In recent years, Italy has undergone a true revolution in the world of craft beer. Once a country strongly tied to wine culture, it now delights beer lovers with creative, elegant, and high-quality brews. Leading this movement is Baladin, the first Italian craft brewery to gain international recognition, thanks in part to figures like Carlo Petrini of Slow Food and Oscar Farinetti of Eataly.
A revolution that started in Piozzo
Italy has always had a relatively low beer consumption compared to other European countries, but this trend is shifting due to a growing awareness and appreciation of the product.
The turning point came in 1996 with the founding of Baladin Brewery in Piozzo, a small town in the Alta Langa region of Piedmont. Its founder, Teo Musso, immediately began bottling beers inspired by Belgian tradition, starting with the famous Super, followed by the blanche-style Isaac.
Baladin stands out for its unique approach: combining beer and food, enhancing both with elegance and originality. Over time, the brewery evolved into a true agricultural company, producing over 85% of its raw materials directly.
The official recognition of Craft Beer
A key moment for the industry came in 2016, when the Italian government officially recognized the term “craft beer,” protecting product quality and transparency.
In this context, Baladin strengthened its role by producing “Nazionale,” the first 100% Italian beer made entirely with domestic ingredients.
Focus on short supply chains and sustainability has become a core part of Baladin’s production philosophy, making it a symbol of Made in Italy excellence in the world of beer.
The Open Garden and its bond with the land
Another milestone came in 2016 with the launch of the Baladin Open Garden, a 50,000-hectoliter annual capacity park dedicated to “live beer” and its connection to the earth.
Its slogan says it all: “Because beer is land.” The Open Garden is a space open to everyone – families, enthusiasts, chefs – where visitors can explore how beer is made, enjoy tastings, attend farmers’ markets and workshops, or simply relax in nature.
Carlo Petrini, founder of Slow Food, describes it as a place where people reconnect with their community and traditional agricultural values, far from shopping malls and close to the rhythms of the land.
Education and culture: the future of Craft Beer
What makes the Open Garden even more special is its collaboration with the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Pollenzo, which will open an educational outpost in the park.
Here, students will gain hands-on experience in producing live beer, helping spread a new Italian gastronomic culture that prioritizes quality and sustainability.
Discover authentic Italy with Saint Jane
The story of Baladin shows that Italy is not only a land of wine, but also of outstanding craft beer. It’s yet another reason to explore the country in all its depth, from the villages of the Langhe to its most innovative food destinations.
If you’re planning a trip to discover Italy’s flavors, check out the Saint Jane Hotels selection and get inspired by authentic experiences filled with great food, relaxation, and local culture.
