Wine tasting in Bellagio: Terrae III at Baita TreeB, where California meets Lake Como.
Some stories feel as though they were written long before they were ever poured into a glass. Ours is one of them. If you come visit us at Baita TreeB, you’ll take in the deep blue of Lake Como and the peaks of the Grigne.
But if you close your eyes and take a sip of Terrae III, you’ll suddenly find yourself among California’s sunlit vineyards or on the dramatic terraced slopes of Valtellina.
What we offer here, in the hills above Bellagio, is more than a simple tasting: it’s the story of a sixteen-year bond connecting distant lands through an invisible thread.
The seed of an idea: that honeymoon in 2010
It all began sixteen years ago. Luca and I chose California for our honeymoon.
Among the many stops, one felt essential: Petaluma. That’s where a family lived who, despite being on the other side of the ocean, remained deeply connected to Bellagio: the Lavio family.
The welcome at their ranch was overwhelming. It wasn’t just hospitality: it was genuine generosity, in hands still marked by the earth and in open, sincere gazes. Walking across their vast property, watching the animals and breathing in a way of life so simple and deeply rooted, we noticed the vines.
At the time, that landscape felt like “just” a precious memory to capture in a photograph. We had no idea it was, in fact, the beginning of everything.
The Lavio family story: from Civenna to the American dream
Mr. Lavio’s story deserves to be told. It’s a true emblem of early 20th-century Italian emigration: a man who left Civenna, just above Bellagio, carrying with him nothing but a farming heritage and an unwavering dedication to hard work.
In California, decade after decade, he built a ranch that became a benchmark for the state’s agricultural sector, earning official recognition and even appearing in national television campaigns. But there’s one detail that makes our connection to them feel almost magical: our Baita TreeB once belonged to the Lavio family.
Today, the circle comes full turn. One of the wines crafted by Maura and Domenic is born on those Californian lands and returns “home,” here to the Baita that once belonged to their ancestors—where we now serve it to our guests.
Terrae III: a dialogue between Valtellina and California
If the Baita is where the meeting happens, the soul in the glass is the Terrae III project.
Born from the partnership of Domenic and Maura, now a beautiful family with their little Leo, and enriched by Luciano’s winemaking expertise, this wine is a dialogue between two worlds:
- Valtellina: with its precision, alpine freshness, and a structure shaped by the mountains.
- California: with its international spirit, vibrant sunshine, and a contemporary approach.
The Baita experience: far more than a tasting
At the Baita, we’ve chosen to remain small and authentic. Here, Maura and Domenic’s wine is shared by those who truly love it.
The tastings are often led by Giuseppe, a winemaker who perfectly embodies the spirit of the project: originally from Sicily, he now lives in California, bringing with him deep technical expertise delivered with warmth and genuine passion.
Join us at the table
- Intimacy and nature: you’re far from the bustle of Bellagio’s center, in a secluded setting where time seems to stand still.
- Exceptional pairings: alpine cheeses and carefully selected local cured meats, chosen to complement every glass of Terrae III.
- Real stories: we won’t just pour you wine, we’ll share stories of Petaluma, of Civenna, and of how an invisible thread can connect two continents.
Who is this experience for?
From couples in search of a quiet sunset over Lake Como, to groups of friends eager to discover something new, all the way to corporate teams looking for a touch of inspiration. Each tasting is designed for those who, like us, believe that wine is first and foremost about conviviality and discovery.
We look forward to welcoming you to Baita TreeB from April to October 2026. Come and discover how Maura and Domenic’s journey has found a home in the hills above Bellagio.
