Val Germanasca: A Day Trip Between Culture and Heroic Wines
Val Germanasca – It’s remarkable how one can uncover true gems close to home. Today, I’d like to suggest an intriguing trip to explore Val Germanasca, a charming area located about an hour’s drive from Turin.
A branch of the Val Chisone, Val Germanasca is steeped in history and tradition, providing captivating opportunities for a few days immersed in nature within a landscape that boasts flavors from yesteryear, starting with the Valdese cuisine and the production of heroic wines.
A region rich in thematic trails and sites that narrate the history of the area, such as the Ecomuseum of Mines. Let’s take a step-by-step look at how to get there, what to see, where to eat, and if you choose to stay a bit longer, where to sleep.
How to Reach Val Germanasca:
By Car: From the Turin ring road, take the A55 highway towards Pinerolo. Continue towards Sestriere along S.R. 23.
Things to Do in Val Germanasca
Ecomuseum of Mines and Val Germanasca
To access the Ecomuseum, follow S.R 23 and follow the signs for Prali and/or ScopriMiniera/ScopriAlpi along the expressway variant.
The Ecomuseum showcases the land and the life of the farmer-miner, while also celebrating the valley’s culture: its landscape, the prevalent religion (the Valdese culture deeply rooted in this region), the Occitan language, and everyday life.
Two itineraries are offered:
- Discover the Mine
- Discover the Alps
Immerse yourself in a unique experience exploring a talc mine, where you can enter a gallery and ride aboard a miner’s train. This visit promises excitement not just for children, but also for adults, and offers plenty of surprises.
Here’s a link to find up-to-date information on schedules and prices:
Ecomuseum of Mines Val Germanasca
It’s worth noting that within the two most renowned mines, Paola and Gianna, two underground cellars have been created, housing about 12,000 bottles every year that evolve into exquisite classic-method sparkling wines over 36 months.
The Autin Winery from Barge has chosen to invest in this area, adding great value, as it’s possible to combine the guided mine tour with a tasting of the “bubbles from the mine,” two excellent products I had the pleasure to try: Eli Brut and Eli Rosé.
Val Germanasca – Heroic Wines
Pomaretto is a town located at the beginning of Val Germanasca, nestled within the Val Chisone. Both valleys are part of the Valdese region in Eastern Occitania.
The steep slopes of the mountains have been cultivated since ancient times. The excellent exposure and the immense effort of previous generations have contributed to the recent revival of heroic viticulture.
Climate change in recent years has enabled results that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
The favorable conditions and the hard work of earlier generations have fueled the rediscovery of heroic viticulture, particularly in Pomaretto, where the Ramìe wine is crafted from native grape varieties from the Alpine valleys.
The name of the wine stems from the deforestation efforts carried out on the steep mountain slopes above Pomaretto, to plant new vineyards. The resulting wood was stacked in characteristic piles known in the local dialect as “Ramìe.”
Indeed, the younger generations in the town have taken over their grandparents’ vineyards, clearing and nurturing them, restoring the terracing, and with the stoicism of true heroic viticulturists, they have reaped the generous fruits of a wine that speaks for itself.
The Ramìe Path
A delightful twilight hike leads to Ciabot, an ancient farmhouse within the vineyards that was traditionally used for resting and storing tools. In 2020, it was renovated to serve as a tasting point, showcasing the excellent DOC wines produced in these valleys.
You can enjoy the unique experience of ‘Apericiabot, where you can savor an aperitif from a terrace within the vineyards while watching the sunset. Here’s a link with all the details to participate: Al Ciabot Pomaretto.
Where to Stay in Pomaretto
There are four wooden cabins (crafted from local wood by local companies) situated among the Ramìe vineyards. They are named Glamping Ramìe, representing a glamorous camping experience.
Each cabin accommodates two guests, offering access to a bathroom and showers at nearby sports facilities. The nightly rate is 120 euros, which includes a welcome bottle of sparkling wine, breakfast at local bars, and a ticket for the Volo del Dahu.
The Volo del Dahu provides a unique experience: soar over the valley that unfolds beneath you on a zipline, gliding above the heroic vineyards where Ramie is cultivated, breathing in the fresh mountain air as you race through the sky.
It’s an adventure best experienced safely, providing a minute of pure adrenaline while revealing the landscape anew. For more details, check out this link: The Volo del Dahu.
Stay in Pomaretto
Where to Eat in Pomaretto
The cuisine of Val Germanasca reflects the history and traditions of the area. Every dish is a legacy of knowledge passed down through generations. We had the pleasure of tasting traditional Valdese dishes paired with the renowned Ramie wine.
A great place to taste traditional Valdese dishes is Agriturismo La Chabranda, which has the charm of a bygone inn with home-cooked aromas and very reasonable prices.
As you can see, a trip—even just for one day—to this area offers an authentic experience that will surely touch your heart. So what are you waiting for? Start planning a weekend in Val Germanasca!
