“My village is not a surprise, it is ten vineyards, six houses, one church.”

The words out of a song of Paolo Frola. He was singing about Rocchetta Tanaro, home of the Braida winery in Monferrato, Piedmont. The beating heart of the barbera area. The climate and vegetation in this area, form a bridge between the Langhe region and the hills of Turin. Rocchetta Tanaro is part of the Strada del Vino Astesana which extends over a small area between the right bank of the Tanaro river and the Apennine Mountain chain.

History & more

It all started in 1961, with the first harvest of barbera by Giacomo Bologna. The wine was called La Monella. In 1982 Mr. Bologna started to experiment with barriques and Bricco dell’Uccellone (the most famous reserve) was born. Later followed by two other reserves, Bricco della Bigotta in 1985 and Ai Suma (from late harvest grapes). In 1988 they also started making white wine in collaboration with brothers Renzo and Valerio Giacosa, a wine made from nascetta (a local grape variety). In 1990, after Mr. Bologna died, his children, Raffaella and Giuseppe Bologna took over the management of the winery and they still run it today. Braida has around 70 ha of vineyards, 37 ha in Rocchetta Monferrato.

The Wines

The wines of Braida are a real expression of the passion this family has for winemaking. Braida is the story of barbera, from the lightest and most pure expression to the deepest and most elegant expression. Next to this Braida also produces white wines made from nascetta/chardonnay/riesling, a grappa and two sweet wines (brachetto and moscato).  Always with passion, creativity, respect for tradition and respect for nature.

Experiences & Hospitality

At Braida in Rocchetta Monferrato you can enjoy a tour and tasting, they offer two options:

• A classic tour and tasting with a cellar visit and the tasting of 4 wines (including a reserve wine).
• A reserve tour and tasting with a cellar visit and a tasting of 4 reserve wines.

Next to the tours, Braida also owns a beautiful guesthouse (B&B) where you can enjoy a beautiful stay. They have a magnificent view over the Monferrato hills, vineyards and woods.

And if you would be looking for a place to have lunch or dinner, we can recommend Trattoria I Bologna. Here they serve top quality local dishes, in an authentic setting. The owner is a cousin of Raffaella and Giuseppe.

A special thanks to Rafaella Bologna for the hospitality!