Only Summer Brand Family
The Story Behind Our Pigiatura Experience
At Only Summer, we've always believed that the most memorable holidays are about more than beautiful villas.
For us, the most unforgettable journeys begin when you step beyond your accommodation and discover the stories, traditions and people that make a destination truly unique.
That's why, alongside our collection of handpicked villas, we create authentic experiences through our family of brands, including Villa Bucher Winery and Degosteria. Experiences that invite our guests to discover a side of Italy that isn't found in guidebooks, but in the moments locals have cherished for generations.
One tradition, in particular, has always captured our imagination:
La pigiatura, the traditional grape stomping during the Italian harvest.
If you've ever watched the classic films or listened to the music of Adriano Celentano, you'll know exactly the feeling we're talking about. They remind us of an Italy where life revolved around community, where neighbours gathered without invitations, meals lasted for hours and the grape harvest became one of the happiest days of the year.
Why We Chose to Bring It Back
Back then, the harvest wasn't simply about producing wine.
It marked the end of summer, the reward for months of work in the vineyards and a reason for everyone to come together. Families, neighbours and friends filled the vineyards from sunrise until sunset, before gathering around long tables to share food, stories and, of course, wine.
At the heart of it all was la pigiatura.
Before modern presses existed, grapes were gently crushed with bare feet inside large wooden vats. It wasn't done for entertainment. It was simply the gentlest way to press the grapes without breaking the seeds, preserving the purity of the juice before fermentation began.
The Only Summer Way
Perhaps that is what Only Summer has always been about.
Not simply helping people discover Italy.
Helping them experience the Italy that they will fall in love with.
The Italy that still exists in family-run wineries, hidden villages, shared meals and traditions that continue to bring people together.
Because the most memorable part of a holiday is rarely the villa itself.
It's the story you take home with you.