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.