What to do in Oltrepò Pavese: the 8 best activities

Horseback riding among the Langhe vineyards is ideal for those who love hilly views and vineyards. The trip is scheduled to start from San Marzano Oliveto. The excursion crosses the hills of Monferrato and proceeds mostly on dirt trails, beautiful to ride on horseback.

The stable is close (less than an hour's drive) to Asti, Alessandria and is just over an hour from Cuneo and Turin.

Group horseback riding is ideal for friends or even families with children; in fact, from age 8 and up, you can ride the pony. The age of the child should be communicated by phone to the guide once the confirmation of the reservation request has been received.

Walk with aperitif:
From San Marzano Oliveto, in the province of Asti, you will stroll through scenic vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by the majestic backdrop of the Alps. There will be a chance to visit an agritourism in the area, where an aperitif will be served with two glasses of wine per person and mixed platters of cured meats and cold cuts.

Recommended attire for horseback riding tours includes closed shoes and long pants.

The horseback ride is suitable for beginners and first-time riders, professional equestrian guides will accompany you on this wonderful adventure.

The ride lasts about 2 hours and ends with the return to the riding stables.

The quad bike excursion in the Monferrato hills departing from Conzano will allow you to experience an adventure driving a quad bike in an area considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be able to choose between two tours:

Quad Tour

The excursion is suitable for everyone and lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Together with an experienced guide, you will drive along a mostly unpaved route through vineyards and forests from which you can admire the area's evocative landscapes. On the way back you will pause at scenic spots to take some nice photo shoots while sitting on the Big Benches (giant benches that characterize these hills).

Quad bike tour and winery visit

Driving a quad bike you will be accompanied to discover the hills of Monferrato, driving along the dirt roads that pass through the vineyards and reveal the most striking landscapes. Along the way you will see where the typical products of Monferrato's wine and farming culture come from, as well as reach the most representative historical and artistic sites, including medieval castles, ancient quarries, country churches and open-air museums.
Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop at an authentic winery where you will be able to exclusively visit an Infernot, a cellar carved by hand into the cantonment stone, considered a Unesco World Heritage Site (You can add on the spot a tasting of typical products accompanied by the winery's wines).

The tasting and visit to the Infernot wineries in Monferrato takes place in Cella Monte, which joined the Borghi più Belli d’Italia since 2018 and includes: a visit to the historic winery and infernot, followed by a tasting of 4 wines.

For those who like it, you can add a small board with cold cuts, cheeses, bruschettine.

The infernot are underground caves dug by hand, which allowed the Monferrato territory to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Langhe and Roero territories in 2014.

The visit concludes with a tasting of four of the winery's wines accompanied by a small cutting board of local products and breadsticks. For the cutting board è you can request a vegetarian version.

During the tasting you will taste:

• Mariulin (Piedmont DOC Chardonnay, Sparkling Brut Martinotti Method)
• Dedalo (Monferrato DOC White from Arneis grapes)
• Solista (Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC)
• Carisa (Piedmont DOC Barbera)

For the visit of the wineries in Monferrato we recommend clothing appropriate for the low temperatures and high humidity; present in the premises.

The winery tour with tasting at Castello di Razzano offers an engaging experience for wine lovers and those who wish to learn about the local wine culture. Located in the charming Castello di Razzano, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history and production of wine in the region and Monferrato.

After visiting the museum, you will have the opportunity to explore the aging cellars of Razzano Castle. Wine tasting is a highlight of the visit. Each person will have the opportunity to taste three different wines, representative of Castello di Razzano's production. The wine selection could include both white and red wines, depending on your preferences or specialties of the region. To accompany the tasting, you will be served a platter of typical local cured meats and cheeses, which pair perfectly with the wines.

Positioned in one of the most evocative corners of Monferrato and surrounded by an estate of great scenic beauty, Castello di Razzano is the ideal reference point for those who wish to enjoy eno-gastronomic experiences of the area.

Horseback riding in Monferrato outside Casale Monferrato will allow you to immerse yourself in nature and spend a relaxing day on horseback. The riding is English style and the saddles are of high quality to provide maximum comfort throughout the horseback ride.

Before starting with the excursion, there will be a 30-minute lesson to familiarize you with the horse.

The excursion will start from the stables will proceed to the picturesque hills of Piedmont where you can enjoy the breathtaking views that the entire Monferrato area has to offer.

