• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Tiny Urban Kitchen
  • About Me
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Michelin
  • Subscribe
  • Taiwanese
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About Me
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Michelin
  • Subscribe
  • Taiwanese
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About Me
    • Travel
    • Recipes
    • Michelin
    • Subscribe
    • Taiwanese
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » World Travel » Europe » Italy » Piedmont

    G.D. Vajra Winery in Barolo, Italy

    Published: Mar 2, 2016 · Modified: May 11, 2016 by Jennifer Che

    D4C3773.jpg
    This is the sixth post in the Around the World Birthday Extravaganza Series. Because there will be many, many posts in this series, please scroll to the bottom of the post to see all the other posts in this series.

    It was the second day of our two-day tour of the Piedmont region (and third day in Italy). After spending a half day exploring the International White Truffle Fair in Alba, we spent a foggy day exploring the Barbaresco region with our wine-expert tour guide, Robert Alexander from Langhe Travel.

    Bright and early the next morning, Robert picked us up at our hotel and started driving towards Barolo.
    D4C3775.jpg
    The scenery was completely different from the day before.

    All we could see was fog on our previous day in Barbaresco. Though we were able to take endless dreamy photos in diffuse light, we never really got to see anything more than a few feet away. Robert would tell us how great the view was from our restaurant, but we couldn't see anything beyond the fog.

    We were so thankful when the sun came out the following day. Not a cloud in the sky! Finally! We could see for miles, and the views took our breath away. The Piedmont region is so beautiful.D4C3767.jpg
    Down below you can see the town of Barolo. It's not very big, and it's totally surrounded by vineyards.
    D4C3760.jpg
    Our first stop was a visit to G.D. Vajra Winery, a vineyard located at high elevation in an area between Barolo and La Morra. I asked Robert to add this winery to our tour because several of my wine-loving friends from the restaurant world in Boston highly recommended visiting.
    D4C3749.jpg
    Upon arrival at the winery, Francesca, one of the daughters of the family, greeted us.
    X1C0373.jpg
    Francesca's parents, Milena and Aldo Vaira (family name spelled slightly differently from the winery name), started the family-run winery in 1972 using grapes from vineyards that Aldo's father planted in 1947.

    Her brother Giuseppe is now a second generation winemaker for the family's winery, and is gradually taking over. During our visit he happened to be in the U.S. (I think he was actually in Boston!) so he was unable to meet with us.
    D4C3752.jpg
    Francesca took us on a tour of the facilities. Pictured above, huge steel tanks for wine fermentation.
    D4C3753.jpg
    We visited the lower level, where boxes of wines were being labeled and prepared to be shipped all over the world.
    D4C3757.jpg
    In the middle of the massive wine cellar sits an inner garden, an oasis among barrels and barrels of aging wine.
    D4C3758.jpg
    It is a reminder of their surroundings, nature and the terroir it provides that's so fundamental to the flavor in the wines they make.
    X1C0375.jpg
    After walking through the various winemaking areas, we entered a beautiful tasting room with stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
    X1C0377.jpg
    Just imagine what it would be like to live here with THIS view out your window everyday.
    X1C0379.jpg
    And then we began tasting wine.
    X1C0382.jpg
    This was a really fun and interesting tasting.  Not only were we able to try some of their more well-known wines, we had a chance to try some unusual ones, like their Langhe Riesling (really good!), their Freisa, Moscato D'Asti (a sweet wine), and even their Barolo Chinato.

    We liked so many of them, but we finally settled on buying some Bricco delle Viole (one of their flagships - it's fantastic), a couple bottles of the Riesling (it's so rare and very good!), and a couple bottles of the Moscato d'Asti for fun.
    D4C3772.jpg
    It was a wonderful visit. We were thrilled that we were able to get so much sunshine (finally!) and clear skies so we could really savor the vast views from all around the area.
    D4C3780.jpg
    The vistas were so stunning, sometimes we would just stop the car, get out, and take photos.
    D4C3777.jpg
    I wanted to stay here forever, but it was time for lunch, so we made our way back into the car and headed to the town of Montforte d'Alba for some more local Piemontese food and white truffles!

    Up next: our lunch at Trattoria Della Posta . . . 

