Within the biodynamic estate La Raia there are several farmsteads which date back to the XIX century: homes, barns, wide arcades and old tanks witness an authentic agricultural world which we have fully recovered with our project of biodynamic farming and wine production.
Borgo Merlassino has been wisely restored by deamicisarchitetti, it represents one of the most fascinating examples of our concept of living with and within nature. It is located in a privileged position: on one side the vineyards and on the other the woods, facing a breath taking panorama of the valley in front. The ancient oven, the barn and the wide kitchen have been refurbished yet maintaining their original sense. The external facades report the characteristic mottled colour of La Raia’s canteen, reporting the raw red soil multi toned effect of the typical technique called pisé.
Nowadays Borgo Merlassino opens to its guests the doors of four apartments named after the honey varieties we produce: Acacia, Millefiori, Bosco and of course Ape Regina (queen bee). All the apartments have different lengths and decors, with a style which combines antique furniture with design artistic pieces, resulting into a unique experience within the Gavi hills.
From Borgo Merlassino you can follow a path cut through vineyards and fields, reaching La Raia’s canteen, where you will have the chance of tasting our Gavi and Barbera Demeter certified wines. Enjoy this experience paired with our Farro monococco dishes, organic honeys and other local fresh products.
GENERAL
entertainments
attractions
Washing machine
Dryer
Iron
Free parking space
Concierge assistance
Baby Sitting
La Raia
Borgo Merlassino is surrounded by woodland and vineyards which cover Gavi’s hills. Our first suggestion is a visit at La Raia’s canteen, a tour around the estate and its oldest vineyards and a tasting of our wines and other organic products.
On the way to the canteen you can admire Remo Salvadori and Koo Jeung A.’s artworks, realised within the project promoting this land, developed by the Fondazione La Raia – arte cultura territorio.
Sport and Hobbies
Our sporty guests can chose to cycle through the inclined Gavi hills, destination of bikers from all over the world. Alternatively a walk through the vineyards at twilight is always an enjoyable option.
If you are passionate about biking do not miss a visit to the Museo dei Campionissimi in Novi Ligure, a museum devoted to the memory of the great Fausto Coppi and Costante Girardengo.
Gavi is also paradise for golfers: close to La Raia two great courses including 9, 18 and 36 wholes, Golf Club Colline del Gavi, Golf Club Villa Carolina and Serravalle Golf Club.
The mild sloping of the Gavi hills is also ideal for horseback riding strolls through the countryside, one of the most exercised activities in the area. Adjoined with the estate, Le Rondini riding centre, where we can organise hourly excursions for beginners or daily excursions for the most expert riders.
Relax and wellness
When seeking for a full day dedicated to relaxation and wellbeing, the perfect destination are le Terme di Acqui Terme, an hour distance from La Raia, where you will find most kinds of spa and thermal baths. You can admire Gavi’s hills from a special point of view, it is possible to organise a hot air balloon tour including aperitivo!
History and culture
If you are craving to dive into history, we suggest visiting the Forte di Gavi, Castelli Piemontesi, the fascinating Basilica di Santa Maddalena and the aristocratic palazzi dipinti in the historical centre of Novi Ligure.
We are in one of the Italian regions with the wider food and wine related heritage, renowned all around the world. Do not miss out on our tasting of La Raia products but we also suggest a visit to one of the many factories of the popular Novi chocolate, Baci di Dama or Amaretti biscuits. Among our favourite, Bodrato.
For the most adventurous foodies we will also organise truffle hunts, according to seasonal availability.
Shopping
Last but not least, the shopping temptations: Serravalle Designer Outlet is the largest outlet in Europe and its located at less than 10 Km from the estate.
In Novi Ligure’s historical centre instead you will find typical handcrafts boutiques, jewelleries, herbalist’s shops or furniture shops as for example Sorelle Odone.
Fuori porta
We arrange excursions and out of town activities on request. Some of our suggestions:
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