The duration of the trail is about an hour in which you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will help and guide you for the duration of the trail.

The walk is also suitable for beginners. You must be at least 2 people and you can participate up to 4 and you must be at least 18 years old. The maximum weight is 85kg.

Fitted long pants and closed shoes are required for the experience.

The e-bike tour in the hills of Monferrato will allow you to rent a mountain bike and explore the upper Monferrato. The experience starts from Conzano and you can choose from three different tours:

Tour and winery visit (4 hours)

Riding a MTB E-Bike, you will explore the hills of Monferrato through dirt paths that pass through vineyards, revealing breathtaking views. Along the way, you will discover the origins of Monferrato's wine and farming culture, as well as visit significant historical and artistic sites. Halfway through the journey, you will make an exclusive stop to visit an Infernot, a winery carved by hand from cantonment stone, an authentic masterpiece of peasant art recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Half-day rental (4 hours)

If you choose the half-day rental, you can ride your e-bike independently and discover the picturesque landscapes while passing through vineyards and forests. Also, on the way back, you will pause at viewpoints to take some Big Bench photo shots, the distinctive giant benches typical of these hills.

Daily rental (9 hours)

You will have the opportunity to rent an e-bike for the whole day (about 9 hours) and choose the route you prefer by setting the GPS. You will be provided with everything you need to make the best of the excursion in complete autonomy together with your group.

A trolley can be attached to the e-bike for children under 45kg.

The quad bike ride and wine tasting in the Langhe from Alba is a delightful and fascinating experience that combines the quad bike ride with a fantastic wine tasting.

This quad bike excursion in the Langhe can be developed in two fantastic ways:

Tour in the Langhe and wine tasting

During the quad bike excursion in the Langhe you will discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Unesco World Heritage territories by driving your quad bike. You will have the opportunity to admire up close vineyards, hazelnut groves and the particularities of this territory.

When you return from the quad bike experience, you will be offered a tasting of 6 100% organic wines in a certified winery just a short walk from Grinzane Cavour Castle.

Aperitour in the vineyard and wine tasting

During this half-day tour you will have the opportunity to ride an ATV as a couple, with friends or with family on scenic routes through the heart of the Langhe and Barolo hills.

The route includes a stop among the vineyards, during which you can enjoy an aperitif with traditional Piedmont flavors. On the way back, a delicious tasting of Arneis, Orange Wine, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Barolo will await you, directly from a certified producer of 100% organic wines.

For each quad bike, a maximum of two participants, one driver and one passenger, can board. 

In case of allergies or dietary needs è you must contact the facility directly.

The visit to the winery will introduce you to the history of wine production of one of the most historic wineries in the Langhe region and immerse you in the picturesque Piedmont region near Alba and Barolo. Following the tour of the winery and the estate vineyards, you can choose from a variety of menù lunch offered by the winery.

You can add a more or less complete wine tasting to the menù or opt for a bottle of wine of your choice.

The experience lasts from 2 to 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste. Upon request, you can add a charcuterie or cheese board to further enrich your dining experience, for an additional charge.

Menù Gluttonous (2 hours 30 minutes)

Menù includes an assortment of cold and hot appetizers from our country tradition, a homemade entrée of your choice, and a delicious dessert to end the experience.

Menù Delicious (3 hours)

Menù includes cold and hot traditional country hors d`oeuvres, followed by a homemade first course of your choice, a second course and dessert to end the experience.

For children è there is a menuù which includes pasta, schnitzel and potatoes and a final dessert, so they too can enjoy this fun experience.

È sweatshirt is recommended for the winery tour.

There is an opportunity to do the 1h/2h/3h walks.

• 1h walk

Before the start, there will be a short briefing where you will meet and get to know the horses you will be hiking with.

Then you will enter the Avigliana Lakes Nature Park and, after walking along trails, woods and dirt roads, Lake Grande will appear on the horizon. You will skirt the shores of Lake Grande of Avigliana and then return to the stable.

In all, the route will take about an hour, and you will see the Avigliana Lakes on horseback. With this walk, you will not reach Avigliana Castle.

• 2 or 3 hour walk

Horseback ride to Avigliana Castle, near Turin and starting from the town of the same name.

You will ride through forests and ascend on horseback to the Castle, from where you can admire a fantastic view of the valley below. The hike is also suitable for beginners with no horseback riding experience.

