Anyone know of any producer of Barolo that’s open for visits on Saturday afternoons? I found someone who would take us Saturday morning and Sunday morning, but Saturday afternoon is proving difficult. TYIA.
I think there is Piemonte (in Italian) or Piedmont (in English), but no Piedmonte. I hate to sound like I’m nitpicking, but you strike me as someone who would rather get it right.
I’m afraid don’t know the answer to your question - my guess would be some of the large producers who have walk-in tasting rooms, though I don’t know how interested you are in those.
I was in Piemonte this fall and had the same problem. We used the opportunity to drive out to Antica Corona Reale (better known as Da Renzo) in Cervere. Great meal.
Produttori del Barbaresco’s tasting room is open on Saturdays. Far from an intimate producer visit, but better than nothing. The tasting room is located in the town of Barbaresco, next to the tower.
I’m fairly certain Ceretto would be open. Kind of modern, snazzy and professional (Napa-like) tours and tastings, which may or may not be what you’re looking for. But the wines and staff are great, and they are very conveniently located near Alba if you’ll be coming from or going to town…
I would guess some large producer like Borgogno or Marchesi di Barolo is open on Saturday afternoons; again, not sure if that moves the needle for you or not. You can probably also taste at the regional Enoteca or the Museo dei Cavatappi on a Saturday.
I know a number of producers who are open on Saturday afternoons in Piedemonte, but they all include stems.
check on the tourist office site www.langheroero.it which has opening days listed for most wineries. There are a number that take visitors 7 days a week.
Not sure who you’ve talked to already, i know I’ve tasted at Cavallotto on a Saturday afternoon. Alex Sanchez at Brovia was more flexible in scheduling than most, so that might be another option. Frankly I’m surprised you got a Sunday appointment - not sure I’ve ever managed that feat
If you can’t find a winery, Castello di Grinzane is definitely open on Saturday afternoons if you are looking for something wine related. As mentioned above, Ceretto is open 7 days a week too, right on the outskirts of Alba. It wouldn’t take line to taste all of their good wines (j/k)
No idea, but why not drop Signore Klapp a line?
I tried Vajra (who are reputed to be open) but they haven’t replied.
and the list on the tourist office website is down, last I checked this AM!
As for Mr. Klapp, I would rather lick a high-char barrique
Aw who knows, you two might just hit it off!
Two more to consider. I think Massolino should have finished their new cellar by now, and was ramping up for more of a visitor center approach. Definitely worth checked, especially if you can catch the release of the 2010 Vigna Rionda - a stunning wine. A relatively unknown winery in La Morra called Dosio also has a new tasting room, and is open 2-6 on Saturdays. They make a traditional single-vineyard Fossati that is quite good, as well as a bunch of more modern style wines. Worth checking out if you are in the area
Renatto Ratti? They are certainly set up for visitors galore.
I visited both Vajra and Ellio Grasso on a Saturday afternoon, FWIW. Though I showed up at the wrong times for both, having gotten the respective times reversed.
Ellio Grasso is a great visit…what a view! You can see their vineyards and the G.Conterno Cascina Francia from their terrace. (Grasso is also my favorite Barolo producer, but…)
David, I’m surmising that you’re not looking for a tasting room that is open to the public on a walk-in basis, like in Napa for example. Rather, you’re looking for a private appointment? If so, then contact directly the wineries which interest you and ask for a Saturday appointment. Many will oblige. I’ve had plenty of private appointments on Saturdays in Piemonte.
And I fully agree with the recommendation above for lunch at Antica Corona Reale.
For Vajra–try Isidoro@gdvaira.it (may not be an improvement in what you’ve already tried, but worth a try anyway). Don’t know if the i vs j makes difference, but that’s how they are spelling their name these days.
Probably fed up of the mispronunciation !
As I recall, the family name is spelled Vaira, but they used to the J in the cantina name as that’s the way it would be rendered in Piemontese dialect.