Grape and Lambrusco Grasparossa Festival of Castelvetro
Two September weekends of Lambrusco Grasparossa, grape harvest, and medieval village on the Modena hills
About Grape Festival of Castelvetro
A Wine Festival in the Hills of Modena
The Grape and Lambrusco Grasparossa Festival is the event that best tells the soul of Castelvetro di Modena, a village perched on the first hills of the Province of Modena, in Emilia-Romagna. Every year, on the third and fourth weekends of September, at the height of the grape harvest season, the town pays homage to its star product: Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOP, a lively red wine with an intense foam, a symbol of a region with a winemaking tradition for generations.
The Lambrusco Grasparossa Tasting Route
The beating heart of the festival is the Lambrusco Grasparossa Tasting Route, set up in the streets and squares of the historic center. About fifteen wineries from the area welcome visitors in characteristic wooden kiosks, where they can taste and compare different interpretations of Grasparossa. Participation involves purchasing the Grape Festival Kit, consisting of a glass with a lanyard, a tasting booklet, and a map of the route: the tastings are comparative and valid for all days of the event.
Not Just Wine
Surrounding the tasting is a rich and widespread program that involves the entire community â farmers, wineries, shops, associations, and cultural organizations. Among the usual offerings:
- Live music, concerts, bands, and street bands in the village streets
- Street food and food and wine with local products
- Markets and shopping along Via Sinistra Guerro and in the center
- Exhibitions, shows, and theatrical entertainment
- Workshops, games, music, and dance for children and families
- Special openings and visits to some local wineries
A Picture-Perfect Village
The setting is the historic center of Castelvetro, dominated by the charming Piazza della Dama, with its black and white checkered pavement where the Clock Tower, the Town Hall, and the historic palaces of the village overlook. In even-numbered years, the square also hosts the famous Living Chess Game (Dama Vivente), a Renaissance re-enactment linked to the figure of the poet Torquato Tasso, who visited Castelvetro in 1564: a separate event that enriches the autumn season in Castelvetro and which many visitors combine with the festival.
Grape Festival of Castelvetro â edition 2026
2026 Edition
The Grape and Lambrusco Grasparossa Festival 2026 will take place in Castelvetro di Modena over two weekends: September 19, 20, and 21 and September 25, 26, and 27, 2026, following the tradition of the third and fourth weekends of the month. The heart of the event remains the Lambrusco Grasparossa Tasting Route in the historic center, with local wineries in wooden kiosks and the Grape Festival Kit (glass, booklet, map) for comparative tastings.
The detailed program â concerts, shows, markets, and activities for children â will be published by the organizers in the weeks leading up to the event on the official Visit Castelvetro website. This page will be updated as soon as the complete calendar is available.
It is worth noting that 2026 is an even-numbered year: in the autumn, the village also hosts the Living Chess Game (Dama Vivente), the Renaissance re-enactment in the checkered square, a biennial event distinct from the festival but highly appreciated by visitors.
Programme Grape Festival of Castelvetro 2026
The detailed program for the 2026 edition has not yet been published by the organizers. The usual structure of the event includes, over both weekends:
- Lambrusco Grasparossa Tasting Route in the historic center, with local winery kiosks (access with the Grape Festival Kit)
- Concerts, bands, and street bands in the village streets
- Street food, food and wine, and markets
- Exhibitions, shows, and entertainment
- Workshops, games, and activities for children and families
The complete calendar with artists, times, and locations will be announced on the official Visit Castelvetro website in the weeks preceding the event.
Highlights Grape Festival of Castelvetro 2026
The Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOP Tasting Route with local wineries; the two weekends of music, street food, and markets in the medieval village; in 2026, an even year, the concurrent Living Chess Game re-enactment in Piazza della Dama.
Prices Grape Festival of Castelvetro 2026
Practical information — Grape Festival of Castelvetro
How to Get Here
Castelvetro di Modena is located about 20 km south of Modena. By car: take the A1 motorway, exit at Modena Sud, then follow SP17 towards Vignola/Castelvetro. By train: take the train to Modena station, then a local bus towards Terre di Castelli.
Dates and Access
The festival takes place on the third and fourth weekends of September. Entrance to the village and the event is free; for wine tastings, you need to purchase the Grape Festival Kit (glass, tasting booklet, and map).
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestone streets of the historic center. During the festival weekends, the village is very crowded: it's advisable to arrive early and park in the designated areas on the outskirts of the town.
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Where does it take place â Grape Festival of Castelvetro
Centro storico di Castelvetro di Modena
Piazza Roma, 41014 Castelvetro di Modena