Monferrato wine, grappa and chocolate day tour from Turin or Milan
Start your journey at 8.45am in Turin or Milan. Travel in the Piedmont countryside to reach a small village near Gavi, called Monterotondo. Surrounded by vineyards is La Mesma winery, a 25-hectare propriety planted with Cortese grape vines. The business is run by Paola, Francesca and Anna, three sisters from the Rosina family. Though they come from different backgrounds, they have decided to take on the family business because they share the love for their land, and Gavi in particular. They also have another 10-hectare propriety in Tassarolo. They believe that a healthy environment is crucial to have vigorous vines. This land is a region with extensive biodiversity, and the three sisters aim to preserve it through soft pruning technique, gentle farming practices, and controlled grass treatments. Also, they chose not to use weed killers or chemical fertilizers. White winemaking is made at controlled temperatures in stainless steel vats. The resulting wines have a balanced and dry taste and an elegant, fruity bouquet.
Your second stop will be among the Alto Monferrato hills, at Rocco di Carpeneto organic boutique winery. Here you will be welcomed by Lidia and Paolo. They used to live and work in Milan, but after 20 years they decided to give up on city life and moved to the country. Lidia and Paolo will guide you in the visit to their estate, where they only make unfiltered, organic wine, with the slightest addition of sulfites. This couple owns about 5 hectares of vineyards, where they grow Piedmont-native grapes (Dolcetto, Barbera, Cortese, Nebbiolo, Barbarossa). Visit the tiny but modern cellar and enjoy a tasting of 3 beautiful wines, paired with local cheeses, cured meats, and gourmet products.
You will then continue your tour to reach the "grappa hamlet" Silvano d'Orba around 3 PM. Here you will have a tour of the Gualco distillery. This small artisanal distillery was founded by Bartolomeo Gualco, locally known as "the wizard of grappa," together with his niece, Susanna Gualco. Learn about grappa making and visit the storage silos of the grape pomace, the historic bain-marie still, the XVIII-century aging cellar. Next, you will taste four different grappas, paired with different kinds of Bodrato chocolate. Bodrato was established in Genoa around the 1940s and then moved to this region in the 70s. Here, chocolate is still made with traditional methods, and attention and dedication have always been fundamental and allowed this small workshop to develop into a famous, high-quality chocolate producer.
At the end of your visit, you will be transferred back to Turin or Milan, where you will arrive by 6 PM.
