Harvest Herstories. A brief essay on Women and Viticulture in Italy

This research provides an in-depth examination of the multifaceted roles of women in Italy’s viticulture industry, focusing on the challenges, stigmatizations, and “glassing” processes they face. Women are depicted not merely as laborers but as creators and stewards of diverse, often “marginalized,” spaces. Moving the discussion from the EU’s and Italian’s normative frameworks and official data sources, the study maps the different associations and entities involved and advocating for women’s roles in viticulture, analyzing both production and valorization on a national scale. It aims to offer a deeper understanding of the complexities which surround women’s participation and challenges in the field of viticulture, laying the groundwork for future research and deeper reflection, especially in light of climate change effects. In order to contribute to the field of geography, the research highlights the spatial dimension of the intersectional vulnerability faced by women in Italian viticulture. The idea is to inspect women’s roles in the construction of alternative spaces, adding a crucial dimension (gender) into the understanding of the evolution of human geography and cultural landscapes. Despite a lack of literature and detailed data, the research intends to open the way for further inquiries and to introduce analytical elements to the existing debate. This approach is anchored in official statistics, observations, questionnaires, and interviews conducted since 2018. The results acknowledge the contributions of all participants, aiming to present a novel perspective within a heavily scrutinized domain, transcending prevalent marketing narratives associated with “liberal feminism” and stereotypes. The exploration presents a richly diverse context, characterized by varied experiences and narratives. The research does not seek definitive answers, but generally aims to define a new paradigm on the cultural, social, and environmental dimensions that construct societal “spatiality.” Ultimately, this essay invites readers to engage in a critical way with the intersectional dynamics shaping women’s experiences in viticulture and fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse roles they play within this intricate ecosystem.