The Territory of Nizza Monferrato and Canelli

Villages

The Monferrato has its roots in the medieval era, when the Marquises of Monferrato ruled over these hills, leaving a legacy of castles, towers, and small fortified settlements. Nizza Monferrato, known in the past as "Nizza della Paglia," is the most important center for Barbera, a town with Savoyard influences and a strong commercial and agricultural tradition.

Canelli, the historic center of Spumante and Moscato, is famous for its sparkling wine industries and the Castle overlooking the old village, which is best explored on foot.

Panoramas and wine cellars

Today, the territory is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its unique wine-growing landscapes, shaped by generations of winegrowers.
Of particular interest to visitors are also the underground cellars of Canelli. It is possible to visit three of them by requesting information at the Enoteca Regionale di Canelli

Wines and food

Calamandrana and Nizza Monferrato represent the beating heart of Asti's wine production, particularly for Nizza DOCG and Canelli DOCG, Barbera d’Asti and Barbera d’Asti Superiore DOCG.
The Nizza, made from Barbera grapes, is a wine of great complexity and long aging. For more information, visit the Nizza Association website

Places to explore

Nizza Monferrato with its antique market on the third Sunday of the month - historic butcher shops - a vibrant town center full of shops - Enoteca Nizza for typical Piedmontese wines

Canelli – Underground Cathedrals – La Sternia, the historic road leading to Gancia Castle – the Contini Tower – Canelli Regional Wine Cellar

Calamandrana Alta – the most beautiful village and castle in the southern Asti area

Acqui Terme – La Bollente – Thermal Baths – Roman Aqueduct – lively and full of shops » find out more

Asti – Palazzo Mazzetti – The Palio on the first Sunday of September – Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral and the Collegiate Church of San Secondo » find out more

Vezzolano Abbey, a must-see, among the oldest abbeys in Italy

Nature trails

Panoramic trails through vineyards and nature reserves

Big Benches

Cycling and e-bike itineraries through hills and woods

Food and wine walks among farmhouses, rows of vines, and ancient dirt roads

Fossil outcrops and the Asti Paleontological Park

Cultural events

» Palazzo Mazzetti in Asti, featuring magnificent exhibitions all year round

» Messer Tulipano - Pralormo Castle (TO), April

» Nizza è Barbera - Nizza Monferrato (AT), May

» Canelli City of Wine - Canelli (AT), July

» Palio di Asti - Asti, September

» 'Nizza é' - an event dedicated to Nizza DOCG wine with more than 100 wines to taste - Nizza Monferrato (AT), October

» Alba White Truffle Fair - Alba (CN), November

(Photo by Andrea Pesce for Nizza è Barbera)