Giuseppe Contratto founded his winery in 1867, when he began vinifying Moscato grapes from the Monferrato area, producing one of Italy's first bottle-fermented sparkling wines. During those same years, the Contratto family began construction of the historic winery, which was completed in the early 20th century.

In 2014, another important recognition was awarded to the Contratto winery: the historic Wine Cathedral was officially declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The splendid Cathedral was excavated entirely by hand beneath the hillside overlooking the town of Canelli. It extends over approximately 5,000 square meters and reaches a maximum depth of approximately 38 meters. The characteristic sedimentary marl, rich in calcareous tuff, helps maintain a constant temperature of 13 degrees Celsius.