Our Guide to Spending September Under the Tuscan Sun
Golden hour encapsulates those fleeting moments before dusk, when the sun casts a shimmering glow over the Earth, and light and shadows waltz about. That very same magic and warmth is transposed onto the Tuscan countryside during the month of September when those endless green vistas are lit ablaze with the honeyed hues of autumn foliage. Rolling hills of golden wheat sway in the wind; vineyards turn their latest Sangiovese crop into the finest Brunello and Chianti wines; mushroom hunters and their dogs forage the woods in search of decadent and elusive truffles; and farmers return to the olive groves to begin production for the season's virgin oils.
The absence of the summertime crowds further enhances the beauty of the region. With the end of peak tourism season comes a renewed sense of energy for an immersive mind-body experience in the heart of Italy. If you’re thinking of traveling to Tuscany, September is the perfect time of year to visit.
Weather in Tuscany in September
Weather-wise, September is one of the most pleasant months of the year in Italy; along with May, it’s known as the best month to travel. Temperatures tend to be mild in most parts of the country, ranging from the lower-60s to the lower-80s (°F), making outdoor dining and sightseeing a more enjoyable experience. At Terra & Tu’s historic villa, we encourage our guests to take a dip in the property’s shimmering outdoor swimming pool or sip a cocktail from one of the lounge chairs. It’s the perfect refreshment after a yoga session or after returning from a walking tour in the countryside.
September is also a nice time to visit Tuscany’s thermal springs because the air has cooled, and the August crowds have dissipated. Evening soaks under the stars are particularly magical. Included in our itinerary are two days spent in the spa town of Saturnia. Guests can enjoy a leisurely soak at the 5-Star Terme di Saturnia Spa Hotel and venture over to the mineral-rich travertine pools of Cascate del Mulino for a total immersion in nature.
In addition to the region’s ethereal springs, Tuscany harbors a variety of other natural wonders, many of which are revealed in their full glory during the autumn equinox. Fields of giant sunflowers taper off to spritely black-eyed Susan’s, and fall leaves flutter over the hills, creating a dazzling display of warm colors.
Food & Wine in Tuscany
Tuscany truly is the place to indulge in all your senses. The flowery perfume of the Val d’Orcia is enriched with the crisp mountain air as it descends from the Apennines and Apuan Alps. The delicious persimmons glow a juicy orange, the grapes and wild figs swell with sweetness, and mushrooms and prickling i ricci (chestnuts) become ripe for the picking.
Travelers to Tuscany in the fall are privy to the excitement of the grape and olive harvest too! You’ll likely see local farmers or contadini draping nets throughout the olive groves, their carts filled with the fruits of the season’s labor. Terra & Tu reserves exclusive tours so our guests can witness traditional picking methods, learn about the wine- and olive oil-making process from local experts, and taste all the seasonal flavors the region has to offer, like the famous Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile wines.
September also rings in the hunting season, a time when locals fetch wild pheasant, quail, hare, and boar to be sold at farmer’s markets and served in the finest trattorias. At restaurants, you may notice a change of dishes from panzanella with fresh tomatoes and basil to polenta with porcini. Menu offerings transition from plums, peaches, melons and prosciutto to grapes, figs with salumi, pears and apples with pecorino cheese. Order seasonal entrés such as ribollita, a hearty soup made with bread and vegetables, pici pasta with wild boar ragù, and bistecca alla fiorentina (a thick, juicy steak cooked over an open flame).
Familiarize yourself with the local cuisine and check out this curated list of Italian terms:
Uva – grapes
Susine – plums
Castagne – chestnuts
Lamponi – raspberries
Pere – pears
Fichi – figs
Tartufi – truffles
Funghi porcini – porcini mushrooms
Ribollita – bread and vegetable soup
Parmigiana di Melanzane – eggplant parmesan
Risotto alla zucca – butternut squash risotto
Gelato – ice cream
Culture & Festivities in Tuscany in September
For those interested in history and culture, Tuscany is home to a myriad of medieval towns to explore. Florence, the region's capital, comprises some of the world's most famous art museums and landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Ponte Vecchio. Other towns worth visiting include Siena, known for its historic city center—Piazza del Campo—and the famous horse race, the Palio; Pisa, famous for its Leaning Tower; and Lucca, beloved for its ancient city walls and picturesque streets.
