Aosta - Roman gateway to the Alps

Aosta retains magnificent Roman ruins including an amphitheater, triumphal arch, and city walls. Italy's smallest wine region produces rare indigenous varieties like Petit Rouge, Fumin, and Prié Blanc on steep terraces virtually unknown outside the valley.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Walk Through Roman Ruins to Wine Bar History · Free

   Walk the Via Sant'Anselmo pedestrian street from Arco di Augusto (Augustus' Triumphal Arch, 25 BC) on the east edge of Aosta's old town through Roman walls to Piazza Chanoux, passing the Roman amphitheater (still used for concerts), ancient city walls, and medieval churches. Aosta was founded by Romans as Augusta Praetoria Salassorum - a military outpost guarding Alpine passes where wine culture has thrived for 2,000 years. Allow 30-45 minutes for the walk with free entry to most ruins.

   Backup: If weather is bad, head directly to Enoteca La Cave du Vin Blanc in the historic center.

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2. 2 Taste All Valle d'Aosta Varieties at One Cooperative Wine · Price: moderate

   Request a tasting flight of all major Valle d'Aosta grape varieties at Cave des Onze Communes cooperative or La Crotta di Vegneron in Aosta: Prié Blanc (crisp white), Petit Rouge (soft red), Fumin (structured, almost extinct in 1970s), and Torrette DOC (the region's most accessible red blend). These grapes grow nowhere else on Earth, rescued by passionate local growers. Call ahead or drop in during business hours for €15-25 tasting fee, and ask specifically about Fumin - it was rescued from extinction and is now a cult favorite.

   Backup: If cooperatives are closed, visit Enoteca L'Armadillo in Courmayeur (best natural wine list in Valle d'Aosta) for a condensed version.

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3. 3 Compare Roman Wine Culture to Modern History · Price: low

   Order a glass of Petit Rouge or Fumin at any wine bar in Aosta's historic center and ask the sommelier about Valle d'Aosta wine history - Romans planted vines here 2,000 years ago along the Via delle Gallie trade route. The indigenous grapes you're drinking survived because altitude protected them from phylloxera when the rest of Europe's vines died. Visit in late afternoon (16:00-18:00) for aperitivo hour when local wine bars offer snacks with wine, looking for 'Torrette DOC' on menus as the region's signature red.

   Backup: If you want more history, visit the Museo del Tesoro della Cattedrale (Cathedral Treasury Museum) which has medieval wine artifacts.

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Insider tips

• Visit Cave des Onze Communes cooperative for an overview of all Valle d'Aosta grape varieties

• Walk through the Roman ruins then taste at Enoteca La Cave du Vin Blanc in the historic center

• Ask for Torrette DOC - the region's most accessible red blend, primarily Petit Rouge