The website of Maurizio Herman’s Farmhouse complex includes “Enjoy Valchiavenna and Val Bregaglia from the very best viewpoint!” A promise that is well delivered.
Maurizio’s entrepreneurial history would make a jolly good page-turning book. His dream – which in his previous life involved anything but wines and hospitality – was to purchase some particularly steep pieces of land around the highest bend along the road leading to Pianazzola, the legendary old village suspended above Chiavenna, and there to put to good use his research into wines and sommelier, with a view to creating new and original types of wine. Herman is a formidable man. Without his tenacity, this endeavour could never have succeeded. Lean and fit, tanned face that contrasts well with his radiant smile, these days he spends his time midst the terraces early morns, checking the rows of his vines individually, planted for the most part in Pianazzola but also partly in Scilano di Piuro. It all began in 2012 when he began to purchase the “vertical” plots of land. He was faced immediately by obstacles: first - the division of plots. But within four years at Pianazzola, he had managed to bring together 7000 square metres, having convinced fully 47 owners.
The Bio Project was alive. Having reclaimed the land and created the trenching, he began to plant the first shoots. His project was a clear one, starting with grape selection: Nebbiolo Chiavennasca, Traminer and Piwi. Very particular vines, chosen according to the characteristics of the soil and the wine he was looking for. They are hardy, resistant grapes by nature, suitable for northern climes, but with a capacity of expressing body and structure. So the years pass by and the first wine-orientated experiments are undertaken. Maurizio is keen to produce a wine that nobody else produces, a BIO wine indeed. 2018 was to see the label Hermau come to fruition, his very own, and which today produces the wines Magy, Orange and Razént.
It was in 2015 that Maurizio added a further important element to his project. He bought a rustic edifice at the very top of the Pianazzola vineyard. He then ambitiously designs what was to become the Agriturismo Ca’ Pianazöla with four suites for overnight stays furnshed with natural materials and overlooking the valley supremely. These are years of enormous sacrifice and commitment. Each and every day Maurizio had to grapple with operational and bureaucratic nightmares, but his character wins through. He is supported by the strength and assistance of his extraordinary family, in his wife and three children. The agriturismo duly opened to the public in 2019 and was an immediate success. Rooms are equipped with every comfort, and have unique and stunning panorama.
Today the farmhouse complex of Bio Ca’ Pianazöla is a benchmark for anyone looking for first-rate, quality services, situated in an unobtrusive postion, just a stroll away from nearby Chiavenna. Maurice and family are happy to organise, on reservation, scrumptious tastings based on typical local products (usually it would be Maurizio himself preparing the legendary Füghiascia di Gordona), and all other matters combined generously with the beloved Hermau wines. Maurizio also organises outings on bicycles, canyoning trips and a range of other activities for guests staying at the agriturismo. An unforgettable holiday for all.
