Why choose Monferrato for a weekend getaway?
Monferrato is the largest area within the UNESCO site “Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato”, and it remains a lesser-known destination compared to the famous Langhe hills. It’s perfect for an authentic and relaxing weekend, surrounded by peaceful hills, vineyards, scenic villages, and top-quality local products.
If you love nature, wine, thermal spas, and great food, Monferrato will surprise you.
Where is Monferrato, and how is it divided?
Monferrato is divided into three main areas:
- Lower Monferrato – Casale Monferrato, Vignale Monferrato, and the villages with the infernot cellars
- Monferrato Astigiano – Asti, Nizza Monferrato, Canelli, Agliano Terme
- Upper Monferrato – Acqui Terme, Ovada, Gavi
Each area has its unique features, but they all share the rural charm and slow pace of the Piedmont hills.
What to see in Monferrato on a weekend
Villages and towns you shouldn’t miss
- Asti – The largest city in Monferrato: the Clock Tower, the Palio Field, and the Alfieri Museum.
- Nizza Monferrato – Great for shopping, historical beauty, and… *bele cauda* (hot tripe dish).
- Canelli – Famous for its Underground Wine Cathedrals and the romantic Lovers’ Lane (*Via degli Innamorati*).
- Vignale Monferrato – Spectacular viewpoints and hidden *infernot* wine cellars to discover.
- Agliano and Acqui Terme – Enjoy spa relaxation and strolls through charming old towns.
- Mombaruzzo – Home to Piedmont’s most famous amaretti and historic distilleries.
- Alessandria – Discover the Citadel and the Borsalino Hat Museum.
Events to keep an eye on
Palio di Asti
Italy’s oldest palio, dating back to 1275, takes place in September. Bareback horse races are held in the central Piazza Alfieri, preceded by an impressive historical parade with over a thousand participants in medieval costumes.
👉 Official website of the Palio di Asti
Douja d’Or and Festival delle Sagre
Also held in September, the city of Asti hosts the Douja d’Or, a prestigious national wine competition celebrating Italy’s top DOC and DOCG wines. The second weekend coincides with the Festival delle Sagre, where over 40 local associations serve traditional dishes in a large open-air food village. The event is accompanied by a historical parade that recalls rural life.
👉 Discover more about Douja d’Or
White Truffle Fair in Moncalvo
The National White Truffle Fair in Moncalvo usually takes place on the third Sunday of October. A must for truffle lovers, with fresh truffle markets, local specialties, and regional crafts.
👉 Official website of the Moncalvo Truffle Fair
Golosaria among the Castles of Monferrato
May is all about gourmet delights. Over 30 towns across Monferrato host Golosaria, an event that celebrates the region’s food and wine excellence. Tastings, showcooking, producer meet-and-greets, and visits to castles and historic villages await.
Chestnut Festival in Garbagna
A traditional autumn event celebrating the chestnut, the queen of the season. The festival offers roasted chestnuts, local sweets, and dishes made with chestnuts, along with live music and entertainment suitable for all ages.
Chocolate Lounge – Casale Monferrato
April is the month of chocolate! Casale Monferrato becomes a cozy lounge dedicated to artisanal chocolate. Tastings, workshops, and savoring to discover the secrets of the “food of the gods.”
These events are some of the best opportunities to immerse yourself in the traditions, flavors, and authentic atmosphere of the Monferrato region. Participating in them will enrich your trip with unforgettable moments of culture, food, and camaraderie.
Palio of Asti
Unmissable gourmet stops
Monferrato is a land of bold flavors: Barbera risottos, agnolotti, mixed boiled meats, tajarin pasta, and of course, *bagna cauda*.
Order a mixed platter at a local winery or trattoria and pair it with a good glass of Barbera or Grignolino—it’s already an experience.
Markets and local specialties
- Apples – Piedmont boasts over 50 native apple varieties, such as Buras, Calvilla, Carla, and Grigia di Torriana. These apples, often grown in small family orchards, are ideal for making traditional desserts like the classic Piedmontese apple cake.
- Gobbo Cardoon of Nizza – A Slow Food Presidium. This unique cardoon owes its name to the special growing technique that gives it a curved, tender shape. Typical of winter, it’s the star ingredient of *bagna cauda*, one of the most iconic dishes of Piedmontese cuisine.
- Truffles – The white truffle of Monferrato rivals that of the Langhe. The Moncalvo area is especially renowned for the quality of its Tuber Magnatum Pico, harvested in the woods from October to December.
- Did you know? Truffle hunters, called trifulau, head out at night with their trained dogs to keep their secret spots hidden.
- Traditional recipe: tajarin with white truffle, thin handmade egg pasta served with melted butter and raw truffle shavings.
Moncavo-Truffle Fair
Ideas for an experiential weekend in Monferrato
- E-bike tour among Monferrato’s Giant Benches
- Wine tastings inside the Underground Cathedrals in Canelli
- Visits to historic distilleries and taste museums
- Overnight stays in scenic farmhouses or historic relais
Want to plan your weekend in Monferrato?
Contact us: we’ll help you choose the right area, build your itinerary, select the best experiences, and create the perfect trip for you.
Love cycling?
Check out this article for inspiration and discover how I’ve planned fantastic cycling holidays across Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato.