La Vendemmia Brings the Spirit of the Harvest to Little Italy
Grape stomping, pasta eating, live music and more on September 27 in Ottawa's Little Italy.
The Abruzzo Federation of Canada invites the community to celebrate the age-old traditions of the Italian harvest at La Vendemmia on Saturday, September 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 298 Preston Street.
This lively one-day event promises to bring the joy, flavour, and music of Italy’s harvest season to the heart of Ottawa’s Little Italy. Attendees can expect a day filled with friendly competition, live music, and the unmistakable charm of Italian culture.
At the centre of the celebrations will be the Live Grape Stomping Contest, where community members will roll up their sleeves and take part in a tradition that pays homage to the old-world art of winemaking. Guests can also test their appetites in the pizza and pasta eating contests, or cheer on friends and neighbours during the afternoon’s public stomping competition.
Entertainment runs throughout the day, including a special Canadian tribute from the Ottawa Fire Services Band.
Program Highlights:
- 10:00 a.m. Opening and introduction of MC
- 10:05 a.m. Canadian National Anthem
- 10:15 a.m. Live Grape Stomping with Politicians
- 11:00 a.m. Ottawa Firefighters Band tribute to Canada
- 12:00 p.m. Pizza Eating Contest
- 1:00 p.m. Pasta Eating Contest
- 2:00 p.m. Public Grape Stomping Contest
- 4:00 p.m. Medal Awards Ceremony
- 5:00 p.m. Closing Remarks
“This event is a celebration of community, tradition, and the cultural heritage that makes Little Italy such a special place,” said Lindsay Childerhose, Executive Director of the Preston Street BIA, which is proud to support the event. “It’s a nod to La Vendemmia festivals that animated Preston Street for decades before the pandemic, and thanks to local groups like the Abruzzo Federation, that spirit continues today”.
This event is free and open to the public. To RSVP as a contest participant, please email Abruzzofederation@gmail.com or call 613-567-4532.
Click here to view the full program.