Many dream of leaving it all to become winemakers.  For Lidia Carbonetti and Paolo Baretta the dream became a really when the magical hills of the Alto Monferrato cast their spell and drew them in.  Lidia went back to university to earn a Master’s degree in winemaking and the two left the business world of Milan to settle on a charming nineteenth-century estate where old vines were calling for attention.  There began the adventure of revitalizing the vineyard and making smooth and sensuous wines, all while launching an attractive agriturismo for guests wanting a taste of life amidst la bella vite (the beautiful vine) of Piedmont.

Lidia and Paolo believe deeply in privileging the indigenous grape varietals emerging from the rich terroir of the Ovada region.  Their organically farmed parcels abound with Barbera, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Albarossa, and Cortese, some of which date back to the 1950s, all thriving in an abundant diversity of flowers and grasses that enliven the earth into which their roots stretch deeply.  Under Lidia’s watchful, analytic eye, the grapes are handpicked at just the right maturity and transported in small cases to the cantina. In the purpose built, energy efficient (no temperature control) winery - designed by Lidia as the final project for her Master’s program - the grapes undergo spontaneous fermentation.  Intervention is minimal and each manipulation is carefully thought out in advance.  The wines are fermented and aged in the vessel best suited to bring out their characteristics, including concrete, stainless steel, terra cotta amphorae, and old barriques and tonneaux. 

From this “radical winery” come precise, approachable, simply delicious wines that showcase land, fruit, and the passion of their makers.  Lidia and Paolo favour freshness, acidity, and vitality in their wines, and we invite you to fall for these beautiful expressions of Piedmont as well!  And for the full immersion, stay in one of their aesthetic and comfortable rooms overlooking the vines next time you’re in Italy.  It’s the kind of place you never want to leave…