A visit to the wine cellars of Oltrepò Pavese is a unique and fascinating experience for anyone who appreciates wine and wine culture. A wonderful experience at any time of the year, but even more so in spring when the days are longer.
A walk through the vineyards admiring the hills and views, a meeting with the cellar owners to learn about the history and process of growing grapes. And then there are the tastings, where you can taste the wines of the area paired with typical local products.
The Oltrepò Pavese is a welcoming land; the cellars, especially the historic ones, always have a very welcoming atmosphere, with spaces where wine can be enjoyed outdoors, in the middle of nature, or in tasting rooms. There are wineries of all sizes and for all tastes, from small family-run businesses to large producers.
As well as a guided tour, it is also possible to buy wine directly from the cellar.
A tour of the wineries is a truly exciting experience, one that touches all the senses and never leaves you unsatisfied, because the Oltrepò Pavese is one of the most important wine-producing areas in Italy. Famous for its red wines - Bonarda, Barbera, Buttafuoco and Sangue di Giuda - and at the top of the charts for the production of Pinot Noir, which has found its ideal terrain in the Oltrepò hills. The first Pinot Nero Metodo Classico produced in Italy was born here in 1865.
A tradition started by the Romans
The Oltrepò Pavese is an area with an ancient winemaking tradition. Vine cultivation in this area dates back to Roman times, but it was during the Middle Ages that the art of winemaking was developed and perfected, thanks to the presence of numerous monasteries and convents. Over the centuries, thanks to the commitment of local producers and the growing fame of Oltrepò Pavese wines at national and international level, the sector has developed strongly. The grapes grown in this area are mainly Pinot Noir, Barbera, Croatina, Uva Rara, Riesling and Moscato. Among the most famous wines produced in Oltrepò Pavese are Pinot Noir, Bonarda, Barbera, Buttafuoco and Moscato. A characteristic feature of Oltrepò Pavese wines is their acidity, which gives the white wines a fresh and fruity taste and the red wines a solid structure and strong character.
The Oltrepò Pavese Wine Consortium
The Oltrepò Pavese Wine Consortium was founded with the aim of promoting and enhancing the wines of the area and protecting and defending the quality of its products. Founded in 1975, the Consortium now represents over 300 members and manages a heritage of over 13,500 hectares of vineyards. Thanks to the commitment of the Consortium and its members, the wines of Oltrepò Pavese have won numerous national and international awards in recent years, confirming the great quality and versatility of the wines of this area.
A late testimonial today, Gianni Brera
One of the most famous and influential Italian sports journalists of the 20th century, Gianni Brera is also remembered for his great passion for food and wine culture. Originally from the province of Pavia, Brera wrote several book articles describing the aromas and flavours of the different grape varieties of the Oltrepadana region and telling the stories of local producers. He always spoke highly of the wines of the Oltrepò Pavese, celebrating their quality and diversity.
