A wine tourism journey through winemaking excellence signed by Mattia Vezzola

Eight hundred souls told by D’Annunzio and Carducci, in the heart of Valtènesi, where the hills of morainic origin lean up to the shores of Lake Garda, exposed to the rising sun. Costaripa, a winemaking jewel since 1928, today led by the oenologist Mattia Vezzola. This land of glacial origin, ventilated by fresh morning breezes and characterized by a typically Mediterranean climate, was in 1896 the place of origin and suitable land for the first great Italian rosé wines. An enchanted territory, outlined by the soft contours and soft colors of roses and lavender, already historically divided into the Riviera dei Castelli and the Riviera dei Limoni. Respecting a tradition that has been renewed for almost a hundred years, Costaripa today represents the respectful spirit of oenological research, where contemporary technologies blend perfectly with ancient methodologies to create wines of unparalleled uniqueness. In this corner of the world, where time seems to slow down and where the rhythms of nature take over, Costaripa invites wine lovers and enthusiasts to experience the magic of a territory that teaches us to savor the pleasures of life, between history, culture and unforgettable wines . All enthusiasts are guided, through tasting itineraries, on real journeys within a territory that manages to bring out the best notes of some rare vines such as Groppello Gentile. The wine tourism experience offered by Costaripa begins in the historic vineyards and then winds through the winery’s production path and ends with a guided tasting of four wines, through which it is possible to understand the unattainable elegance of rosés and the search for the uniqueness of each bottle, given by manual processing in the vineyard and in the cellar. Each sip tells of a biodiversity that is expressed in wines of rare flavor, harmony and aromatic complexity. In this unique setting, unforgettable experiences took place, capable of enchanting visitors and involving them in a timeless sensorial dimension. Among these, the tasting in the suggestive and historic barrel room of the Costaripa winery organized on the occasion of special and exclusive events, a magical place where the light of the candles alone reveals the silent presence of the ancient white oak barrels, in which the wines of the the company, from the Classic Method to the entire line of rosé wines. Guests here had the opportunity to savor Mattia Vezzola’s high-quality sparkling wines, immersed in an intimate and enveloping atmosphere that transports them back in time and celebrates the rich winemaking tradition of the place. These memorable tastings have made the memory of Costaripa an indelible symbol of excellence and history. The visit to Costaripa can then extend to the discovery of the Vittoriale degli Italiani, the historic residence of Gabriele D’Annunzio transformed into a museum, where the poet’s literary spirit harmonizes with lush gardens and a breathtaking view of the lake. The Island of Garda, a small paradise accessible by boat, which over the centuries has welcomed figures such as Saint Francis of Assisi and Dante Alighieri. It is possible to explore the lush botanical garden and the elegant neo-Gothic-Venetian style villa. The ancient paper mills of Toscolano, which since 17 October 1381 have demonstrated the creativity and intelligent evolution of paper production in a context of extraordinary natural beauty.

With the arrival of spring, the “La Farra” winery of Farra di Soligo is thrilled to announce the opening of its 2024 wine tourism season, inviting wine enthusiasts and visitors to discover the beating heart of the Prosecco Hills of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene, UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This year, attention is paid in particular to the Belvedere La Farra , the recently restored rustic house, which represents the completion of the journey of knowledge of the winery and the surrounding area, to offer the visitor an immersive experience in the places of production. Set among heroic vineyards, Belvedere La Farra offers those who choose to taste the wines of the cellar a unique wine tourism itinerary that combines the tasting of Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore La Farra with the culture and history of the area. “ The Belvedere La Farra recovery project is based on a real need for sharing that we three brothers felt deeply ,” says Adamaria Nardi . “ It is in fact an evocative corner that we have always experienced with great intensity and that we wanted to share with others. It is more than just a place, it is the embodiment of a deep connection with the vineyards that surround it and with everything that these shores represent for us. Belvedere La Farra evokes a set of sensations and memories where the history of our family, that of the winery and the community in which we are rooted are intertwined. It is a structure that brings to mind the profound meaning of heroic viticulture . Cultivating vineyards in these hills is in fact very tiring but at the same time fascinating and satisfying, especially thanks to the beauty of the landscape. Stopping to contemplate these places in silence, in contact with nature, is a privilege that we wish to share with all visitors who come to visit us. Tasting our Prosecco Superiore during a pleasant stop at Belvedere La Farra, together with a visit to the cellar and vineyards, means appreciating our production world and grasping its essence, along an invisible thread that connects our identity to the wine tourism experience that we offer ”. Finished restoring in 2023, this structure serves as a meeting point for visitors to the winery, offering them the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the hills. Through a curated selection of books and guides available in the internal library, guests can deepen their knowledge of local traditions while tasting the exclusive wines of La Farra. The wine tourism experience offered by La Farra is enriched with a route of approximately 3 km along the road to the Collagù Sanctuary . The name of this place is inspired by the particularly sharp shape (colle acu-to) of the hill on which the sanctuary is built, located just below the summit. The itinerary, which winds along the pre-existing route much loved by local inhabitants and hiking enthusiasts, requires about 30 minutes of walking. The walk offers the possibility of extending up to the Sanctuary of Collagù, known for its characteristic position, and continuing towards the village of the same name or the small church of San Gallo. Upon returning, guests have the opportunity to take a short tour of the winery and purchase the wines produced. Furthermore, ” La Farra Fridays ” are back, the popular event format for wine lovers which gives the opportunity to combine a tasting of selected wines with a walk through the heroic vineyards of the cellar. Guests can book this unique experience in the cellar, immersing themselves in the tranquility and beauty of the hilly landscape while tasting and discovering the nuances of La Farra’s Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore. With a variety of events, tastings and guided tours, the company is therefore preparing to offer an unforgettable experience that highlights the richness of its territory and the excellence of its wines.

The event was a great success despite the unfavorable weather conditioGreat participation in the Ruchè Festival 2024 , organized by the Association of Producers of Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG, which was held on the weekend of 17-19 May at the Tenuta La Mercantile in Castagnole Monferrato (AT) . With more than 1,000 tastings , 3,000 attendees , and 2,000 bottles sold , the event was not only an opportunity to taste the different facets of a wine that is conquering the whole world, but also a pleasant context in which to immerse yourself in art, in music and entertainment, thanks to the collaboration with Monferrato On Stage and Artàporter and all the artists who participated.
Franco Cavallero , President of the Ruchè Producers Association, expresses his enthusiasm:
<< The Ruchè Festival was born with the aim of making Ruchè known to a new audience but also, and above all, of presenting the faces of the producers who, every day, work and seriously invest in an extraordinary and contemporary wine. The Festival ends with a more than positive outcome: we achieved record numbers, achieving 30% more than last year and this suggests an ever-increasing interest in this vine, which makes us proud to say the least >>.
The event recorded a large turnout of the public, confirming the growing interest that the native Piedmont vine has been acquiring in recent years. The combination of wine and art was the fulcrum of the party: the tastings were accompanied not only by the artistic dimension of the estate, but also by works by artists selected by Artàporter, as well as by the performance of nationally renowned musicians, such as Johnson Righeira , Le 3 CHIC and Instabil Band . The event was organized by the Association of Producers of Ruchè di Castagnole Monferrato DOCG in collaboration with the Barbera d’Asti and Vini del Monferrato Consortium, Go Wine, Artàporter and Monferrato On Stage.