Fontanafredda

Fontanafredda - of love and wine

Like all beautiful things, Fontanafredda was born from a love story: that between King Vittorio Emmanuele II of Italy and his mistress Rosa Veracellana, called "Bela Rosin". The king bought an estate in the Fontanafredda district for his mistress, and later wife, and their common children. For social security, he granted them the noble title of Counts of Mirafiore and Fontanafredda, a title rich in tradition in Turin. The son, Count Emmanuele di Mirafiore, founded the Fontanafredda winery around 1870 and shortly thereafter, with great foresight, passion and innovative spirit, began marketing the wines from Casa E. di Mirafiore.

Fontanafredda was not only a winery, however: Emmanuele had workers' housing built, as well as a school. The Mirafiore family's wine history ended with its sale to a bank during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Today, 70 years later, it once again belongs to true Piedmontese people, Messrs. Baffigo and Farinetti, founders and owners of Eataly. 

A century and a half of excellence in winemaking

Nestled in the wonderful rolling hills of the Langhe, between 200 and 400 meters above sea level, Fontanafredda boasts charactristic Piedmontese architecture with the horizontal stripes that we also see on the new wine labels. Classics and innovative wines have been produced here for 155 years, today more than ever with a focus on sustainability.

Fontanafredda - the classics of Piedmont

Cultivated in the vineyards between Alba and Monchiero are the absolute classics grape varieties.

• Nebbiolo
• Barbera
• Dolcetto
• Moscato
• Arneis

The former, of course, give rise to legendary Barolos and Barbarescos, but also white wine classics such as Gavi di Gavi and Roero Arneis. Of course, in Piedmont, however, Barbera d'Asti and the legendary lush-sweet Moscato d'Asti cannot be missing. One of Fontanafredda's specialties is Barolo Chinato, a flavored wine that pairs perfectly with the finest chocolate.

The Fontanafredda winery also offers tours of the vineyards, park and cellars. In addition, the historic royal Villa Contessa Rosa houses a restaurant and overnight stays are possible in the vineyard houses.