Oltrepò – Brilùs

Oltrepò Pavese

A LAND THAT CHOSE US

For us, Oltrepò Pavese is not just a territory – it is a place of the soul.
It all began with our friendship. Alberto, born right here in Poggiolo, spent his childhood in Oltrepò before moving to Milan, where he met Amedeo and Luca. Through him, the group of friends discovered the beauty of this land and soon turned every spare moment into an opportunity to come back.
Over time, Poggiolo became our second home. A refuge, a fixed point, a corner of the world where every return feels like the very first time.
Years later, in the same hills, the friends met Sara – originally from Calabria, adopted by Milan, and a sommelier in search of new discoveries. Their friendship grew stronger and richer, filled with unforgettable moments among hills, vineyards, walks, and shared glasses of wine.

And from there, everything else began to take shape.

A PRECIOUS LAND

In Oltrepò Pavese, wine is no casual matter: it has been produced here since the 1100s, when vines were first cultivated and winemaking became a thriving trade.
Oltrepò Pavese is a rough gem set between four regions, a strategically positioned territory.
And it should come as no surprise: Oltrepò produces 60% of all wine in Lombardy, and its 3,000 hectares dedicated to Pinot Noir make it the largest area in Italy (and the third-largest in the world) for this prestigious grape variety.

A UNIQUE CULINARY TRADITION

Beyond wine, Oltrepò Pavese boasts a rich array of artisanal foods, many of which carry DOP and IGP certifications. The local cuisine is a genuine expression of the territory, with traditional dishes such as salamelle with beans, chickpea cake, and grape mustard – flavours that delight the palate and tell stories of life, memory, and heritage.
The area is also celebrated for its meats, from ciccioli to cotechino, from the renowned Salame di Varzi to liver pâté and pancetta.
Another highlight is its artisanal cheese production, featuring the famous Nisso di Menconico alongside classics like goat cheeses, crescenza, gorgonzola, and taleggio.
And the excellence extends to fruit and vegetables: the pink asparagus of Cilavegna, Bagnaria cherries, Voghera’s golden and Breme’s red onions, Gambolò’s borlotti beans, and Voghera mustard.
Visit one of the region’s agriturismi or restaurants, and you will be welcomed with fresh, genuine products prepared with passion and respect for tradition – an authentic gastronomic experience you will never forget.

Beyond Wine and Gastronomy

Oltrepò Pavese is not solely defined by its viticulture and cuisine. The Wine Route offers a fantastic opportunity to explore this land in depth: it winds through scenic nature trails, rows of century-old vineyards, and surrounds magnificent 19th-century villas and fortified villages—some of the most beautiful in Italy. Between mid-June and mid-July, visitors can marvel at the blooming lavender fields and embark on breathtaking trekking routes through gentle hills and stunning landscapes.

Together, these elements provide immersive, engaging, and deeply satisfying experiences—all within an hour’s drive from Milan.

Places of interest

Postal Code / Address:

Radius: