The charm of the Oltrepò Pavese is a treasure that deserves to be discovered and appreciated, and who better than ‘Camminandoinoltrepo‘ to guide us on this adventure? This popular social page, dedicated to disseminating the natural and cultural beauty of the area, continues to amaze us with evocative and unusual itineraries. Today we are proposing an unmissable excursion: the Tour of the Cascine di Rocca de‘ Giorgi, a route that will immerse you in vineyards, woods and breathtaking views of the upper Scuropasso valley.
The itinerary winds along a ten-kilometre route, with an expected duration of about two and a half hours. The route is mainly on dirt roads, so it is advisable to be careful in case of mud, which could make the terrain slippery and difficult to navigate. The starting and arrival point is set at Villa Fornace, in the municipality of Rocca de‘ Giorgi.
The excursion begins by ascending the Provincial Road for about 60 metres, as far as a path on the left that skirts an enchanting garden dominated by the Orangerie. This first stretch, 1.3 kilometres long, leads us to a fork, where we continue to the left following an asphalt road for a further 900 metres. At this point, we are in front of the historic Church of St Michael Archangel, a building dating back to the 12th century, and the renowned Anteo wine cellar.
Continuing on our way, we head towards Cà dell‘Oca. After about 130 metres, at the crossroads, we can choose to turn right or go straight on for a further 220 metres, where a beautiful farmstead awaits us. Following the main path, we cross a fairytale grove, at the end of which we find ourselves at Cascina Novarenzo, once known as Casa del Bosco in Collina.
Our route continues for another 1.1 kilometres, crossing another unidentified farmstead (watch out for the dog that may be on guard!), until we cross a dirt road. At this point, we can choose whether to head to the right, in the direction of Cascina Promaggio, which together with Ca Fosso and Ca Nova we can admire from afar, or to continue to the left.
Continuing to the left, after 950 metres, the route gives us splendid views of the ruins of Roccafirella, which can be reached from the northern slope. We continue along the provincial road for about 450 metres, paying attention to the traffic, until we reach the signpost for Cascina San Michele. From here, we continue straight ahead, skirting a vineyard. Although the path may not be clearly visible, after about 500 metres we reach the parish church again.
At this point, we can choose whether to retrace the road section of the outward journey or, alternatively, to pass the locality of Gioia and take a sheep-track to the right. This path, about 500 metres long, rejoins the route that climbs from Villa Fornace. From here, it is only 800 metres to the starting point again.
Once the tour is over, what could be better than relaxing with a tasting? Just a few steps from the arrival point is the Conte Vistarino wine cellar, where we can taste some of the finest wines of the Oltrepò Pavese, bringing this wonderful excursion to a fitting close.
Thanks to "Camminandoinoltrepo", once again we have had the opportunity to discover a hidden and enchanting corner of the Oltrepò Pavese. Happy walking to all!
