G.D. Vajra
Barolo, Italy
A rustic, terracotta-tiled winery perched jauntily on a hillside in Vergne, Barolo's highest village, G.D. Vajra is a worthy pilgrimage site for admirers of elegant, perfumed Italian reds. Its most famous vineyard? The sky-scraping Bricco delle Viole – 'Hill of Violets', in English – named for the delicate flowers that bloom among its vines each spring. The whole handsome estate was established in 1972 by Aldo Vaira, whose passion for viticulture was piqued when, as a young man, he was sent to work on his grandparents' farm; pause to take in the full extent of the colour, scent and scenery all around you, and you might just fall under the same spell. Available by appointment only, guided tours take in the winery and cellar, where stained-glass windows cast jewel-like tones over stainless-steel fermentation tanks – giving the whole space an extraordinary spiritual-meets-industrial air. And for the grand finale, you'll have the chance to sip and swirl a selection of the estate's exceptional wines, putting the flavours of those violet-strewn Langhe hills firmly into context.
Key Information
- Opening times: Mon – Thu, 10am-1pm and 3-6pm, Fri – Sun 10am-6.30pm
- Signature wine: Barolo Bricco delle Viole
- Wines produced: Red, white, rosé and sparkling
- Grape varieties: Nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, freisa, pinot noir, riesling, moscato
- Time from airport: 1 hour 40 mins from Turin Airport
- Visit G.D. Vajra 's website
Location
Piazza della Vite e del Vino, 1, Barolo, Piedmont, 12060
