Local Activities
A meeting point between Langhe and Monferrato: from here, you can savor the best of both lands, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, great wines, and an authentic atmosphere waiting to be discovered.
Castagnole delle Lanze, recognized among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The village combines two souls: the historic center of San Pietro, perched on the hill, and the more modern area developed in the twentieth century. From the top, your gaze embraces an extraordinary landscape stretching all the way to Neive, one of the gems of the Barbaresco area. The hamlet of Olmo lies right on this ridge, surrounded by vineyards and unspoiled nature. Castagnole is a strategic crossroads between the Langhe and Monferrato, halfway between Alba — known for its truffles and fine wines — and Asti, home of Barbera and Moscato. A land rich in history and unique flavors, where every corner tells centuries-old traditions and gastronomy is truly an art that has conquered the world.
Truffle hunting and winery tours: two unmissable experiences.
Discovering truffles in their natural environment is a unique experience, made even more special when shared with a local truffle hunter — the trifolao — and his faithful dog, the taboj, trained to find the precious fungus. You can take part in a real truffle hunt, walking through the woods.
If wine is your passion, Alessandra will guide you in choosing the right winery. For over 30 years, she has collaborated with the German magazine Merum, dedicated to Italian wine and regional products, and she knows producers who can tell their story with genuine passion. Her recommendations will lead you to the most authentic wineries, for tastings that go beyond the glass — becoming experiences that speak of land, tradition, and people.
Trails, e-bikes, and history: outdoor activities to experience the region.
In the surrounding area, there’s a variety of outdoor activities for lovers of nature and culture. One of the most fascinating routes is the “Grande Cammino del Monferrato” — a circular hiking and food & wine itinerary of 382 km, divided into 18 stages of 20–25 km each. This trail lets you immerse yourself in the rolling hills, vineyards, and historic villages.
For those who prefer to explore on two wheels, e-bikes are available for rent — a great way to enjoy a scenic ride without too much effort, discovering the nearby trails. This option allows you to cover longer distances and reach less-traveled spots while fully enjoying the beauty of the area.
A short distance away lies Neive’s Old Village, a true gem listed among the most beautiful in Italy, with its cobbled streets and ancient stone houses. Nearby, Barbaresco offers the chance to visit its imposing medieval tower with a breathtaking panoramic view. Finally, it’s worth visiting the small village of Camo, a hamlet of Santo Stefano Belbo, and the striking Chapel of Moscato in Coazzolo, designed by artist Tremlett — a beautiful example of contemporary art among the vineyards, perfectly blending culture and landscape.
A year of events featuring wine, truffles, culture, and major festivals.
The area of Castagnole delle Lanze and its surroundings comes alive all year round with events celebrating culture, traditions, and of course, food and wine excellence. The Festival Contro, for instance, held every summer in Castagnole, brings nationally and internationally renowned artists to the stage. In May, the Barbera Festival of Castagnole delle Lanze opens the courtyards of the historic center to music, local producers, and traditional cuisine.
Just a few kilometers away, Alba hosts two of the most anticipated events of the year. In spring, Vinum transforms its squares into an open-air wine bar, where you can taste the great wines of the Langhe directly from the producers. In autumn, the city becomes the capital of flavor with the International Alba White Truffle Fair, celebrating the famous underground delicacy with markets, auctions, and starred show-cookings.
In September, Asti relives its medieval past with the evocative Palio, one of the oldest horse races in Italy, preceded by an impressive historical parade. Not far away, Bra hosts Cheese every two years — the largest event dedicated to raw-milk cheeses, organized by Slow Food.