Borgata Grange meets Baratuciat – May Day Festival

A local festival in the heart of the lower Susa Valley

Borgata Grange is a quiet, charming hamlet located between the villages of Rivera and Milanere, in the municipality of Almese, at the eastern gateway to the Susa Valley in the Province of Turin. Every May 1st, this hidden corner of Piedmont awakens for its traditional festival, rooted in the devotion to San Giuseppe, to whom the hamlet's chapel is dedicated. It is one of those genuine village festivals—defined by a sense of community, stalls filled with local products, and the enticing aroma of Piedmontese cuisine—that truly captures the spirit of an alpine village.

Meeting the Baratuciat

For several editions, the festival has been enriched by a special guest: Baratuciat, the ancient white grape variety native to the Susa Valley. Long thought to be lost, it was recovered in the 1960s and officially registered in the National Vine Variety Catalogue in 2008, becoming the first native white grape of the Susa Valley. Historically cultivated between Almese, Avigliana, Rosta, and Villarbasse, Baratuciat today produces a straw-yellow wine with greenish highlights, offering floral and fruity notes of green apple, grapefruit, and pineapple. The "Borgata Grange meets Baratuciat" event celebrates this unique wine and local produce, pairing them with the valley's traditional cuisine.

A day of flavors, art, and music

The program weaves together tradition and conviviality. The morning kicks off with a market featuring local artisans and producers, followed by Holy Mass celebrated in the Chapel of San Giuseppe. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy guided tours of the Roman Villa in Almese, explore art exhibitions, watch street tango performances, and join in traditional games for children. In the afternoon, the Rivera Band provides the soundtrack to the festivities.

Camminar Mangiando: the food and wine trail

The culinary highlight of the event is "Camminar Mangiando", a five-stop food and wine trail winding through the hamlet. As you walk from stop to stop, you can sample traditional dishes and Susa Valley wines: starting with an aperitif of cured meats and cheeses paired with local sparkling wine, followed by traditional starters, first courses, and main courses, each matched with selected wines such as Baratuciat, Avanà, and Becuet. It is a convivial way to savor the territory while strolling through the streets of the hamlet.

An unmissable event in Almese

With free access to the event and most activities, the Borgata Grange festival is the perfect occasion for those looking to experience the authentic Susa Valley, far from the crowded tourist spots. Organized by the municipality, local residents, and associations, it is the result of the dedication of an entire community.