Hiking through vineyards in Italy’s Aosta Valley

Hiking through vineyards is a popular activity in many wine regions, offering scenic views and the opportunity to explore the local culture. Boasting an ancient wine-making tradition, Aosta Valley offers a variety of hiking itineraries with a bonus for history buffs. Some of these trails feature remarkable historical sites, including ancient Roman ruins and stunning medieval castles.

The presence of vines in Aosta Valley dates back to the Bronze Age as evidenced by the discovery of grape seeds in the archaeological area of Saint-Martin-de-Corléans in Aosta. Finds from the 1st century AD in premises probably used for pressing testify to the presence of wine in Roman times. Today the vine is grown on terraces supported by dry stone walls, so widespread as to characterize the landscape in a distinctive way. Looking at the vineyards torn from the mountain and planted on dizzying slopes, you can immediately understand the origin of the attribute “heroic viticulture”.

Highlights of Aosta’s hiking and walking opportunities through vineyards include:

Aymavilles – Pont d’Ael circular itinerary: From the Aymavilles vineyards to the Pont d’Ael area known for the majestic Roman aqueduct-bridge and for its naturalistic features. This circular itinerary starts from Aymavilles, a town at the entrance to the valley of Cogne, in the area of the Gran Paradiso National Park, and runs through various sections of stage 17 (Villeneuve-Aymavilles) of the Cammino Balteo hiking route. Short sections of the ring are on roadways. Difficulty: E/Excursionist, recommended timing: March – June, Length: 7.3km, duration: 1 hour and 45mins.

The wineyard path of Donnas: Easy walk on the Donnas hill that is crossed by a suggestive road running through the vineyards. Enjoy the view of the topie (pergolas) that support the vines and expose them to the sun’s rays enhancing its scents and colours. The walk, about half an hour long, is mainly flat and sunny; along the way you can see the barmet, which are cellars created under a large boulder. Difficulty: T – Tourist, Recommended period: May – October, Length: 1.3km, duration: 30 minutes.

Walk through the vineyards of Gressan and Jovençan: Easy route through the vineyards in the territory of Gressan and Jovençan. The path largely follows the route of stage 18 (Aymavilles-Aosta) of the Cammino Balteo hiking itinerary. The path crosses orchards and vineyards, with a view of the castles (Tour de Villa, Royal castle in Sarre, Saint-Pierre Castle) and Romanesque bell towers (La Magdeleine and Sarre). Difficulty: E – Excursionist, Recommended period: February – November, Length: 3km, duration: 1 hour.

Ring between La Salle and Morgex: Through the vineyards of La Salle and Morgex, in the Mont Blanc valley (which the Romans called vallis digna, today Valdigne) among ancient villages and landscapes to remember, offering views of the Châtelard castle and the roe deer.  The vineyards of Morgex and La Salle are among the highest in Europe. The vine cultivated; Prié Blanc is used in the production of the DOC wine Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle. Difficulty: E – Excursionist, Recommended period: May – October, Length: 6.8km, duration: 2 hours and 45 mins.