Döi Crutin: Wineries Open Their Doors for the Holidays

Appuntamenti

La Cantina

Amidst the hills of Barbaresco, in the central Piazza Italia, you can breathe in the atmosphere of the ancient village of Neive, one of the most characteristic and visited towns in the Langhe, of medieval origins.

Inside an expertly restored 17th-century house with exposed brick and a ceiling adorned with wooden beams, brothers Marco and Massimo Barbero, former owners of Cascina Fonda Winery, inaugurated their new wine business: the Döi Crutin wine shop.

The recovery of the premises was also made possible by the intervention of Alba architect Gino Protto.

Drink, think, eat
Clear your mind and relax in a convivial location.

This is the motto that sums up the spirit of the restaurant: an informal place, ideal for lingering to enjoy a glass of wine from the family’s production or an aperitif accompanied by tasty cold cuts.

The venue

Cascina Fonda wines arranged along the walls of the lower floor illuminate the room graced by the dishevelled woman and by the four large playing cards where artist Rita Barbero has associated each figure with an important wine from the area: the king represents Barolo, the queen Barbaresco, the knave Moscato d’Asti, and the ace Alta Langa.

These are unique paintings made with wine: starting with a stain of it on paper, Rita creates works where women are the protagonists. There are also magnums and barrels hand-painted by Ferruccio Borgogno.

The latest additions to arrive at the venue are the works of painter-murderer Ivano Chiavarino, an innovative and abstract artist who creates, shapes and paints salvaged objects, transforming them into works of art.

Visible on the ground floor are the ancient well, used for water supply, and two small caves dug into the tuff: hence the term in Piedmontese dialect doi crutin. There is also a collection of Romano Levi‘s grappas here.

The upper floor features two distinct rooms: among Ferruccio Borgogno’s rural-themed paintings and niches on the walls are an antique wooden manual corking machine and a small museum of historic corkscrews, which are still working and usable.

During warm weather, guests can sit outside where the outdoor seating area features colorful barriques by writer Stefano Castelli and large chairs made by carpenter Gino Bosca.