Cave Monaja

Cave Monaja grew out of a simple idea: to take over old vineyards before they disappear. Among them is a monumental vine in the abandoned hamlet of Farys.

Saving the small vineyards

The project is run by an oenologist. He wants to make good wine, but also to keep alive the small family vineyards of the area, many of which had been all but abandoned. The estate covers 1.5 hectares. It produces about 5,000 bottles a year, from petit rouge, fumin and pinot noir.

The winery is also seeking certification for its environmentally friendly practices. By bringing vineyards back into cultivation, it gives new life to neglected land and hamlets.

Former cheese cellars

The winery is small but well organised. It is in Quart, on the outskirts of Aosta. The premises were once used for maturing cheeses. They have been practically divided up and are well suited to winemaking.

There is an old wine press and a modern pneumatic press. To reduce its environmental impact, the winery operates without refrigeration units.