GAVI, ITALY – La Raia, a family-owned 180-hectare estate situated within the rolling hills of Gavi, Italy, announces the launch of the latest addition to its diverse ecosystem of nature, wine, art and hospitality, ‘Borgo Merlassino’, a dedicated events venue set within a restored hamlet on the northern point of the estate.
Situated in one of the most beautiful landscapes in all of the Gavi region – known as a mecca for truffle foraging and for its grapes that grow alongside Roman ruins, historic sites – Borgo Merlassino consists of the Barn, which is the main structure, the Villa and the Farmhouse, the Patio and the Porch, each of which each boast two rooms for overnights, and are covered outdoor spaces, along with the Studio and the Warehouse. Each of the original structures were once used for a variety of agricultural activities in the 19th-century and surround a vast courtyard.
After a rigorous restoration process by deamicisarchitett architecture studio, the historic village has now been reimagined as the ideal setting to host events and celebrations, presenting both indoor and outdoor hosting options which overlook an unspoilt valley and an easily accessible small lake, as well as La Raia’s Cortese vineyards. In the process, elements of the original buildings, such as characteristic exposed beams, typical portholes and a Pise Wall, an ancient raw-earth construction technique, were uncovered and maintained to keep the original charm of the setting. Large windows were installed to take advantage of natural lighting, to showcase the estate’s breathtaking views, and to create a synergetic dynamic between the indoor and outdoor spaces. This synergy is felt across the hamlet, and within the larger La Raia estate, which as a whole, presents a variety of settings suitable for different moments of each event.
The main building of Borgo Merlassino, once a large barn, can comfortably host up to 120 guests across three floors structured to accommodate modular hosting, presenting the possibility to throw several events at the same time, or utilise each space for a different part of the event – ceremony, dinner, prep space.
The Patio, a large outdoor space, connects the Barn and the Farmhouse. Suitable for receptions and cocktails, adorned with a ceiling decorated in colourful geometric patterns and a backdrop of wooden slats, it can easily be transformed into an open-air lounge for summer dinners. An additional dedicated structure stands separately for receptions, housed in the former chicken coup.
The Farmhouse and the Villa (formerly a pig pen), each present two beautiful bedrooms for four guests, fashioned with contemporary Italian design pieces from a variety of well known Italian brands, as well as art and photography works from the Rossi Cairo Family’s collection. These rooms are exclusively accessible to the hosts of events, serving as a private “home”, to ensure both ease and privacy during any event – Whether wedding, anniversary event, or corporate meetings.
All catering for events hosted at Borgo Merlassino, including coffee breaks, coffee stations, breakfasts and dinners, cocktails and gala dinners, will be exclusively provided by Locanda La Raia, with the advice of Chef Tommaso Arrigoni, who signs the Locanda’s menu.
The curated menus are developed according to the needs of each event and the availability of raw seasonal materials. Using handmade ingredients straight from the estate’s biodynamic farm or exclusively locally sourced products, fresh honey and butter, vegetables from the garden and greenhouses, aromatic herbs, eggs, meat from grass fed Fassona cows, natural yogurt and home-made bread are all incorporated in the mix. The cuisine offers an ode to the traditions of Gavi, historically influenced by Ligurian and Piedmontese flavours, with a modern, fine dining touch. The wines paired with the menus come from La Raia and Tenuta Cucco, the two wineries owned by the Rossi Cairo family.
The hamlet offers all modern facilities for events including air conditioning, a raised stage, a moderator table with microphones, a room PC with a projector, wireless microphones, adjustable room lighting and dimmable stage lighting, a surround sound system and high speed Wi-Fi.
Additional areas of La Raia, including the Demeter-certified winery known as ‘The Cellar’, the Relais ‘Locanda La Raia’ which presents 11-rooms-and-suites, as well as one residence, and the lush landscape of wooded hills, lakes and vineyards of the estate, can also be utilised for any event, providing varied landscapes and therefore the ultimate planning flexibility.
Guests opting to host their ceremony in Locanda La Raia are able to accommodate up to 40 people and would need exclusive rental of the entire structure which would include accommodation, breakfast and the use of the swimming pool and spa.
The article La Raia Estate in Gavi, Italy, launches Borgo Merlassino, a restored historic farming village first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.