Donnas: the gateway to the Aosta Valley, between vineyards and history

At the entrance to the Aosta Valley, nestled between mountains and terraced vineyards, lies the village of Donnas, where nature, history, and tradition come together in harmony.

Donnas is the cradle of the first DOC wine of the Aosta Valley, which bears the same name as the village and is produced by the Caves Coopératives de Donnas.

The medieval village is surrounded by unspoiled nature and bordered by the Fer stream, which can be followed along dedicated trails for unforgettable walks.

Donnas offers breathtaking views and unique glimpses. Its historic center is always lively and welcoming to every type of visitor, with an authentic atmosphere rooted in history that provides experiences and adventures leaving an indelible memory in the hearts of travelers.

What to see in Donnas

Donnas is rich in sights. At its entrance, terraced vineyards welcome visitors, while leaving the village one can admire the characteristic Roman Via Consolare, topped by an arch carved directly into the rock.

The Via Consolare delle Gallie with its arch is a remarkable example of Roman engineering, where the roadbed and the imposing 4-meter-thick arch were carved into the living rock.

Also worth visiting are the Ecomuseum of Vine and Wine, which displays tools recounting the story of heroic viticulture and its evolution, and the Ecomuseum of the Tréby Dairy, which preserves a piece of local community history in a building that once housed the Confraternity of the Holy Spirit, illustrated in frescoes on its walls.

Events and traditions

Donnas is a lively village that brings every medieval street to life. Notable is the Fiera di Sant’Orso di Donnas, held on the third Sunday of January. During the traditional Veillà on the preceding Friday, private cellars open their doors to visitors for tastings of local food and drinks.

Also important is the Grape Festival, held on the first weekend of October with food and wine evenings and dancing, where local producers compete for the “Golden Bunch” award for the best grapes. The Chestnut Festival, on the second weekend of October, celebrates another typical fruit of the season and of the lower Aosta Valley. The chestnut, once the “bread of the poor,” is the star of a roasting competition with the “Golden Chestnut” as the prize.

The center also comes alive with typical markets of local products such as Lo Courtì and Lou Poulayé – Mountain Gardens and Chicken Coops, which animate the town with workshops, guided tours, and tastings.

Exploring the surroundings

Thanks to its strategic position, Donnas is an ideal base for excursions and cultural visits. From here you can visit the Forte di Bard and nearby villages such as Arnad and Pont-Saint-Martin, with its famous Roman bridge.

For nature lovers, Donnas is perfect for trekking and free climbing. Notable is the Barmet trail, where visitors can see natural shelters once used as wine cellars, tool storage, or rainwater collection points for the vineyards.

Visiting Donnas is a unique and unrepeatable experience: the landscapes and scents of the unspoiled air surrounding the village make exploration authentic and unforgettable for every visitor!

photot credits Jorge Anastacio