Every year, the management team at Loki Wine closes the laptops, clears the calendar, and sets off on our annual wine pilgrimage. It’s our way of staying connected – not just to the world of wine, but to each other. These trips have become a cornerstone of what we do at Loki. They give us the chance to learn, to taste, to challenge our palates, and to strengthen the bonds that keep our team passionate and united.
This year, we had the enormous privilege of visiting Piedmont, the spiritual home of Nebbiolo and the beating heart of Italian fine wine. We set our sights high and visited three of the region’s most revered producers: G.D. Vajra, Pio Cesare, and the legendary Gaja. Each visit left us a little starstruck, deeply inspired, and – perhaps unsurprisingly – dreaming of Barolo and Barbaresco long after we’d left.
Here’s a look back at our unforgettable journey.
G.D. Vajra: Poetry in a Bottle
Our trip began in the rolling hills of Barolo, where the gentle hum of 
vineyard life surrounds the estate of G.D. Vajra. From the very first handshake, there was an unmistakable warmth to the place. This is a family-run winery where hospitality is genuine, and where every wine feels like a reflection of the people behind it – thoughtful, precise, and deeply soulful.
We were truly spoiled and had the chance to taste almost the entire range of Vajra’s wines!
Starting with whites, and their amazing Luigi Baudana Dragon, a beautifully textured white blend that combines Chardonnay, Nascetta, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling. It’s aromatic, layered and refreshing – proof that Piedmont does whites with real depth too.
Why Two Labels?
G.D. Vajra also manages the Luigi Baudana estate, a tiny, historic property in Serralunga d’Alba with its own vineyards and identity. Though the Vajra family makes the wines, they keep the Baudana label separate to honour the distinct terroir and character of the original estate. Think of it as a sibling project – related, but with its own personality.
Claré J.C. is a fresh and juicy take on early-drinking Nebbiolo; a wine full of charm and lift – light in body but serious in character.
Freisa Kye – a big hit! Spicy, structured and intense, it had the sort of unexpected punch that reminded us why Piedmont is never boring.
Freisa’s Identity Crisis
Freisa, the rebellious cousin of Nebbiolo, was once thought to be a clone of the noble grape itself. For years, the two were confused thanks to their similar tannic grip and red-fruited profile. DNA analysis later confirmed they are in fact related – Freisa is a close genetic cousin.
‘While it doesn’t get the same fanfare, top expressions like Vajra’s Freisa Kye prove just how serious and age-worthy this underdog can be. Think Nebbiolo’s wild-hearted sibling – with a bit of spice and swagger.’ – Margarita, Online Manager
And, of course, the Barolos. The Barolo Albe was approachable and classic – a great entry point into the Vajra style. The Ravera showed a darker, more structured side of Nebbiolo, with savoury depth and a backbone built for ageing. But the Bricco delle Viole… that was something else entirely. A wine of perfume and grace, floating behttps://www.lokiwine.co.uk/wp-admin/void(0);
tween floral elegance and taut mineral precision. It’s the kind of wine that makes you pause, smile, and then immediately ask for another pour (for research, of course).
We were also fortunate to taste some small-batch and experimental wines not yet released. Without revealing too much, let’s just say the team at Vajra continue to push boundaries while holding tightly to their roots.
‘Leaving Vajra felt like leaving old friends. The generosity of spirit, the clarity of vision, and the sheer deliciousness of the wines made it a visit we’ll be talking about for years to come.’ – Maja, Knowle Store Manager
Buy Vajra wines:
G. D. Vajra Barolo ‘Albe’ £48.99
G. D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo £27.99
G. D. Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba £20.99
G. D. Vajra Moscato d’Asti £16.99
Pio Cesare: Timeless, Grounded, and Always Moving Forward
From the hills of Barolo, we made our way to the historic town of Alba, where the cellars of Pio Cesare wind deep beneath the city streets. There’s something magical about walking through 19th-century tunnels lined with barrels, the cool air thick with the scent of oak and Nebbiolo. It’s a space that speaks of legacy – but also of innovation.
The Pio Cesare story is one of quiet confidence. With over 140 years of winemaking under their belt, this is a family that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. Their wines speak clearly and with conviction, blending power with polish.
