It is interesting to look at aerial photos of this area in the 1920’s and 30’s. At that time the area around Boca was completely carpeted in vineyards, much like the Langa area today, but after the Second World War, as workers started migrating to the cities for better paid jobs, the terraced hillside was reclaimed by nature and many vineyards were lost. The acreage planted with nebbiolo grapes has ebbed and flowed constantly but this small wine producing area has been reinvigorated with the arrival of new producers, including a Swiss winemaker, Christoph Kunzli, who has become the doyen of Boca wines and who is single-handedly responsible for Boca’s revival.

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Whereas other local wine producing areas tend to be fairly flat and somewhat uninspiring scenically, Boca’s south facing vineyards are much more hilly and steeper, reminiscent of Tuscany almost, making for stunningly beautiful walking terrain. To explore the vineyards, and to visit a couple of cantinas, head to Boca’s bizarre sanctuary, built in a mishmash of incongruous styles; this is the small town’s main attraction and a popular destination on weekends.

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Like much local agriculture, the vineyards are hidden from view by trees. Head off into the woods on the opposite side of the road to the sanctuary; you will soon emerge into a beautiful, steeply sloping area of vineyards. You’ll notice that the sun-drenched ground is very stony and dry, due to the area’s volcanic soil. In fact, the local area is touted as the site of a long-extinct super-volcano. Peppered around are several old farm buildings.

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Wander around, admiring the vineyards and the local farmers at work on their very rare maggiorina wine training system.

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Le Piane

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In the town's main square there a shop selling Le Piane wines where you can sample the local produce and buy a Le Piane starter white wine at around 15 euro; the most expensive wines will set you back over 50 Euro.

 

Parking

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There is plenty of parking by the Sanctuary.