The Cella Vinaria, keeper of the Valdobbiadene DOCG tradition
The history
Keeper of the Valdobbiadene DOCG tradition
At the heart of Casa Brunoro lies one of the places that best represents our family’s history: the Cella Vinaria (Wine Cellar).
Its origins date back to the early decades of the twentieth century. As early as 1931, the Brunoro family, now united with the Varaschin family, used this space to age their wines in bottle. The naturally constant temperature and absence of light provided ideal conditions for the wine to evolve slowly, allowing it all the time it needed.
Today, the Cella Vinaria still preserves the memory of a tradition deeply rooted in the history of Valdobbiadene DOCG. Every stone, every vaulted ceiling and every moment of silence tells of the deep connection between our family and this land, bearing witness to a wine culture shaped by patience, experience and respect.
Above the entrance, a Latin inscription has long welcomed those who cross its threshold:
“Hac ad cellam vinariam descensus, cave ne incertus ascendas.”
Passed down through time with a touch of irony, these words remind us that the atmosphere of the Cella Vinaria and the pleasure of good wine can make leaving it… rather difficult.
A unique setting
The Confraternita del Valdobbiadene DOCG
Since 1946, the Cella Vinaria has been home to the Confraternita del Valdobbiadene DOCG, an institution founded to promote the land, Glera grapes and the winegrowing culture that has shaped the hills of Valdobbiadene for centuries.
The historic vaulted ceilings, time-worn walls and traces left by the tools once used here tell of the dedication, sacrifice and determination of those who believed in the value of this land when it was still little known.
Stepping into the Cella Vinaria means entering a place where history is still very much alive and where every detail preserves the memory of Valdobbiadene’s winegrowing heritage. Here, the eye is naturally drawn to the frescoes decorating the vaulted ceilings. Among them are the founders of the Confraternita: Isidoro Brunoro, Giuliano Bortolomiol, Umberto Bortolotti and Mario Geronazzo, men whose vision helped bring greater recognition to Valdobbiadene DOCG and promote its wine culture over time.
The frescoes depict symbolic episodes and scenes deeply connected to the local area. On the left-hand side, the Wedding at Cana is reinterpreted as a symbolic ceremony marking admission to the Confraternita. Grand Master Isidoro Brunoro welcomes those whose expertise, work and commitment have made a significant contribution to the development and recognition of the Valdobbiadene DOCG area.
On the opposite side, some of Valdobbiadene’s most distinctive symbols come to life: the Arco del Bacio, the six cypress trees that characterise the historic Riva del Bacio, and the figure of a woman working alongside a farmer. At the far end of the room, Bacchus is served by Venus, surrounded by references to different periods in the history of wine.
Today, the Confraternita del Valdobbiadene DOCG brings together around 150 members, including oenologists, wine technicians and individuals whose contribution has helped foster the growth and recognition of the area. Guided by the same principles that inspired its founders, the Confraternita continues to promote the culture of Valdobbiadene DOCG and the deep connection between wine, the land and its people.
Every year, around 5,000 bottles of Valdobbiadene DOCG are produced bearing the Confraternita label. The first three bottles of each vintage are placed inside the Cella Vinaria, behind the lectern, as a symbol of continuity, belonging and shared memory.
Visit the Cella Vinaria
Discover our guided tours and wine tastings
Every experience offered by Casa Brunoro includes a visit to the Cella Vinaria, one of the places that best represents the history of the Varaschin family and the Valdobbiadene area. Accompanied by those who experience these places every day and preserve their memory, you will discover the unique atmosphere of the Cella Vinaria, admire its historic frescoed vaults and the old bottles preserved within its walls, and immerse yourself in the story of a land where wine has been part of life and culture for generations.
The experience concludes with a guided tasting of a selection of Varaschin wines, an opportunity to discover in every glass the aromas, flavours and identity of the hills of Valdobbiadene.
To discover all the experiences and events offered by Casa Brunoro, visit the dedicated website.