Bellinzona lies at the foot of the Gotthard massif. The gate to the mountain passes of St. Gotthard, San Bernardino and Lukmanier was already strongly fortified in Roman times, and the magnificent fortifications - Castelgrande, Castello di Montebello and Sasso Corbaro - have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2000.

This strategically important region is also Ticino's second largest wine-growing region, with around 200 hectares of vineyards.
This is where Merlot, in particular, matures into full-bodied wines that visitors to the Perbacco grape harvest festival can taste.

In addition to the tasting stands, there is a parade of winegrowers through the alleys of the historic old town and grapes are kicked.
Various bands and music groups also provide entertainment.