Maison Agricole D&D: the house of wine and honey
In the smallest region of Italy, Aosta Valley, nestled among the Alpine mountains, lies a small family-run farm, Maison Agricole D&D. Founded in 2002, the farm’s mission is to preserve the family lands and restore abandoned plots on the hills of the regional capital, Aosta.
Here, a piece of history and culture that has been passed down through the centuries could have faded away without their efforts. The land belongs to the Desaymonet family, who began cultivating vines in the early 1900s. The current owner, Denis Desaymonet, who took over the business in 2022, has continued the work of his grandparents and parents, who were involved in the first D.O.C. wine exhibitions of the Aosta Valley in the 1970s.
Mr. Desaymonet’s goal is to showcase the richness of the Aosta Valley’s terroir through wines that reflect the essence of the mountainous landscape. The vineyards of Maison Agricole D&D are characterized by steep slopes and are cultivated manually, minimizing pesticide use and favoring only organic fertilizers. The farm follows integrated pest management practices to protect the environment.
As a result, the farm produces eleven different wines, including six reds, three whites, one rosé, and a wine made from overripe grapes—each a blend of traditional knowledge and modern technology. In addition to winemaking, the farm ventured into organic honey production in 2011. This activity is recognized for its positive environmental impact.
The bees do most of the work, with the farm staff simply extracting, letting the honey settle, and jarring it. From over three hundred hives, seven varieties of honey are produced, including both single-flower and wildflower varieties. The farm is open to the public by reservation for guided tours of the winery, vineyards, and honey workshop, available in both Italian and French.
During special events, the farm also opens its doors to visitors, offering aperitifs, tastings, and participating in wine and honey festivals.
