, is renowned not only for its crystal-clear coastlines and rich culinary heritage, but also for its long-standing winemaking tradition. Thanks to its warm climate and fertile soil, it is the perfect environment for cultivating high-quality grapes.

At Terre Di San Vito, every bottle tells a story of provenance. The grapes are grown on the family's land near Polignano a Mare, where the sea breeze and Mediterranean sun help ripen the fruit to perfection. The red grape harvest marks the culmination of months of careful nurturing, an actual labour of love.

The Harvesting Process: How Red Grapes Are Picked

Harvest time begins in early September, with red grape varietals typically ripening later than their white counterparts. At TDSV, grapes are hand-harvested in the early morning hours to preserve freshness and quality. This careful, artisan approach ensures that only the best bunches make it into the press.

Once picked, the grapes are taken straight to be de-stemmed, crushed, and fermented under close supervision. This swift, hands-on method from vineyard to bottle captures the purest expression of the grape, giving each vintage its unique character.

If you're following our story on Instagram or TikTok, you'll have seen some of the stunning footage from this year's harvest, showcasing the vibrant bunches of red grapes and the skilled hands behind the scenes.

Meet the Grapes: Primitivo, Malbec and More

Terre Di San Vito's red wine range is made using a selection of high-quality grape varieties grown on their Puglian estate. Among them:

• - Primitivo – Known for its rich, full-bodied flavour and deep ruby colour. This grape thrives in the southern Italian sun and is the star behind one of TDSV's signature reds.
• - Malbec – While originally from France and popularised in Argentina, Malbec has found a unique expression in Puglia's terroir, resulting in bold, juicy wines with a Mediterranean flair.

Each grape is harvested at peak ripeness, allowing the final wines to develop complex flavours and aromas that are both bold and beautifully balanced.

Artisan Wines to Try This Season

If you're looking to enjoy the fruits of this year's harvest, there's no better place to start than with the red wines currently available on the TDSV website. Each bottle reflects the careful cultivation and family passion that define the brand.

• Tinto – 100% Malbec: A deep and expressive red made exclusively from Malbec grapes. With notes of ripe plum and black cherry, Tinto is smooth, full-bodied, and incredibly versatile. Perfect with roasted meats, hearty pastas, or simply on its own.

• Il Vescovo Black Label – 100% Primitivo: A rich, complex red crafted from a blend of 70% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Carménère. With notes of dark fruit and subtle spice, it’s elegant and full of character — ideal for special occasions or as a standout wine gift.

• Cantiniere: Made from 100% Primitivo grapes, this smooth and well-rounded wine is perfect for those who enjoy deep, bold reds. It pairs beautifully with Italian cheeses or a classic tomato-based pasta dish.

Celebrate the Harvest with a Taste of Puglia

September isn't just about harvesting grapes — it's about celebrating them. In Italy, events like the Bardolino Wine Festival mark the season with tastings, food pairings, and community gatherings. At Terre Di San Vito, the spirit remains the same: bringing people together through exceptional wine and delicious food.

This is the perfect time to stock up on red wines for the months ahead or to start thinking about gifting. With gift boxes featuring TDSV's artisan red wines, you can share the taste of Puglia with friends, family, or valued clients.

Shop the Harvest Collection

Looking for a gift that's rooted in tradition and bursting with flavour? Explore these curated options:

• The La Raine: A luxurious box featuring Il Vescovo Black Label, extra virgin olive oil, and artisan taralli.

• The Maddi: Includes Tinto, olive oil, and a jar of artisan jam – perfect for foodies.

• The Fratelli: A wine-lover's dream with two bottles of TDSV red wine and complementary treats.

Each box is beautifully packaged and ready to gift — whether for Christmas, a birthday, or simply to express gratitude.

Experience Puglia, One Glass at a Time

The red grape harvest is a magical moment that brings together family, tradition, and the flavours of the land. At Terre Di San Vito, every bottle of wine is a celebration of that moment.

So whether you're sipping Tinto by candlelight or gifting Il Vescovo to someone special, you're sharing in something.