What to do in Monferrato: the 10 best experiences

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

This experience, will give you the opportunity to enjoy a horseback ride in the picturesque landscapes of Oltrepò Pavese. The experience lasts an hour, and if selected, at the end you can enjoy an excellent aperitif served directly at the stables.

During the one-hour horseback ride, during the first 10 minutes the instructor will explain the approach to the horse, followed by the saddle fitting (about 20 minutes), which will still take place at the stables. Once the preparations are over, you can leave for the actual ride to discover the natural landscape around you. 

The'insurance è included in the price, also please note that the maximum weight allowed to ride a horse è is 85Kg.

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.

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 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.

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.

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 winery tour with tasting on Cannubi Hill will allow you to discover the typical wines of the Piedmont hills, including Barolo.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the winery where the wine production process will be explained to you. At the end you can choose between 2 tastings.

Classic tour

Includes tasting of 6 locally produced wines including 2 glasses of Barolo DOCG. The tasting is accompanied by artisanal breadsticks.

Barolo Tour

This activity includes a tasting tour that includes 5 wines. You will have the opportunity to taste a glass of Nebbiolo followed by 4 different types of Barolo. The tasting is accompanied by artisanal breadsticks.

At the end of the tasting you will be able to relax by walking through the farm's picturesque vineyards on your own.

This winery tour with tasting in Castagnito, in the heart of Roero, will immerse you in the history of the production of Piedmont's best-known wines. You will have the opportunity to taste 4 or 6 wines, depending on the option you choose, paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses.

Once you are welcomed, you will be escorted to the hills near the vineyards to admire the views of the surrounding hills, and you will be offered water and seasonal zero-mile fruit.

After a few minutes you will be escorted to the winery, where you will learn about all the stages of production and aging of the most historic wines of the Roera tradition. The explanation is followed by a tasting of local wines, paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, a glass of Passito and a hazelnut dessert.

Roero and Beyond (2 hours 30 minutes)

The tasting includes 6 wines:

• Roero Arneis DOCG
• Roero Arneis DOCG Cortine
• Langhe Dolcetto DOC
• Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
• Roero DOCG
• Barbera d'Alba DOC

The tasting is paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, a glass of Passito and a hazelnut dessert.

Roero 100% (2 hours)

The tasting includes 4 wines:

• Roero Arneis DOCG
• Langhe Nebbiolo DOC
• Roero DOCG
• Barbera d'Alba DOC

The tasting is paired with a platter of local cured meats and cheeses, a glass of Passito and a hazelnut dessert.

The experience is suitable for everyone, and during spring and summer can be offered outdoors.