Finally you will pass through the medieval village and finally return to the stable, heading towards Lake Avigliana.

The winery tour with tasting at Castello di Razzano offers an engaging experience for wine lovers and those who wish to learn about the local wine culture. Located in the charming Castello di Razzano, the museum offers a fascinating journey through the history and production of wine in the region and Monferrato.

After visiting the museum, you will have the opportunity to explore the aging cellars of Razzano Castle. Wine tasting is a highlight of the visit. Each person will have the opportunity to taste three different wines, representative of Castello di Razzano's production. The wine selection could include both white and red wines, depending on your preferences or specialties of the region. To accompany the tasting, you will be served a platter of typical local cured meats and cheeses, which pair perfectly with the wines.

Positioned in one of the most evocative corners of Monferrato and surrounded by an estate of great scenic beauty, Castello di Razzano is the ideal reference point for those who wish to enjoy eno-gastronomic experiences of the area.

Horseback riding in Mongrando in the Biellese region will allow you to immerse yourself in the nature of the Biellese greenhouse.

You must be at least 15 years old to participate, and after an initial time of knowledge and assessment of skills in the field, you will go out to explore the surrounding area of the Elvo Valley.

Walks of 1 hour or 2 hours are available, preceded by a short lesson to learn. The route will be agreed from time to time according to the participants' needs, age and expertise.

During the hike you will be surrounded by greenery and will be accompanied by a certified guide who will take you on a discovery of picturesque landscapes through forests and meadows.

For the horseback riding excursion you will be provided with all the equipment you need to ride a horse, including a helmet. Recommended clothing includes closed shoes and long pants.

Through snowshoeing at the foot of Monviso, you can explore the breathtaking natural landscapes that the Piedmont valleys have to offer. You will have the choice between a group tour and a private tour.

Group Tour

Departure is planned for 9 a.m., with the exception of a few cases in which the snowshoeing is in the evening (December 22, January 5 and 26). The guide will assess the destination of the excursion based on the weather conditions and will notify you a week in advance.

Private tour

Departure time can be planned with the guide based on your needs. The guide will estimate the destination of the excursion based on the weather condition and will notify you a week in advance.

The hikes last about 6 hours and possible destinations are the Chisono and Germanasca Valleys, Pellice Valley, Po Valley, Varaita Valley and Maira Valley. They are all hikes of medium/low difficulty, and from all valleys it will be possible to admire some extraordinary landscapes.

Equipment (snowshoes and poles) is not included and can be rented on site for 10€.

During this horseback ride in the Emilian Stirone Park you will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of the Apennines.

The horseback rides will take place on trails of low and medium-low difficulty suitable for all levels of experience, but also for those who have never been on horseback before.

You will be provided with all equipment for the excursion, including helmet (mandatory). Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Discover the natural beauty of an estate in the Oltrepò pavese by E-bike and enjoy an aperitif in the open air.

In this fantastic experience, in addition to renting the E-bikes, you can discover the techniques of the estate's winery with a guided tour.

You will be given the E-bike with set up of its basket that includes everything you need for an aperitif in the open air, including:

• a selection of artisanal food products from Oltrepò
• wine to choose from: Saint Valier, Costa del Nero, Maria Novella and Saignée della Rocca.

During the Oltrepò Pavese winery tour and wine tasting, you will have the choice of three different experiences.

The first tour of the vineyards and vines lasts 1h30 and includes the tasting of 4 glasses.

The second option lasts 2h, and is recommended for lovers of the Pinot Noir grape variety.

The last type of experience you can choose instead includes a tour of both the vineyards and the winery, and ends with wine tasting.

The winery visit in Santa Maria della Versa will allow you to discover the wines that characterize the Oltrepò Pavese area. You will have a choice of two different experiences.

Tour with tasting

The activity starts with a walk through the vineyard, then you will continue with a guided tour of the winemaking cellar and the Metodo Classico aging room where they will explain details about the products.

To conclude the experience, you will have the opportunity to have a tasting of 4 wines represented by the winery (including organic) accompanied by small samples (vegetable flan, cheese and tart).

Tour with brunch

For a more complete gastronomic experience, at the end of the winery tour it is possible to have the tasting of the 4 wines accompanied by a brunch consisting of:

• Mixed appetizers.
• Risotto.
• Dessert.

Allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs should be communicated to the facility in advance.

Dinner in the Vineyard with a guided tour will immerse you in the winemaking tradition of Oltrepò Pavese and its vineyards.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the farm where owner Patrizio will introduce you to the cultivation and production techniques of their Lombard wines. Afterwards, you will be taken to the vineyard where dinner under the stars will begin, based on several courses paired with a tasting of local wines.

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is held in the summer. The menu may be subject to change based on winery availability.

The vineyard dinner is ideal for families, groups of friends or couples who want to experience a romantic moment in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Languages spoken: Italian and English. A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

The picnic in the vineyard with tasting in the Oltrepò Pavese is a unique opportunity to have lunch with friends in the hills of Lombardy and to learn about the history of the production of the best-known local wines.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the farm, overlooking the hills, and its wineries and then proceeds to its vineyards where the picnic will begin. The picnic includes:

• Sandwich with roast beef, grana cheese and salad
• Sandwich with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula
• Tart with fruit jam
• Water

The picnic is accompanied by a tasting of 4 local wines, including a Provincia di Pavia IGT Pinot Noir "Columban".

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. It is a fun and romantic experience to enjoy with friends in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Horseback riding along the Adda River, lasting one to two hours, through the surrounding woods is an experience not to be missed.

The horseback rides are also suitable for beginners, as they consist of comfortable and wide paths located within the Adda Park.

Thanks to this ride you will have the opportunity to explore the nature that characterizes these places, and to let the horses water within the river.

During the horseback ride, departing from Rivolta d'Adda, you will be accompanied by two equestrian guides, who will lead you for the duration of the excursion.

Discover the natural beauty of an estate in the Oltrepò pavese by E-bike and enjoy an aperitif in the open air.

In this fantastic experience, in addition to renting the E-bikes, you can discover the techniques of the estate's winery with a guided tour.

You will be given the E-bike with set up of its basket that includes everything you need for an aperitif in the open air, including:

• a selection of artisanal food products from Oltrepò
• wine to choose from: Saint Valier, Costa del Nero, Maria Novella and Saignée della Rocca.

During the Oltrepò Pavese winery tour and wine tasting, you will have the choice of three different experiences.

The first tour of the vineyards and vines lasts 1h30 and includes the tasting of 4 glasses.

The second option lasts 2h, and is recommended for lovers of the Pinot Noir grape variety.

The last type of experience you can choose instead includes a tour of both the vineyards and the winery, and ends with wine tasting.

The winery visit in Santa Maria della Versa will allow you to discover the wines that characterize the Oltrepò Pavese area. You will have a choice of two different experiences.

Tour with tasting

The activity starts with a walk through the vineyard, then you will continue with a guided tour of the winemaking cellar and the Metodo Classico aging room where they will explain details about the products.

To conclude the experience, you will have the opportunity to have a tasting of 4 wines represented by the winery (including organic) accompanied by small samples (vegetable flan, cheese and tart).

Tour with brunch

For a more complete gastronomic experience, at the end of the winery tour it is possible to have the tasting of the 4 wines accompanied by a brunch consisting of:

• Mixed appetizers.
• Risotto.
• Dessert.

Allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs should be communicated to the facility in advance.

Dinner in the Vineyard with a guided tour will immerse you in the winemaking tradition of Oltrepò Pavese and its vineyards.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the farm where owner Patrizio will introduce you to the cultivation and production techniques of their Lombard wines. Afterwards, you will be taken to the vineyard where dinner under the stars will begin, based on several courses paired with a tasting of local wines.

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is held in the summer. The menu may be subject to change based on winery availability.

The vineyard dinner is ideal for families, groups of friends or couples who want to experience a romantic moment in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Languages spoken: Italian and English. A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

The picnic in the vineyard with tasting in the Oltrepò Pavese is a unique opportunity to have lunch with friends in the hills of Lombardy and to learn about the history of the production of the best-known local wines.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the farm, overlooking the hills, and its wineries and then proceeds to its vineyards where the picnic will begin. The picnic includes:

• Sandwich with roast beef, grana cheese and salad
• Sandwich with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula
• Tart with fruit jam
• Water

The picnic is accompanied by a tasting of 4 local wines, including a Provincia di Pavia IGT Pinot Noir "Columban".

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. It is a fun and romantic experience to enjoy with friends in the Oltrepò Pavese.