The very same day we returned from our grand adventure on the Island of Ischia we had a trip booked for grape harvesting and stomping with lunch and wine tasting. By the time we got home we had 20 minutes to shower, change and get to the bus stop for the ride to the vineyard at the base of Mt. Vesuvius. I was doubtful but somehow in the 20 minutes we were all showered and in clean clothes! My hair was still wet but I even had a little makeup on!

We were all pretty tired from waking up on Ischia at 5 a.m. and the nearly 2 hour ferry ride. To be honest if we hadn’t already paid for the trip we may not have made it! Once we got there we were so, so glad we did!

It was a pretty relaxing bus ride… both boys fell asleep for most of the way. When we got there we got a rundown of the history of the vineyard and were given shears and baskets to start harvesting. The boys really loved this part of it. They enjoyed cutting the bunches from the vine and Gideon loved tossing the bunches into the baskets.

After we were done we all had a turn stomping some grapes to experience the way wine was made long ago. It was neat to try but Gideon was NOT a fan… he was terrified and horribly offended that I even thought about making him try! After that we looked around in the wine cellar before sitting down for wine tasting and lunch.

The lunch was amazing… traditional Italian appetizers of bread, prociutto and cheeses. After that we had the best spaghetti ever, the boys couldn’t get enough! All the while our wine glasses were being filled and refilled. That’s the great thing about taking these MWR or USO sponsored tours and trips; transportation is always provided so you can taste and really enjoy the wines without having to worry about driving afterwards.

It was truly a great day for our family to just relax and enjoy each other’s company while doing something unique to Italy. Enjoy the photos!

-Danna