Luigi Baudana is a small family estate in Serralung d'Alba, Piedmont, with just over four hectares of hand-tended vineyards in two prestigious crus: Baudana and Cerretta. What sets Luigi Baudana apart is the story behind its ownership: facing retirement without heirs, Luigi and Fiorina chose to sell not to developers hungry for Barolo's 'golden mile' real estate, but to G.D. Vajra—a winemaker whose philosophy aligned perfectly with their own. The Vajra family now stewards this legacy, bringing cellar expertise to fruit already defined by thirty years of meticulous vineyard care. The result: wines that combine old-vine depth with modern precision.

About Luigi Baudana

Luigi Baudana began as a family operation in the heart of Serralunga d'Alba, where the commune's characteristic power and structure define every wine. The vineyards, planted decades ago by Luigi himself—including Chardonnay and Sauvignon in Cerretta dating to the early 1980s—sit on Helvetian soils over 14 million years old, combined with elevations above 300 metres that bring freshness and complexity. When Luigi and Fiorina decided to retire, they rejected substantial offers from large producers. Giuseppe recalls: "we came to realize the depth of care lavished on these vines throughout their entire existence. This vineyard heritage represents decades of stewardship passed down through their lineage." The Vajra family now manage the estate alongside the original owners, continuing winemaking in Luigi's original cellar and preserving the vineyard practices that built the reputation. These old vines deliver remarkable depth of flavour and intensity; Vajra's cellar methods have elevated the wines to an altogether higher calibre. Hand harvesting and careful vineyard work remain standard—the vines are tended with the same devotion Luigi established, now supported by a winemaking team with multiple Barolo successes.

Luigi Baudana Wines in Our Collection

The 2025 Dragon Langhe Bianco (93 points, Falstaff) is a white blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Nascetta, and Riesling, fermented and aged in stainless steel. This crisply textured wine presents compelling complexity balanced with an attractive freshness on the finish—perfect as an aperitif or alongside lighter seafood preparations. The 2021 Barolo Baudana (94 points aggregate; 97 from James Suckling and Raffaele Vecchione) shows elegance and intensity from the 'forgotten cru' that Luigi named. Accessible now yet built for aging, it ranks among the finest Serralunga expressions. The 2020 Barolo Cerretta (93 points aggregate; 95 from Wine Spectator and Ian D'Agata) is the estate's most impressive Barolo, combining the power and structure of Helvetian soils with the sweetness of fruit from high elevation. The 2020 Barolo Baudana (93 points aggregate; 95 from Wine Spectator and Ian D'Agata) and 2022 Barolo Serralunga (94 points, James Suckling) complete a range built for serious collectors and food tables alike.

Food Pairing

Serve the Dragon Langhe Bianco with aged cheeses, seafood risotto, or white fish with herb butter. The Barolo Baudana pairs with braised beef, game birds, and mushroom-based dishes. The Cerretta, with its power and elegance, suits rare beef, truffle pasta, and aged hard cheeses. These are food wines—structured enough to complement hearty meat dishes, refined enough for the table's best occasions.

Why did Luigi Baudana sell to the Vajra family?

Luigi and Fiorina chose Vajra over larger producers to preserve their legacy. Giuseppe Vajra's philosophy aligned with theirs, and he understood the vineyard's 30-year history of care. They continue to run the estate together in Luigi's original cellar.

What makes Serralunga d'Alba special for these wines?

Serralunga is known for power and structure. Luigi Baudana's vineyards sit on 14-million-year-old Helvetian soils and elevations above 300 metres, which deliver intensity alongside elegance and fresh fruit character.

How long will Luigi Baudana Barolo age?

The Baudana cru and Cerretta are built for aging. While accessible when released, both gain depth and complexity over 10–20+ years, particularly the elegant, structured Cerretta from historic vineyard land.

Who makes Luigi Baudana wines?

Luigi Baudana is a family estate in Serralunga d'Alba, Piedmont, now stewarded by the Vajra family. Luigi and Fiorina chose to pass the estate to G.D. Vajra, whose winemaking philosophy aligned with theirs, rather than sell to developers.

What style of wine does Luigi Baudana make?

Luigi Baudana makes Barolo and white blends from old vines planted on Helvetian soils. The 2021 Barolo Baudana scores 94 points, showing elegance and intensity typical of their savory, classic Serralunga style.