When you travel to Tuscany with Terra & Tu, you’ll get to visit a variety of charming villages, far removed from the typical tourist crowds. We’ll take advantage of the crisp autumnal air and walk through the famous Crete Senesi to the Abbey of Monte Oliveto Maggiore, located only a few kilometers from Asciano. We’ll start the day with a peaceful picnic on the terrace atop Chiusure — which has a fantastic panoramic view of the abbey and surrounding landscape — before hiking into the valley and emerging from the woods at the abbey’s drawbridge.
Another stop on our journey is the medieval city of Montepulciano. Situated on a limestone hill, Montepulciano’s impressive castle walls are matched only by the natural beauty of the surrounding Val di Chiana and UNESCO World Heritage Site Val D’Orcia. These fertile valleys produce the world-renowned Vino Nobile, and we believe a glass of this full-bodied red is best enjoyed outside while admiring Renaissance architecture.
The cypress-lined roads and rolling hills of Val D’Orcia also surround the fairytale town of Montalcino. Its historic center is nestled behind the Rocca, or fortress, built in 1361. The views from its ramparts are spectacular, stretching towards Monte Amiata, across the Crete to Siena, and spanning the hills of Maremma. We encourage our guests to use this opportunity to snap some photos, as the fall foliage here is unmatched. As you descend into the valley, you’ll discover the city’s main export—Brunello di Montalcino. Terra & Tu has arranged an exclusive tour with Argiano, one of Montalcino’s most notable wineries. After exploring the stunning grounds of this estate, we are treated to a Tuscan meal and Montalcino’s finest wines.
September is a sacred time in Italy, known as periodo di vendemmia -- “grape harvest period.” And as such, Tuscans host a series of festivals sprinkled throughout the month to celebrate. Below are some exciting events you can attend on your next trip!
Chianti EXPO
Greve in Chianti | September 5-8
To properly celebrate the finished product of the gran vendemmia, purchase a souvenir glass and stroll through the small town, sampling bottles from dozens of local Chianti producers.
Settimana Del Miele
Montalcino | September 6 - 7 - 8
This sweet celebration in Montalcino is seven days long, and each day is filled with talks, demonstrations, and lots of taste-testing of local honey.
Rificolona
Florence | September 8
According to Christian tradition, Virgin Mary was born on September 8. In Florence, the large basilica of Santissima Annunziata is dedicated to her worship. Historically, hundreds of farmers and peasants from the countryside made a pilgrimage into the city to celebrate her birthday. Carrying lanterns made of candles and cloth to light their way through the night, the farmers brought cheeses, honey, and the season’s vegetables and produce. Today, to honor this tradition, Florentines and other "pilgrims" carry glowing lanterns as they make their way from Piazza Santa Felicita to Piazza Santissima Annunziata, guided by the Cardinal.
Palio Dei Ciuchi
Asciano | September 8
Though donkey races are a recurring tradition throughout Tuscany, Asciano’s donkey race is a unique spectacle. To kick off the race, which is between the seven districts of the town, a parade winds its way through the historical center to the stadium, where visitors can enjoy a fantastic show by the city's flag-throwers. For a week leading up to the race, the town indulges in music-filled gastronomic events with plenty of wine.
Carro Matto
Florence | Last Sunday in September
Carro Matto is deeply rooted in the Florentine tradition and culture, aimed at celebrating wine production. This event is accompanied by a historical parade, musicians, drummers, and flag-throwers.
If you’re planning on traveling to Tuscany in September, you don’t want to go it alone! Save yourself the hassle of planning a trip yourself and check out our luxury, immersive tours of Tuscany.
