The History of the Saint Roch Distillery
Origins in the 1700s
The story of the Saint Roch Distillery begins in the early 1700s, when the Levi family first entered the world of distillation in the mountain village of Campodolcino, Lombardy. Their work laid the foundations for a craft that would eventually become one of the Aosta Valley’s most respected traditions.
Arrival in Aosta
Towards the end of the 1800s, Guglielmo Levi moved the family’s distilling activity to Aosta, establishing a new distillery in the village of Sant’Orso. Here he began producing grappa using grape skins collected from local cellars, a practice that quickly became a hallmark of the region’s distilling culture.
The Birth of Saint Roch (1968)
In 1968, Guglielmo’s daughter Natalina Levi, together with her husband Cesare Rosset, founded the Distillerie Saint Roch in the municipality of Quart. This marked the union of two families: the Levi lineage of master distillers and the Rosset family, known for their strong mountain identity, agricultural heritage and production of fine grapes.
Tradition Meets Innovation
As the business grew, the original Levi distillery gave way to modern, technologically advanced production spaces, yet the commitment to tradition remained central. Saint Roch continued to produce its signature spirits, including grappa and the region’s emblematic génépy, while maintaining a deep respect for local raw materials and the surrounding landscape.
A Distillery Powered by the Mountains
Today, the distillery operates with a strong focus on sustainability and environmental stewardship. Its production facility is powered entirely by renewable energy, reflecting a modern approach that complements its centuries‑old craft.
The Third Generation
Under the leadership of Nicola Rosset, son of Natalina and Cesare, the third generation continues to guide the distillery. Saint Roch remains a symbol of the Aosta Valley, a producer that blends heritage, innovation and a profound love for its territory. Its spirits now reach international markets, carrying the essence of the region far beyond the Alps.