To the East of Sondrio, on the northern slopes of the valley, Chiuro is
home to several of the region’s biggest wine estates, which take part in the
Grappolo d’Oro wine event each year. The 10-day event is dedicated
exclusively to Valtellina’s red wines and features a host of themed events.
First and foremost are the open-air tastings in the medieval streets,
courtyards and villas of the historic centre.
Chiuro is considered the wine capital of the region, thanks to its
ancient beginnings. It also happens to be the hub of the biggest terraced
wine-growing area in Italy. Today, the township is also renowned for its dairy
and artisanal industries centred on woodworking, metalworking and carpet-making
(e.g. traditional pezzotti mats made with rag strips). Souvenirs of the
Chiuro’s rich history include the Church of the Madonna della Neve and Saint
Carlo, the fortified residence of Stefano Quadrio, the Parish Church of Saints
Giacomo and Andrea and the home of Maurizio Quadrio, Renaissance patriot.
In 1913, the parvis of the parish church was dedicated to Cipriano
Valorsa, the Valtellinese painter who produced a number of fine works in this
very corner of Chiuro.
