Discover Como? Wine Not

In the latest episode of Discover Como on Como TV two Como 1907 players swap the pitch for the hillside vineyard of Cristina and Gigi in Maslianico. Known locally as heroic winemakers they care for their vines by hand on slopes so steep no machine could manage it.

Lucas Da Cunha and Maxence Caqueret arrive as curious guests armed with pruning shears instead of football boots. Under Gigi’s watchful eye they pick bunches of Cabernet and Pinot Noir, learning that one plant more or less means one bottle. There are no chemicals here, no tricks, only hard work and patience which makes the players laugh in recognition of effort that feels familiar if not the same as their own.

The highlight comes in the cellar where the footballers are invited to crush grapes with their feet. What begins in hesitation soon turns into noisy fun as juice runs across the stone floor. DaCunha even admits he could happily do it all day.

Along the way there are reflections on football too. They speak of the difference between Italy and France, the structure, the tactics and the loyalty of Como’s fans who have stood by the team through difficult times. Both make clear they want to give everything for the shirt for the city and for the people who support them.

What strikes Cristina is how down to earth they are. Famous yes but unpretentious and ready to get their hands dirty. For her they are an example of how sport and life can meet on common ground.

The episode ends with a promise that in two years the wine they helped make will be opened together. 

Until then Discover Como offers a warm glimpse of what happens when football meets tradition on the hillsides of Lake Como.You can watch this and other episodes of Discover Como at tv.comofootball.com.