T h e s u r r o u n d i n g a r e a
AN EXTRAORDINARY LANDSCAPE
Welcome to Monferrato
History, art, culture, oeno-gastronomic traditions, architecture and craftsmanship enrich the rolling hills, woods and vineyards of a magical land. A unique place, to be experienced calmly, listening and breathing in its inimitable flavors and aromas.
THE ANCIENT TOWN
C o c c o n a t o
The ancient town of Cocconato is one of the best-preserved medieval towns of the Monferrato area. The old houses, with their wrought iron balconies and chiseled wood doors, look out on cobblestone lanes dotted with cafés, restaurants, specialty food shops and numerous buildings of historical interest. Sometimes called the “Monferrato Riviera”, in tribute to its mild climate, since 2019 it has been ranked among the “Loveliest Italian Towns” (I Borghi più belli d’Italia) by the popular RAI TV series Il Borgo dei Borghi. Orange banner from the Touring Club, an environmental tourism quality seal.
WINES AND TASTES
T h e M o n f e r r a t o v i n e y a r d s
A fertile, generous land that captivates the visitor with its splendid hills and vineyards. A place where every season is spectacular and where aromas and flavors surprise even the most demanding palates. And where winemaking has achieved excellence.
Cocconato is also a famous food and wine lovers’ destination, offering the very best Piedmont specialty products, from robiola di Cocconato cheese to prosciutto and the wines; Barbera, Albarossa, Chardonnay and many more.
The Monferrato wineries are unlike any other wineries in Italy. Here, every hill is a wine and every farmstead is a winery. And everything is produced exclusively from local varietals, unblended and using traditional aging methods.
Wine and quality
T h e W i n e r i e s
Activities and Attractions
History, art, culture, oeno-gastronomic traditions, architecture and craftsmanship enrich the rolling hills, woods and vineyards of a magical land. A unique place, to be experienced calmly, listening and breathing in its inimitable flavors and aromas.
Abbey of Santa Maria di Vezzolano
The abbey of Santa Maria di Vezzolano, in Albugnano, in the province of Asti, is a religious complex in Romanesque and Gothic style and one of Piedmont’s most important medieval monuments.
Church of Saints Nazario and Celso
Located in Montechiaro d'Asti, the church is visible from afar thanks to its tall bell tower and the chromatic contrast of its alternating bands of brick and sandstone.
Basilica of San Giovanni Bosco
Dedicated to San Giovanni Bosco, who was born here, it attracts pilgrims from all over the world.
Asti
Famous for its wines, particularly Asti Spumante. Also known for the celebrated horse race named Palio storico, one of the oldest events of its kind in Italy, which is held in September.
Palio degli Asini, Cocconato
The Palio degli Asini di Cocconato [Cocconato Donkey Palio] is a historical reconstruction of medieval times, in which the town’s neighborhoods challenge each other in a donkey race whose prize is the coveted Palio.
Cocco Wine
Cocconato is transformed into a wine avenue, alternating sips of wine and treats made with typical local specialty foods.
Palio di Asti
The Palio di Asti is a traditional event, whose medieval roots stretch back to the celebration of the day of Saint Secondus, the town’s patron saint, and culminates with a horse race in the animals are ridden bareback, without saddles.
International Alba White Truffle Fair
The centerpiece of the Fair, held in October and November, is the International Alba White Truffle Market, the perfect occasion to appreciate and purchase the truffles from Langhe, Monferrato and Roero.