A Visit to Viarzo – Liguria: Tim Morgan’s Experience
Posted by theVInomad February 25, 2026
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Recently, our expert sommelier, Tim Morgan, had the privilege of visiting Viarzo and tasting their exceptional wines. Tim was thoroughly impressed by the quality and character of the wines, noting how each bottle truly embodies the uniqueness of the Ligurian terroir.
Tim’s tasting experience included Trexenda, Bricco dei Bambini, and the newly introduced Grixo, all of which stood out for their balance, elegance, and depth. As he described, the wines from Viarzo are a perfect reflection of the land, where sun, sea, earth, and stone come together to create something truly special.
Tim praised the Viarzo team for their dedication to preserving local winemaking traditions while embracing sustainability and innovation, and he highly recommended their wines to anyone seeking a true taste of Liguria.
The Story Behind Viarzo
At Viarzo, wine isn’t just a product—it’s a passion, a heritage, and a way of life. The winery’s story began almost by chance, with a spark of curiosity and a deep love for the land. “Having Granaccia in our blood” is a playful saying that captures the essence of their adventure—one that started as a joke but has grown into something lasting and meaningful. The Granaccia grape is now the beating heart of this winery, thriving in the windswept air of Liguria.
The journey of Viarzo began with Elena Tavella and Giuseppe Parenti, a couple both in life and in the vineyard, who found themselves in the beautiful inland region of Quiliano in the Savona area. This is where the Granaccia grape’s story began in Liguria, all the way back in the 1700s.
Reviving Abandoned Vineyards
The couple’s journey started with an almost heartbreaking realization—two ancient, abandoned vineyards were languishing near their home. As wine enthusiasts deeply connected to the region’s winemaking history, they couldn’t stand to see such land and legacy wasted. They asked themselves, “Why not try to do something about it?” This marked the beginning of Viarzo.
What began as a small, unassuming project turned into a full-blown mission to restore the vineyards. They worked tirelessly, replanting and restoring the terraces and dry stone walls that had been neglected over time. Before long, word spread about their dedication, and the couple was offered another plot of land, located higher up in Roviasca. Together, these two properties now form the backbone of the winery.
Introducing Grixo: The New Rosé of the Family
As Viarzo continues to grow, it has introduced a fresh, vibrant addition to its collection: Grixo. Named after the Ligurian word for “gray” (which hints at the characteristic light color of rosé wines), Grixo is a Granaccia wine vinified in rosé. The wine is light, aromatic, and perfectly suited for the warmer months, offering a refreshing alternative to heavier reds.
Grixo joins the family alongside the flagship wines: Bricco dei Bambini and Trexenda. Together, these three wines make up an exclusive selection, with production limited to just over 10,000 bottles per year. While small in volume, the quality is undeniable, and the wines have received widespread acclaim.
The family’s vineyards, one overlooking the sea and the other nestled in the mountains, are responsible for the unique profiles of each wine. The maritime vineyard produces wines with a bright, saline edge, while the inland vineyard lends the wines a deeper, more robust character. This balance of terrains, along with the region’s unique climate, creates wines with complexity and finesse.
The Wines of Viarzo: A Taste of Liguria
Trexenda: The Award-Winning Gem
One of the standout wines from Viarzo is Trexenda, an IGT Colline Savonesi that has garnered significant praise. In fact, Trexenda 2018 earned the coveted Quattro Viti award, the highest recognition in the Vitae guide by the Associazione Italiana Sommelier. This is a huge milestone for the winery, especially after being included in the guide in 2023. The award is a testament to the quality of the wine and a huge boost to their ongoing efforts to perfect their craft.
The wine is made from Granaccia and other local varieties, fermented in cement tanks and aged in 600-liter French oak tonneaux for about ten months. It offers a bold, yet elegant character, with rich fruit and spicy notes, balanced by the signature minerality of the terroir.
Bricco dei Bambini: A True Ligurian Classic
Another gem in the Viarzo portfolio is Bricco dei Bambini, a DOC Riviera Ligure di Ponente wine. Named after the hill (“Bricco”) where it’s grown, this wine is crafted with the same care and attention to detail as Trexenda. Like its counterpart, it’s fermented in cement tanks and aged in French oak tonneaux for 18 months, resulting in a wine that is full of character, depth, and finesse.
Grixo: A Rosé Like No Other
Grixo is Viarzo’s tribute to the elegance of rosé wines. It’s made entirely from Granaccia grapes, which are carefully vinified to preserve the wine’s delicate, light pink color. The wine is aged in barriques that are steamed rather than fired, enhancing its softness and complexity. The result is a smooth, refreshing wine with hints of fresh red berries and a touch of spice. It’s an ideal summer companion, perfect for a variety of lighter meals or as an aperitif.
Quality and Sustainability: The Viarzo Philosophy
At the heart of Viarzo is a commitment to sustainability and the preservation of the land. The winery’s focus on organic farming practices means that all grapes are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, allowing the land to thrive in a natural, balanced way. This respect for the environment is reflected in the wines themselves, vibrant, pure, and deeply connected to the land.
Awards and Recognition: A Growing Legacy
Since its inception, Viarzo has won numerous awards, with Trexenda 2018 earning the Quattro Viti from the Vitae guide. The recognition from the Associazione Italiana Sommelier is just one example of how Viarzo continues to impress the wine world with its quality, craftsmanship, and dedication to Ligurian winemaking traditions.
Visiting Viarzo: An Invitation to Explore
For wine lovers, a visit to Viarzo is a must. The winery offers guided tours, where visitors can explore the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and, of course, taste the wines that have made Viarzo a rising star in the Italian wine scene.
Follow Viarzo on Instagram (@viarzoaziendaagricola) for updates on tasting events, harvest days, and special promotions. Whether you’re in the area or planning a wine tour, visiting Viarzo is an experience not to be missed.
A True Expression of Ligurian Craftsmanship
Viarzo is more than just a winery—it’s a celebration of Ligurian heritage, a commitment to sustainable practices, and a dedication to crafting wines that truly reflect the character of the region. From the award-winning Trexenda to the elegant Grixo rosé, every bottle tells a story of passion, tradition, and the beautiful land of Quiliano.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or just discovering the beauty of Ligurian wines, Viarzo offers a taste of authenticity, craft, and excellence that is bound to leave a lasting impression.ula nulla eu augue dapibus pharetra.