A Journey Through History and Flavors: The Ecomuseum of Vine and Wine of Donnas

In the heart of the Lower Aosta Valley, the village of Donnas—with its charming historic center and vineyards clinging to steep mountain slopes—preserves a cultural gem that celebrates its millennia-old winemaking tradition. The Ecomuseum of Vine and Wine is much more than a simple exhibition space: it is a sensory journey that tells the story, effort, and passion behind the region’s “heroic viticulture.”

The museum is set within the vaulted cellars of the former “Anna Caterina Selve” municipal school, a 19th-century building deeply connected to the area’s wine production. From 1971 to 1976, these very cellars housed the Caves Coopératives de Donnas, where the barrels of the celebrated Vallée d’Aoste Donnas DOC were stored—the first Aosta Valley wine to receive the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) certification.

The Exhibition Path: From Vineyard to Glass

The museum route unfolds through several sections, guiding visitors through the complete life cycle of the vine. The exhibition is designed to offer an engaging, immersive experience that blends history, ethnography, and technology.

• The Tools of the Trade: The first section is dedicated to traditional agricultural tools, many of which are still in use today. On display are hoes, spades, harvest baskets, and other instruments that testify to the hard work and ingenuity of local winegrowers. The original names of the tools, often in patois (the local Franco-Provençal dialect), give the visit an authentic local touch.
• Harvest and Winemaking: Another section focuses on the crucial stages of production. Through large-scale photos, videos, and reconstructions, visitors can witness the grape pressing, fermentation, and aging processes. A highlight of the collection is a 19th-century wooden wine press, a striking symbol of the area’s rural heritage.
• Heroic Viticulture: The Ecomuseum highlights the concept of “heroic viticulture”—the cultivation of vines on steep, terraced mountain slopes. The challenge of working in such rugged terrain, defined by traditional dry-stone walls, is a cornerstone of Donnas’s and the entire Aosta Valley’s winemaking identity.
• The Donnas DOC: The museum pays tribute to Donnas DOC, produced from Nebbiolo grapes (locally called Picotendro). This intense ruby-red wine, known for its strength and character, stands as a proud symbol of resilience and tradition.

Visitor Information

A visit to the Ecomuseum is accessible to all and provides a meaningful opportunity to explore the deep bond between people and landscape.

• Admission: One of the museum’s most appreciated features is its free entry, allowing everyone to experience the winemaking history and culture of Donnas at no cost.
• Opening Hours: Open Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Special openings are organized during local festivals and events.
• Contacts:
  • Phone: +39 0125 804728

For those wishing to complete their experience, the nearby Caves Coopératives de Donnas offer wine tastings of local labels. For a small additional fee, visitors can sample a selection of wines accompanied by breadsticks—or, for a fuller experience, by Aosta Valley cold cuts and cheeses.

The Ecomuseum of Vine and Wine of Donnas is not just a place to visit but a story to live and savor—a memorable encounter with the cultural and landscape heritage of the Aosta Valley.

Cover photo credits: Patafisik, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0