Things to do in September near Reggio Emilia: a journey through villages, castles, the grape harvest and the region’s finest produce
September is one of the most beautiful months to explore the hills around Reggio Emilia. Summer is slowly giving way to the first colours of autumn, the vineyards are preparing for the grape harvest, and villages and towns are coming to life once more with festivals, markets, tastings and events celebrating local traditions. It is also an ideal time to treat yourself to a few days in Emilia-Romagna: temperatures are milder, the days are still pleasantly long, and the calendar offers plenty of opportunities to combine culture, nature and food and wine experiences.
Starting from the hills of Albinea You can easily reach Reggio Emilia, Scandiano, Quattro Castella, Canossa and many of the other venues hosting the September events.
- Wine Glasses at Rocca in Scandiano
On 2 and 9 September, the Gardens of the Rocca dei Boiardo in Scandiano will host Wine glasses at Rocca, two evenings dedicated to local wines. The first event is dedicated to Spergola and local white wines, whilst the second offers a chance to discover the red wines of the Scandiano hills. The tastings are accompanied by live music and a selection of culinary delights. A particularly interesting opportunity to discover another aspect of Emilia’s wine culture and, at the same time, visit one of the province’s most charming historic centres. - La Giarèda in the historic centre of Reggio Emilia
From 4 to 8 September, the historic centre of Reggio Emilia celebrates one of its most beloved traditions: the Giarèda. The event takes place in the streets and squares around the Basilica of the Blessed Virgin of Ghiara, featuring markets, crafts, local produce, cultural events, performances and activities celebrating Reggio Emilia’s traditions. It is the perfect opportunity to spend a day in the centre of Reggio Emilia, strolling between Piazza Prampolini, Piazza San Prospero and Corso Garibaldi, and discovering a city that still retains an intimate, pleasant atmosphere, perfect for exploring on foot. - The Granfondo Matildica and the lands of Matilda of Canossa
On 13 September, the Matildica Granfondo, a cycling event that winds its way through the Reggio Emilia area and highlights the deep connection between sport, the landscape and the lands of Matilda. For cycling enthusiasts, but also simply for those wishing to explore the area, it is the perfect opportunity to discover the scenic roads winding through the hills, amongst vineyards, small villages and castles. - The Canossa Grape Festival
On 20 September, in the village of Trinità di Canossa, the Grape Festival celebrates one of the most important moments of the agricultural year. Hand-picking, pressing and processing the grapes bring to the fore the customs and traditions that have shaped the lives of families in the hills of Emilia for generations. Visiting Canossa at this time of year also allows you to combine the festival with exploring the sites linked to Matilda of Canossa, the castle and the magnificent views of the Reggio Emilia Apennines. - Bibbiano Produce and Parmigiano Reggiano
Also on 20 September, Bibbiano is hosting Bibbiano Produce, an event dedicated to Parmigiano Reggiano PDO and the agri-food products of the Matildic lands. For anyone visiting Emilia in search of its culinary delights, this is a particularly interesting event: Parmigiano Reggiano is, in fact, one of the absolute highlights of this region’s food culture, alongside Lambrusco and the’Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO. - The Palio dell’Angelica in Scandiano
On 26 and 27 September, the historic centre of Scandiano and the Rocca dei Boiardo provide the backdrop for the Palio dell’Angelica, a historical re-enactment featuring costumed processions, medieval markets, traditional crafts, falconry, performances and taverns. For a weekend in the hills around Reggio Emilia, this is an opportunity to combine exploring the local area with an event that, for a few hours, transports the centre of Scandiano back to the atmosphere of days gone by. - Bianello in Jazz: a blend of music and history
On 27 September, Bianello Castle in Quattro Castella will host Bianello Jazz: a tour of the castle accompanied by jazz music. The combination of music, history and scenery makes this event particularly evocative and also offers the chance to discover one of the iconic sites of the Matildic lands.
September: the perfect month for a food and wine experience
Beyond individual events, September is a special time to discover the gastronomic culture of Emilia. It is the time of the grape harvest, the first hints of autumn and a cuisine that is slowly returning to the season’s more intense flavours. A visit to the hills around Reggio Emilia can thus become a journey through some of the Food Valley’s finest specialities: Parmigiano Reggiano, local wines and Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Reggio Emilia PDO.
At Borgo del Balsamico You can step into the world of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar, learn about the history of the rows of barrels and discover, through a tasting, just how much time, wood and expertise contribute to creating a unique product.
Where to stay near Reggio Emilia for the September events
For those wishing to make one of the September events an opportunity to spend a weekend in Emilia, staying in the hills allows you to combine a visit to Reggio Emilia with the tranquillity of the countryside. The Residences of Borgo, in Albinea, are an ideal starting point for visiting Reggio Emilia, Scandiano, Quattro Castella, Canossa and other places in the area.
A historic residence set amongst lush greenery, where you can enjoy a few days of tranquillity, stroll through the grounds and discover one of Emilia’s most cherished traditions. During your stay, you can learn more about balsamic vinegar through the experiences and tastings offered by Borgo, or take home a souvenir of the region by choosing from the products available in the Borgo Balsamic Vinegar Shop.
September in the hills around Reggio Emilia is an invitation to slow down: Follow the roads through the vineyards, step inside a castle, take part in a village festival and discover the flavours that have defined the identity of Emilia for centuries.
