One of the hidden gems of Valpolicella, Cantina La Giaretta is a family-run winery owned by our dear friends wonderfully, though confusingly, Francesco and Francesca. The estate thrives in Valgatara, a charming hill town nestled in the heart of the classic Valpolicella region.
It’s always a pleasure visiting Francesco & Francesca, whose warmth and hospitality is very much reflected in their wines! Francesca joined us for one of our most popular Wine Therapy Sessions, and their thrilling portfolio is very much a favourite with Club Members.
La Giaretta winery's captivating journey began in the late 1950s when Bruno Vaona, the founder and soul of the estate, instilled a deep passion for winemaking that has been shared and inherited by the family who continues to nurture their vineyards and craft wines that truly embody the essence of the land.
The story of how Honest Grapes discovered La Giaretta is a tale of serendipity. While exploring the vast Vinitaly wine fair 15 years ago, Head Wine Guru Tom was directed to La Giaretta by an importer based in Switzerland. It was love at first sight for Tom, and his cellar has cases of their flagship single vineyard Amarone Quadretti going back to the early 2000s!
The Wine
The winery's philosophy revolves around a commitment to quality rather than quantity. The majestic Corvina grape reigns supreme in their vineyards, contributing to the distinctive character of their wines. Situated approximately 200 meters above sea level, the region enjoys warm days in the summer, cool evenings, and mild winters, creating an ideal climate for grape cultivation.
At La Giaretta, an impressive range of wines is produced, from the lighter and drier Valpolicella to its robust sibling, Amarone della Valpolicella, which stands as one of the most important red wines in the Veneto region. The estate also crafts the sweet Recioto, a delightful match with chocolate. For generations, La Giaretta has exclusively produced and bottled wines from grapes grown on their estate, including Valpolicella, Ripasso, and Amarone.
