Valfaccenda
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Valfaccenda 〰️
Valfaccenda: A Life in the Hills of Roero
Luca Faccenda grew up among the steep hills of Roero, a historic and geographically distinct region of Piedmont, north of the province of Cuneo and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014. His family has been cultivating grapes in the Valle Faccenda—a small valley connecting the villages of Canale and Cisterna—for generations.
Today, together with Carolina Oggero, Luca leads Valfaccenda, a small, artisanal winery they founded in 2010. The couple began by renovating Luca’s grandfather’s old farmhouse and restoring the family’s vineyards planted with Arneis and Nebbiolo. They now farm about four hectares of vines, split across different parcels, including a prized holding in the renowned Valmaggiore cru of Roero.
Luca, a trained oenologist with experience at a prestigious estate in Barolo, is devoted to organic farming—still a rarity in the area. He prefers to let Roero speak in its own voice, rather than mimic the powerful wines of the nearby Langhe. The steep, sandy soils of Roero yield wines that are lighter, aromatic, and full of charm—distinctly their own.
Carolina, a graphic designer by training, left her job in Turin to immerse herself fully in vineyard life. She now designs all of Valfaccenda’s labels, bringing a personal and creative touch to each bottle. The two of them manage every aspect of the project by hand, with care and dedication.
Their vineyards are located in two key areas: one in Santo Stefano Roero, with a south-facing exposure that yields rich, fully ripened grapes, and another in Val Faccenda, facing east, nestled in the heart of this dynamic winemaking region. Here, they produce wines like Vin da Beive—a juicy, easy-drinking red—an elegant white from Arneis, and their Roero Riserva DOCG Valmaggiore.
In addition to their winemaking, Luca has joined forces with two long-time friends to create SoloRoero, a collective dedicated to championing the local identity of the Roero. The initiative promotes the exclusive cultivation of native varieties like Arneis and Nebbiolo, supports sustainable and organic farming practices, and seeks to elevate Arneis as a serious white wine capable of aging, not just immediate enjoyment.
Despite producing only a small number of bottles, Luca’s commitment and the undeniable quality of his wines have made Valfaccenda a reference point in Roero for anyone passionate about artisanal, natural winemaking—and for a region that is still very much evolving.
Where to Find Valfaccenda Wines
Online Retailers (Global & EU Focus)
International Retailers & Distributors (Examples)
- **Italy (Piedmont & Beyond):**
- **Winery Direct Sales (by Appointment):** Contact Valfaccenda directly for information on cellar door visits or local purchases in Roero. Their website (likely via their importer's pages or RAW Wine profile) might provide contact details.
- **Specialized Enotecas & Natural Wine Bars:** Look for independent wine shops and natural wine bars throughout Piedmont (especially in the Roero and Langhe areas) and in major Italian cities (e.g., Turin, Milan, Rome) that focus on artisanal and organic producers.
- **United States:**
- **Coeur Wine Co. (US Importer):** A key importer for Valfaccenda in the US market, particularly on the East Coast. Inquire with local natural wine shops or fine wine retailers working with Coeur Wine Co.
- **Slope Cellars (Brooklyn, NY):** A New York-based wine shop that has consistently stocked Valfaccenda wines.
- **The Spirited Gourmet (Belmont, MA):** A Massachusetts-based retailer that has carried Valfaccenda.
- **Eataly Vino (Various Locations, US):** Larger Eataly wine shops (e.g., Boston, NYC) may carry Valfaccenda, especially their Roero Rosso.
- *Contact independent wine shops in major US cities (e.g., NYC, LA, SF, Chicago, Portland) that specialize in natural Italian wines or have a strong focus on Piedmontese producers. Many offer online ordering and shipping.*
- **United Kingdom:**
- **Oranj (Online, UK Retailer):** A prominent UK online natural wine shop that frequently features Valfaccenda, including their Roero Arneis and "Vindabeive."
- **The Beerhive (UK Retailer):** Has listed Valfaccenda wines, indicating availability in the UK.
- *Look for independent wine merchants and natural wine bars in London and other major UK cities who champion natural and biodynamic Italian wines.*
- **Germany:**
- **Vinigrandi (Online, Germany):** As mentioned, a strong online source for Valfaccenda in Germany and parts of Europe.
- *Look for specialized wine shops in German cities with a focus on natural Italian wines.*
- **Asia (e.g., Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore):**
- *As a popular natural wine producer, their wines likely have distribution in key Asian markets with a strong natural wine scene. Look for importers specializing in natural Italian wines.*
Winery Information & General Profile
- **Roero DOCG (Nebbiolo):** Their flagship Nebbiolo, known for its perfume of cherries, soil, and flowers, often approachable in its youth compared to more tannic Langhe Nebbiolo.
- **Roero Arneis DOCG:** Their classic white Arneis from various vineyard sites, known for its freshness and saline character.
- **Roero Arneis Riserva 'Loreto':** Their top white wine, from old-vine Arneis, often fermented and aged in acacia barrels for added complexity.
- **Roero 'Valmaggiore' (Nebbiolo):** A single-vineyard Nebbiolo from a historic 1947 planting in Vezza D'Alba, offering more depth and complexity.
- **Vino Rosso 'Vindabeive' (Nebbiolo):** Their easy-drinking, "picnic wine" Nebbiolo from younger vines, designed for immediate enjoyment.
- **Vino Rosso 'Bis-Esto' (Grignolino):** A vibrant red from Grignolino, part of their "Bis" series of more approachable wines.
- **Vino Rosso 'Bis-Turna' (Freisa):** Another red from their "Bis" series, featuring Freisa.
- **Vino Bianco 'Bis-Lacco' (Cortese/Arneis):** An approachable white blend from sourced organic fruit.
- **'Bubba' (Pét-Nat):** A sparkling ancestral method rosé made from Arneis and Nebbiolo.