A Taste of Valle d’Aosta with Oreste Presa

Some encounters in life stay with us for decades. For me, one such connection is with Oreste Presa. I first met Oreste during my youth while holidaying in Courmayeur, and over the years I’ve watched with admiration as his path in hospitality unfolded.

His journey took him into the kitchens of a Michelin-starred chef in France, where he honed the art of balancing creativity with precision. Today, he brings that same dedication and flair back home to Morgex, at the heart of the Valle d’Aosta region — a place I’ve long cherished.

A Recent Visit

Just this past Saturday, I had the pleasure of experiencing L’Oresteria for myself — and I was genuinely blown away. Oreste’s kitchen delivers a thoughtful, refined take on local flavours, each dish elevated yet deeply rooted in tradition.

The wines he paired with the menu were nothing short of remarkable, showcasing both the richness of the Valle d’Aosta and the diversity of Italy’s vineyards. The entire evening felt seamless, a journey of taste where every detail had been carefully considered.

Introducing L’Oresteria

In the heart of Morgex, Oreste has created something quite special: L’Oresteria, a thoughtful fusion of bar, osteria, and enoteca. It’s not a concept designed to impress with grandeur; rather, it feels like an invitation into Oreste’s world — where good food, excellent wine, and conviviality flow naturally.

From a relaxed breakfast to an early-evening aperitivo, or a refined dinner paired with carefully selected wines, each moment at L’Oresteria is crafted with attention and warmth. The menu pays homage to tradition while highlighting the best of the region’s produce, celebrating simple ingredients elevated by Oreste’s touch.

An Enoteca of Distinction

For wine lovers, the enoteca at L’Oresteria is reason enough to visit. With more than 520 labels sourced from across Italy, it offers a remarkable journey through the country’s vineyards — from the elegance of Alto Adige to the bold richness of Sicily and Sardinia. Each bottle has been chosen to reflect not only excellence but also character, making the experience both a discovery and a delight.

This impressive collection is not about overwhelming choice but about offering meaningful pairings with the cuisine, allowing guests to explore Italy’s winemaking diversity in a way that feels both curated and personal.

Why It Matters for Luxury Travel

In my work within the luxury travel industry, I often look for experiences that go beyond the expected — places that speak to authenticity, intimacy, and a sense of discovery. L’Oresteria does exactly that. It’s exclusive not because it’s hard to access, but because it offers something rare: a genuine taste of Valle d’Aosta, shaped by a host who lives and breathes hospitality.

For today’s discerning traveller, it’s these kinds of encounters — rooted in place, steeped in story, and delivered with care — that turn a trip into a memory. Oreste has built a setting that I believe luxury travel advisors will want to share with their clients, knowing it offers more than a meal: it offers connection.