what I meant was what time of year do the grapes change color?

We are starting to lean towards the fall as a time to go. Would anyone like to share festival stories from northern Italy in the fall?

Thanks so much!

f

I'm assuming you mean the changing of the color of the LEAVES of the grapes. If so, it's related to the length of daylight, and so will span from a week or two before equinox (Septeber 20) to 4-6 weeks after, just like deciduous treess.

The grapes change too, though in a "landscape" that is pretty subtle - - going from their clearly immature green color to the golds/greens (of "white wine" grapes) or the purples, reds and blacks of the... "real stuff" (gee, no bias here, huh?)

But curiously, I have been from Milan to Trento to Rome in late September (19-30 in 2001), and from Nice to Assisi to Rome in 1999 (early October, I think), and I don't really recall thinking that the color of vineyards was "striking".

Europe just doesn't seem to get the brilliant fall colors of say... New England (or southern Indiana! wink!) - - the reds and flame oranges... some golds yes, and that would predominate in the vineyards, I think. So maybe it just didn't jump out at me.

Actually Rex the picture was of the grapes turning color, that's what caught his eye. By the way, have to say I agree with your "bias" on wine!

Thanks for even more great information!

goingtoitalia,

It seems that your thoughts have come together. By car, Tortona appears to be very convenient to the Milan - Genoa highway. Then, from Genoa to Cinque Terre is an easy hop. If you look at a topographical map, then you will see the Appenines (?sp?) mountains which separate Milan from Genoa (and Bologna from Florence). There might be some old Tuscan towns in those mountains that would interest you.

Good luck

Oh yeah

Add a winery stay or two.

How about some advice on Cinque Terre? Is it worth spending a day or two? Where are the best places to stay, we'd like to stay at a B&B? Also, is Pisa a worthwhile day trip from CT?

Thanks

The Cinque Terre is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, so I would say it is worth a visit. We did visit Portofino on a cruise about two years ago and we did enjoy Portofino.
You can research here and other places for where you might stay.

Camogli (between Genoa and Cinque Terre)is has been mentioned by others as being special. As has Portovenere(Past CT)

There was a major Pisa thread here not too long ago you should read it. (We went to Pisa from the same cruise I mentioned above and Pisa left me indifferent).

Enjoy your trip

Anyone have any personal recommendations for hiking, walking or cycling in the Piedmont area? I have seen some websites with information, but would be interested in hearing any personal experiences.

Thanks!

topping

topping this message, hoping for input on walking and cycling in Piedmont region.

Thanks!

I'd advise you to start a new post with this in the message header.