For centuries, farmers in the Valle dei Laghi have harvested white Nosiola grapes to produce their valley’s most precious treasure: Vino Santo. Along what was once an ancient Roman road, under the Trentino sun, they patiently seek out the loosest bunches with the sparsest, ripest fruits—grapes that carry all the wisdom of this indigenous variety.

These grapes are then gently laid on drying racks, the arèle, and left in the attic to dry. Over the following months, the Ora wind—rising from Lake Garda—sweeps through the valley and across the grapes, aiding the drying process that continues until Holy Week. That’s when the magic happens.

A sacred wine born of wind, time, and tradition

As the months go by, a noble rot known as Botrytis cinerea causes the grapes to slowly dehydrate. The sugars become more concentrated. And when Holy Week finally arrives, the farmers return to press the precious fruit—a sacred act carried out with both strength and devotion.

The resulting must is poured into old oak barrels that no longer release woody aromas. Here, the wine begins a long, natural fermentation process lasting 6 to 10 years. These barrels rest in cool, dark cellars, where time, patience and silence allow the Vino Santo to evolve into something extraordinary. Its slow aging has earned it a fitting title: the passito of all passiti.

The identity of a valley, in a glass

Vino Santo is more than a wine—it is the very image and pride of the Valle dei Laghi. Recognized as a Slow Food Presidium, it’s a product rooted in tradition, passed down through generations of grape growers and winemakers. Its deep golden hue, rich flavor and long history make it a symbol of this land’s soul.

First mentioned in 16th-century records, Vino Santo was once served at noble tables and even prescribed as a medicinal remedy. Today, just like back then, it’s a wine that defies time: once bottled, it can age for up to fifty years, all while preserving its unique taste—ideal with desserts or paired with fine cheeses.

Casa Caveau: a museum that tells the story of Vino Santo

To celebrate this remarkable local excellence, in 2018 the old drying loft in Padergnone was transformed into a museum: Casa Caveau Vino Santo. Here, you can explore the past and future of this extraordinary wine. It's not just a visit—it’s a journey through tradition, community and craftsmanship, set in the heart of the Valle dei Laghi.

This article was originally published in the first issue of BLU, the Garda Trentino magazine, in 2023. Casa Caveau Vino Santo is located in Padergnone, in the Valle dei Laghi: an interactive museum where you can also book a guided tasting of Vino Santo Trentino DOC. Got the Guest Card? Entry is free for you!