Food & Wine - visit the producers: Verrayes

The farm has been operating since 1991, using exclusively organic methods and directly controlling each stage of the production process. Its philosophy is based on multi-functionality and rural tourism as important opportunities for growth and enhancement of the agricultural sector as they transmit, especially to young people, an image of the figure of the farmer who is attentive to the preservation of traditions and rural culture, but also open to the future through research and the implementation of sustainable agricultural systems that respect the environment.
The farm’s hillside location, on terraced fields with good exposure to the sun, allows for the production of fine single-flower honeys, the cultivation of small fruits and fruit trees, as well as the cultivation of vegetables in open fields or greenhouses, both for direct sale and for the processing of fruit and vegetables into jams and preserves. All products can be purchased from the farm shop (a notice by telephone is recommended).

Educational activities
1. Bees: social organisation and products of the hive (designed for tourists and families)
Through the direct observation with the aid of an educational beehive and a demonstration of the use of working tools, participants will be led to approach the world of bees and discover their secrets. In addition to the visit, it is possible to visit the beekeeping museum in Châtillon.

2. The organic vegetable garden and orchard (designed for schools)
Example of a vegetable growing cycle, with preparation of the soil, sowing and transplanting; recognition of the main fruit trees and their distinctive characteristics.

3. Solar energy and its various uses on the farm
The description and visit to the different areas of the farm will illustrate some topics such as photosynthesis, drying, greenhouse cultivation and the production of electrical energy through photovoltaic solar systems.

Period of activity and intended recipients
The activities are organised from March to October for schools and in summer for families and summer camps.

Welcoming capacity
Min. 10, max. 25 people. It is possible to use equipped outdoor spaces and, in case of bad weather, to use indoor spaces for the activities and to eat your packed lunch.

How to get there
Travelling along A5 motorway, exit at the Châtillon - Saint-Vincent tollgate and take the road S.S. 26 driving for 8 km towards Aosta until the roundabout in Champagne (Verrayes): turn left uphill on the regional road 42 (signposts for Verrayes - Colle San Pantaleone) and ascend for 4 km until you find the car park and a wooden sign for the hamlet of Cherolinaz.

The La Vrille holiday farm and winery (‘viticcio’ in Italian), located along the Via Francigena at 670 m asl, was founded in 2002 from a project dreamed of and conceived by Hervé, a former sailor and great-grandson of emigrants from Valle d’Aosta, who decided to return to the cultivation of his ancestors’ land and Luciana, a lover of life in the name of simplicity.
The vineyards, arranged in a natural amphitheater overlooking the Avic and Emilius mountains, are almost entirely cultivated with autochthonous vines such as Vuillermin, Petit Rouge, Cornalin and Fumin, with the one exception of Pinot Noir.
A large area is reserved for Muscat Petit Grain, used for the production of the historic Chambave Muscat, and for the award-winning Chambave MusctaFlétri, the company’s sweet wine.

The products
White DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) wines: Chambave Muscat
Red DOC wines: Cornalin, Fumin, Chambave, Pinot noir, Vuillermin
DOC straw wine: Chambave Muscat Fletry

The sales point is open upon phone reservation.

The visit
It is possible to visit the winery and the vineyards. Several types of tastings can be booked, based on requests and the number of participants.
Cost of the tasting: to be agreed upon at the time of booking.
The company can be visited upon phone reservation (Hervé Deguillaume).
Languages spoken: Italian and French.

How to get there
Coming from the A5 motorway, exit at Nus. After approximately 5 km, at the first roundabout, turn left towards Verrayes. Go up for about 600 m, turn right towards “La Vrille agritourisme, Crétaz, Clapey, Grangeon”. Follow the small road that goes up for about 800 m.