di Veronaround ®

In our region, summer ends slowly, and autumn slowly prepares. The slow change of seasons is especially noticeable in the countryside, with the start of the grape harvest in the hills and the rice harvest in the plains.

 

Verona's rice fields are concentrated primarily in the Isola della Scala area, where there are many springs: as early as the 16th century, the Republic of Venice began experimenting with rice cultivation as a technique for reclaiming marshes. Over the centuries, cross-breeding of different varieties led to the birth of Vialone Nano Veronese rice, rich in starch and ideal for creamy risottos.

 

Between mid-September and mid-October, you can witness the rice harvest and husking; modern mills are sometimes still located alongside the old traditional watermill. The season is perfect for visiting these ancient farming villages and sampling many types of risotto in trattorias and at traditional festivals such as the great Isola della Scala Rice Fair.