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 winery tour with tasting in the Monferrato hills will allow you to discover the typical products of the Piedmont hills in Montemagno.

The activity begins with a walk through the farm's vineyards followed by a guided tour of the winery where the wine production process will be explained to you. At the end you will be able to choose between 2 tastings.

Classic tour

Includes the tasting of 5 locally produced wines accompanied by a typical charcuterie and cheese board.

Ruchè Tasting

This activity includes a tasting that will allow you to discover a particular type of wine, Ruchè. You will be served a course of 5 wines with the addition of Ruchè grappa, all accompanied by local cured meats and cheeses.

In case of bad weather and inability to do the vineyard walk, you will be given a bottle of wine for every 2 people regardless of the selected tasting.

The tasting and visit to the Infernot cellars in Monferrato takes place in Cella Monte, which has joined the Borghi più Belli d'Italia (Italy's Most Beautiful Villages) since 2018 and includes: a visit to the historic winery and infernot, followed by a tasting of four wines and accompanied by a small board of local products.

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 wines produced by the winery accompanied by a small cutting board of local products and breadsticks. A vegetarian version can be requested for the cutting board.

During the tasting you will taste:

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

For visiting wineries in Monferrato, we recommend clothing appropriate for the low temperatures and high humidity present on the premises.

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.

Horseback riding in the Monferrato hills will take you to discover the typical fauna and flora of the Piedmont hills.

1-hour walk

The 1-hour walk is suitable for everyone, even those who are getting on a horse for the first time. The minimum age is 6 years old. Children ages 6 to 14 will be accompanied by a guide who will walk with them the whole way.

2-hour walk

The two-hour walk is only allowed for those over the age of 14, and a minimum of experience and familiarity is required to participate.

At the end of both walks you will have the opportunity to enjoy a typical local lunch (if selected), consisting of 3 appetizers, first course, second course and dessert. Extra courses and drinks are excluded.

Wine tasting with a guided tour of the winery and vineyard in Alba is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the hills of Piedmont and discover the Langhe region.

The experience begins with a walk through the vineyard from where you will admire the view of the Barolo and Barbaresco hills. Then you will continue into the winery and be shown all the rooms that characterize the wine production process.

At the end of the visit, you will be treated to a tasting of 5 wines including:

• 2 glasses of white wine of your choice
• 1 glass of Rosè di Nebbiolo
• 2 glasses of red wine of your choice

The wines will be accompanied by a board of typical products.

To participate in the tasting you must be over 18 years of age. Minors will not be allowed to taste.

The quad bike excursion 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:

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

The route includes a stop among the vineyards, during which you will 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 producer, certified, of 100% organic wines.

Langhe tour and wine tasting
During the quad bike excursion in the Langhe you will discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Unesco World Heritage territories while driving your quad bike. You will have the opportunity to admire up close vineyards, hazelnut groves and the special features of this area.

Upon returning from the quad bike experience, you will be treated to a tasting of 6 100% organic wines at a certified winery within walking distance of Grinzane Cavour Castle.

A maximum of two participants, one driver and one passenger, can ride on each quad bike.

A winery tour with tasting of Barolo in the Langhe in Castiglione Falletto is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the hills of Piedmont.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the property. You will begin with a walk through the surrounding vineyards and fields. You will be on top of the hill famous for the Bussia and Pugnane Cru. Afterwards you will be escorted to the winery. At the end of the tour you will have a choice of activities.

Aperitif (white wine or Barolo)

At the end of the guided tour, you will have an aperitif on the viewing tower. You will have a choice between a glass of white wine or one of Barolo. The glass will be accompanied by appetizers.

Lunch or Dinner

In addition to the aperitif in the turret, on the weekend, you can have lunch or dinner on site. You will be offered a typical 6-course Piedmontese menu:

• 3 typical appetizers
• First course (ravioli del plin or risotto)
• Second
• Dessert

The courses will be paired with wines from the cellar.

Overnight stay

You will be met by the host who will give you directions to your overnight stay and accompany you to your double bedroom. You will be able to decide whether to take the tour with tasting at 12 noon or 7 p.m. and depending on the time you will have lunch or dinner consisting of:

• Trio of appetizers
• First
• Cheese board with jams
• Dessert
• Accompaniment of local wine

You will also have access to the wellness area with solarium, sauna, Turkish bath and the outdoor hot tub over the entire surrounding Langhe landscape. Breakfast is also included in the overnight stay.

The winery tour and wine tasting inside Verduno Castle includes three different tastings with varying durations depending on the type chosen. They are open to everyone over the age of 18.

Tasting 1: Nebbiolo
This tasting of local wines includes, in addition to a visit to the historic winery, a set of wines made exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes. This itinerary is designed for anyone who wants to learn more about the different expressions of this wine.

Tasting 2: Tasting Menu.
This itinerary opens with a visit to the historic cellars, followed by a rich tasting menu consisting of five courses. A tasting of four wines from the Castle's cellars will be offered as a pairing. This service is available only for lunch on weekends. The cost of lunch for non-tasting adults is €55; lunch consisting of 2 appetizers, 1 first course, 1 second course and dessert. (A la carte menu recommended for children)

Tasting 3: The Wines of the Castle
Within this wine tasting, lasting about 1h30min, is a tasting of 4 local wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco.

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.

During this horseback ride you will be accompanied by a guide through the picturesque setting of the Baraggia Biellese.

With a scheduled departure from Cascina San Grato, the route includes an easy and scenic hike through the Baraggia valley on the backs of trained and quiet horses, suitable even for those who have never ridden a horse before. Throughout the walk, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will convey his passion for nature.

The route has variations depending on the duration you choose (1 hour, 1 1/2 hours, 2 hours).

Clothing sportswear (long pants and closed shoes) is recommended.

Prices do not include daily insurance costing € 3.00 per person to be paid on site.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.