    DSC4605.jpg

    All Posts In This Series
    Around the World Birthday Extravaganza
    Alba White Truffle Fair
    Osteria Dei Sognatori - A Traditional Piedmontese Dinner
    Italy Wine Tour - Barbaresco
    Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy
    Dinner at a Truffle Hunter's Inn - Tra Art e Querce

    More Europe

    • La Salita Valencia Spain
    • El Poblet Valencia Spain -2 Michelin Stars
    • MercatBar by Quique Dacosta - Valencia
    • La Pepica Waterfront Paella - Valencia

    Recent Posts

    • La Salita Valencia Spain January 16, 2023
    • El Poblet Valencia Spain -2 Michelin Stars December 29, 2022
    • MercatBar by Quique Dacosta - Valencia December 9, 2022
    • La Pepica Waterfront Paella - Valencia December 5, 2022
    • Llisa Negra Valencia Spain December 1, 2022
    • Central Bar by Ricard Camarena - Valencia Spain November 29, 2022
    • Casa Ripoll Valencia - Beachside Paella November 27, 2022
    • Valencia Spain Trip Report - Itinerary November 23, 2022

    Reader Interactions

    Trackbacks

    1. Trattoria della Posta Italy - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      March 8, 2016 at 12:14 am

      […] All Posts In This Series Around the World Birthday Extravaganza Alba White Truffle Fair Osteria Dei Sognatori – A Traditional Piedmontese Dinner Italy Wine Tour – Barbaresco Lunch at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery […]

      Log in to Reply
    2. White Truffle Hunting in Alba with a Dog says:
      March 10, 2016 at 12:46 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort […]

      Log in to Reply
    3. La Morra and Barolo Italy says:
      March 17, 2016 at 1:20 pm

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    4. Une Cuisine en Ville - Bordeaux France says:
      April 9, 2016 at 10:01 pm

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    5. Chateau Haut-Brion tour says:
      April 12, 2016 at 11:40 pm

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    6. Restaurant Le St. James - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      April 18, 2016 at 6:15 pm

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    7. Touring Bordeaux Wineries - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      June 2, 2016 at 12:41 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    8. A Different Paris - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      June 26, 2016 at 12:04 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    9. Le Relais de l’Entrecôte - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      August 2, 2016 at 1:18 pm

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    10. Pirouette Paris - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      August 4, 2016 at 1:00 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    11. L'Ambroisie Paris - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      August 8, 2016 at 11:53 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    12. L'Arpege Paris - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      August 14, 2016 at 12:07 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    13. Hiking at Mount Takao (Takao-San) in Japan - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      October 2, 2016 at 3:19 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    14. Florilege Tokyo - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      October 5, 2016 at 12:30 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    15. Sushi Harutaka Tokyo - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      October 17, 2016 at 11:22 pm

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    16. Azabu Kadowaki (麻布) - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      October 21, 2016 at 1:25 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    17. Nakameguro Iguchi yakitori (中目黒いぐち) - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      October 27, 2016 at 5:04 pm

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    18. Sushi Ya Tokyo (すし家) - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      October 27, 2016 at 5:08 pm

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    19. Sun Tung Lok Hong Kong - 2 Michelin Stars - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      December 4, 2016 at 12:32 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply
    20. Fu Sing Seafood Restaurant Hong Kong - Tiny Urban Kitchen says:
      January 19, 2018 at 1:26 am

      […] at Donna Selvatica in Neive, Italy Dinner at a Truffle Hunter’s Inn – Tra Art e Querce G.D.Vajra Winery Trattoria Della Posta in Montfort D’Alba Nighttime Truffle Hunting with a Dog in Alba Osteria […]

      Log in to Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Jennifer Che Tiny Urban Kitchen
    Jennifer Che Tiny Urban Kitchen

    Hi, my name's Jen and welcome to my cooking, eating, and travel site! I am an expat who moved from Boston to Hong Kong 5 years ago. Born and raised in Ohio to Taiwanese immigrant parents, I am a chemistry nerd, patent attorney by day, blogger by night, church musician on weekends, and food enthusiast always. Feel free to explore away, maybe starting with the Recipe Index or one of the travel pages! I hope you enjoy this site!

    More about me →

    Explore

    • Recipe
    • Restaurant
    • US Travel
    • World Travel

    Popular Posts

    • Llisa Negra Valencia Spain
    • Central Bar by Ricard Camarena - Valencia Spain
    • Casa Ripoll Valencia - Beachside Paella
    • Valencia Spain Trip Report - Itinerary

    Recipes

    • Appetizer
    • Snacks
    • Meat
    • Vegetables
    • Soup
    • Salad
    • Seafood
    • Noodles

    Recently Traveled

    • Hong Kong
    • France
    • Belgium
    • Boston
    • California
    • United Kingdom
    • Germany
    • Spain

    Support Us

    Recognition


    Featured on the front page
    of the FOOD Section: 2015

    Best Food Blog Awards:
    Restaurant & Dining 2012

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About Me
    • My Equipment
    • In the Press
    • Project Food Blog
    • Privacy Policy

    Eating Guides!

    Eating & Travel Guides
    Trip Reports
    "Kawaii" (Cute Foods)
    Around the World

    • Pinterest
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    • Mail
    • RSS Feed

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Shop at Amazon

    Copyright © 2022 Tiny Urban Kitchen