We began with the whites, which we already know and love. L’Altro Chardonnay was bright, citrus-driven and incredibly drinkable – perfect for warm evenings and casual sophistication. But the Piodilei Chardonnay was the real star. A richer, oak-aged expression with a Burgundian feel, it had layers of creaminess, hazelnut and tension. A proper white wine for serious food.
Then came the reds, and the tone shifted.
The Barbaresco Il Bricco was stunning – refined and lifted, with those tell-tale notes of rose petal, sour cherry, and dried herbs. Elegant, almost lacy. So much nuance, like a conversation that kept shifting in tone.
By contrast, the Barolo Ornato packed a punch: firm tannins, dark fruit, a sense of power coiled beneath the surface. These are wines that demand your attention and reward patience.
‘One thing that really stuck with me was how seamlessly the old and the new co-exist at Pio Cesare. From ancient cellars to modern tasting rooms, the family’s sense of pride is evident in every detail. And their wines reflect that same duality – grounded in tradition, but never standing still.’ – Radu, Edgbaston Store Manager
Buy Pio Cesare wines:
Pio Cesare L’Altro Chardonnay £21.99
Gaja: The Pinnacle of Piedmont
Our final visit took us to Barbaresco and the hallowed halls of Gaja. There’s no other way to say it – this was a bucket-list moment. Angelo Gaja is widely credited with modernising Barbaresco and putting Piedmont on the international map. Today, the estate is a benchmark for quality, vision, and consistency across the globe.
To be welcomed there felt surreal, but the team’s warmth and humility immediately put us at ease. The visit wasn’t just about tasting incredible wines – it was a chance to understand the ethos behind them. Everything at Gaja is done with meticulous care, and a sense of deep responsibility to the land, to history, and to the future.
All of Gaja’s wines are worth shouting about but here are a few standouts.
Langhe Nebbiolo Sperss – a wine of impressive weight and structure, dark and savoury, with notes of dried cherry, tar, and truffle. From there, things only became more profound. It felt monumental. One of those wines that you’ll remember where you were when you first tasted it.
Why Gaja’s Sperss Isn’t Labelled Barolo
Gaja’s Sperss may taste every bit like a top-tier Barolo (and comes from prime Barolo vineyards), but you won’t find “Barolo” on the label. That’s because in the 1990s, the estate chose to blend small amounts of Barbera into some of its Nebbiolo wines – just a touch to add acidity and balance. Under DOCG rules, that means the wines must be labelled Langhe Nebbiolo. Gaja embraced the change, and today, wines like Sperss, Sori San Lorenzo and Sori Tildin stand proudly under the Langhe banner – often surpassing traditional Barolos in prestige and price.
The Barbaresco Sori San Lorenzo was muscular, rich, and almost brooding. A wine that grips the palate and refuses to let go.
The Sori Tildin, by contrast, was pure elegance – linear, lifted, with a quiet power that built gracefully over time. It was like listening to a perfectly arranged symphony. Nothing out of place, just this gentle crescendo of flavour and finesse.
Each wine felt like a study in precision – every note in tune, every detail accounted for.
‘We left the estate feeling grateful, inspired, and honestly, a little emotional. Visits like this remind us why we fell in love with wine in the first place.’ – Melissa, City Centre Store Manager
Buy Gaja wines:
Gaja Ca’ Marcanda Vistamare £51.99
Gaja Ca’ Marcanda Promis £50.99
Gaja Dagromis Barolo DOCG £88.99
Final Thoughts: What These Trips Mean to Us
As we drove back through the vine-covered hills, we took a moment to reflect. These trips aren’t just professional development or palate training – they’re part of the heart and soul of Loki. They remind us that wine isn’t just a product; it’s a labour of love. It’s history, geography, family, culture, and art – all bottled up and waiting to be shared.
To G.D. Vajra, Pio Cesare, and Gaja: thank you for opening your doors, your cellars, and your hearts, for letting us taste the fruits of your passion, and for trusting us to carry those stories home.
‘We feel lucky to be part of this world – and even luckier to share it with our Loki community. Keep an eye on our shelves (and our online shop), because some of these gems will definitely find their way into your glass very soon.’ – Phil, Owner and Managing Director
Until next time – salute!
— The Loki Team 🍷
