It’s easy to live with fizz during the summertime. Those warmer days and lighter nights are perfect for a prosecco or two in the sunshine, with good company. And while autumn’s arrival might signal the start of cooler weather, it’s just as abundant with opportunities to keep the fizz flowing.
We’ve put together some of our fave tips for enjoying your autumn. From cocktails fit for a season of falling leaves, to the best Italian destinations to visit this time of year, you’ll be more than ready to make the most of the change of season.
(Besides, cooler weather means cooler wine.)
What does autumn symbolise?
The red of the leaves. The cooling of the air. The cosy knitwear. Autumn gets plenty of love for plenty of reasons – but there’s also some special symbolism to this season that we think is worth raising a glass to.
The autumn equinox, which takes place in late March here in Australia, is the best example of this. It’s a time to reflect on the ‘harvest’ season (in our case, over the summer months) – and also on the metaphorical ‘harvest’ of things you’ve accomplished over the past 12 months. It’s time to prepare for a new season of growth and spend some time feeling connected to the natural world – something we carry on through to our winemaking here at Solara).
Autumn-ready cocktails
You don’t have to head straight to the mulled wine to make the most of autumn. There are plenty of other cocktails fit for this time of year – and many of them make great use of prosecco or sparkling wine.
Here are our top picks if you’re planning an event during autumn, or just want to add some extra fizz to your day or night:
Pear Prosecco
This drink is easy to make and filled with autumnal charm.
- Combine a tablespoon of sugar with ½ tablespoon of ground cinnamon.
- Dip the rim of your champagne flute in water and then into the sugar mix.
- Pour a tablespoon of ginger syrup into the glass.
- Finish with Solara prosecco and pear juice – and you’re set.
Negroni Sbagliato Spritz
With its copper-red tone and sweet-bitter flavours, this prosecco-filled twist on a classic cocktail has autumn all over it.
- Fill up a cup with ice cubes
- Pour in 30mL of Campari, 30mL of sweet red vermouth (like Martini Rosso) and 90mL of Solara Prosecco.
- Stir gently and enjoy!
Planning an Italian autumn
When many people think of Italy, the home of prosecco, they think of sun-soaked Mediterranean coastlines in the summertime. The good news? Italy is just as warm and inviting during autumn as it is then – and because it’s not peak season, it’s often less crowded and more affordable too. So you can enjoy la dolce vita at a more laidback pace.
If you’re planning to visit Italia in autumn, these are our picks of the places:
Tuscany
Tuscany is famed for its beautiful rolling hills any time of year – but in autumn they come alive with colour, for a truly one-of-a-kind experience. From winery visits to quaint villages, hot springs and bike rides, it’s all waiting for you in Tuscany. You’ll have no trouble finding some refreshing prosecco too.
Our advice? Head to Florence – the region’s capital – first, then head off into the Tuscan sun.
The Romantic Lakes
Friends, lovers and solo travellers all escape to the likes of Lake Como and Lake Garda for serenity, romance and breathtaking scenery (plus some great food and wine, of course). Autumn is an especially nice time to visit, as the summer crowds have eased, but the warm weather hasn’t. Find your spot by the water’s edge, raise a glass and live with fizz amongst the fresh air and falling leaves.
Verona
One of the biggest cities in the birthplace of Prosecco, the Veneto region of Northern Italy, Verona is the ideal destination for getting your fix of Roman history, Renaissance art, and more. In autumn, the city offers a laidback experience, welcoming you in to weave through cobblestoned laneways and soak up the architecture of centuries-old piazzas. And once you’re done exploring? A prosecco by the River Adige is the perfect way to sip away the last of the sunshine. Whether you’re exploring far-away shores or enjoying a cocktail at home, autumn might be cooler in temperature – but it’s just as rich with opportunities to live with fizz.
Till next time,
Team Solara.