The Taverna del Vara: An Artisan Heart in the Val di Vara
The Taverna del Vara is a craft brewery founded in 2015, located in Torza, a picturesque hamlet of the municipality of Maissana, in the heart of the Val di Vara in the province of La Spezia. Behind this reality is the passion of Elisa Lavagnino and Simone, who wanted to create authentic beers capable of telling the story and flavors of the Ligurian territory.
The brewery was born within the family farm, 'I Paloffi', a place full of memories, where foam and wine were once produced. This deep connection to local tradition becomes the main creative impulse behind the beers produced, often named after the villages of the valley or the ingredients that characterize them, thus enhancing the richness of Ligurian rural culture.
Zero Kilometer Beers and Ingredients
The production of Taverna del Vara stands out for the use of high-quality raw materials, collected in collaboration with selected local producers. Some examples:
- Organic wildflower honey from the farm 'Cascina Le Bosche' in Mangia
- Dried chestnuts supplied by 'La Bucolika' in Fazzano
- The use of an ancient native white wheat for some recipes
Among the most representative beers is “Torza”, a clear blonde ale, designed to be easy to drink, with a perfect balance between sweet malt and fresh fruity notes and a delicate bitter aftertaste that leaves the palate satisfied. Among the specialties of the Taverna is also “Suvero”, a blanche that uses an ancient local white wheat, offering a fresh, light drink with pleasant citrus hints.
The Taverna del Vara is not just a brewery, but a space dedicated to beer culture and local traditions. Every Saturday the company shop opens its doors to allow visitors to discover the beers and offer courses and meetings on craft production, promoting the value of a short supply chain and a knowledge that tells the story of the Val di Vara through taste.
This project thus confirms itself as a perfect example of how the passion for craft beer can integrate with agricultural and territorial vocation, celebrating a microcosm of authenticity and unique flavors.
