Grape Festival at Gropparello Castle

The Grape Festival at Gropparello Castle

Every year, during the Sundays of September, Gropparello Castle opens its doors to the Grape Festival, an event that celebrates the harvest time in the heart of the Piacenza hills. The event takes place in the Municipality of Gropparello, in the province of Piacenza, Emilia-Romagna, and transforms the manor and its famous Fairy Tale Park into a large open-air theatre dedicated to peasant tradition and wine culture.

Grape Stomping and Family Experience

The most anticipated moment is the grape stomping in the vat: children can step barefoot into the large wooden vat to crush the grapes as they used to do, according to the festival's motto «Everyone in the vat barefoot to make wine». The day also includes a guided tour of the castle designed for families and the Fairy Tale Park trail, where children experience a knight costume adventure immersed in the woods surrounding the manor.

DOC Wines of the Piacenza Hills

Adults can enjoy a wine tasting of local wines: the ticket includes a complimentary glass for each adult, with the opportunity to discover the DOC wines of the Piacenza Hills, from Gutturnio to Ortrugo, produced on the hills surrounding the castle. The event thus combines fun and family activities with enogastronomy, promoting the typical products of the Val Vezzeno.

A Medieval Castle Between History and Legend

The setting is Gropparello Castle, an ancient fortress perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Vezzeno stream gorge. Its medieval origins, frescoed halls, and natural moat make this manor one of the most picturesque in Emilia-Romagna, an ideal destination for a late summer outing that combines historical heritage, nature, and popular traditions.

Hours and Access

The event runs from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission around 3:00 PM. The event takes place even in bad weather and booking is mandatory. It is advisable to contact the castle for updated dates and details of the current edition.