Cave Mont Blanc Morgex - Europe's Highest Vineyards

How to Complete

3 steps to experience this fully

1. 🍷 1

   Visit Cave Mont Blanc Cooperative Tasting Room

   wine $$

   This cooperative brings together 70 mountain winegrowing families producing wine from Europe's highest vineyards. Drive or bus to Morgex village (10 km from Courmayeur), find Cave Mont Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle in the village center. Taste their range: Blanc de Morgex still white (crisp Prié Blanc), sparkling version, and if lucky, Cuvée des Guides glacier-aged at 2,590m (limited production). Standard Valle d'Aosta tasting fee €8-15. Ask staff: 'Can we visit the vineyards?' Some days they offer quick walks to see the ungrafted vines. Call ahead to confirm hours—cooperatives can have irregular schedules.

   🔄 BACKUP: If Cave Mont Blanc closed, try Ermes Pavese family domaine (smaller, more intimate, but requires booking). Or buy bottles at local wine shop in Morgex village and picnic at Pre-Saint-Didier thermal baths area.

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2. 📜 2

   See Europe's Highest Ungrafted Vineyards

   history Free

   These Prié Blanc vines are over 100 years old on their original roots—ungrafted because phylloxera can't survive above 900m altitude. When phylloxera devastated European viticulture in the 1860s-1880s, these altitude vines survived untouched. You're seeing living wine history. Find the terraced vineyards at 900-1,200m altitude surrounding Morgex village—ask Cave Mont Blanc staff for directions to the closest accessible vineyard. Walk among the terraces (respect private property—stay on paths), touch the vines, and ask locals if you see any working: mountain winegrowers love talking about their phylloxera-free vines. Sign posts often show altitude markers. This is the 'highest wine of Europe' terroir.

   🔄 BACKUP: If vineyards not easily accessible or weather bad, ask Cave Mont Blanc if they have photos or displays showing the terraced vineyards. The story is still powerful even without seeing them firsthand.

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3. 🍷 3

   Compare Multiple Prié Blanc Producers

   Optional

   wine $$

   Compare cooperative style (Cave Mont Blanc—70 families, consistent quality, wider distribution) versus family domaine style (Ermes Pavese—smaller, more personal, terroir-specific). Both make Blanc de Morgex et de La Salle DOC from the same Prié Blanc grape, but slight differences in winemaking show through. If you have time and transportation, visit Ermes Pavese family domaine (also in Morgex area, book ahead). Or buy bottles from both to taste side-by-side later. Taste Cave Mont Blanc's Prié Blanc first (crisp, minerality, citrus, refreshing). Ask both producers: 'How does altitude affect your winemaking?' Compare acidity levels, minerality, finish. Buy bottles—these wines are RARE outside Valle d'Aosta. Prié Blanc €15-30 per bottle direct from producer.

   🔄 BACKUP: If time limited, just do Cave Mont Blanc. It's the most accessible and representative. Buy 2-3 bottles to take home (if traveling allows)—tell wine friends you brought back Europe's highest wine from ungrafted 100-year vines.

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