We found a place that time forgot. A place that is heart achingly beautiful. A place with gently rolling hills covered in vines and topped with perfectly preserved villages with winding streets, cobblestone piazzas, and grand old churches that ring out the hour. In the mornings while grandmas make pastas after visiting the farmers markets with their roller bags, the grandpas do what Italian grandpas do best, sip espresso at the cafe and argue, probably about the color of the sky, until everyone is beckoned home by the smells of garlic wafting from the open windows.
The roads are winding and un-trafficked. It is a very easy place to drive if you rent a car. Unlike some other places in Italy, it’s super calm and not intimidating. No Roman style roundabouts twelve swirling honking cars deep here. The little village of Vignale Monferrato is located an hour and change from airports in Milan, Turin, and Genoa. Milan (MXP) is the closest. If you would like to arrive by train from elsewhere in Italy, the two closest stations are in Alessandria and Asti. The Piemonte region is famous for wine, truffles, and is the birthplace of the SLOW food movement, so the snack game is very strong.
The fun begins in
days
hours
minutes
Join us from May 22 through May 25, 2025
for a Rendezvous in Monferrato.
Again we will break bread(sticks), drink wine, enjoy good times with friends and plan some shenanigans and fun activities for all.
Itinerary
Hello everyone! We are extra excited to welcome you to Vignale for a long spring weekend. We have put together an itinerary of activities and meals as well as a list of extra options for things to do in Monferrato. And don’t forget the italian motto “il dolce far niente” - it is glorious to sometimes do nothing and simply laze in the sunshine and look out at the view. Please RSVP for any meals or events you would like to take part in by May 1st.
**Please let us know if you have any allergies or dietary preferences when you RSVP so we can help communicate these to the restaurants.
May 21 Wednesday
There is a small morning market at the Piazza Mezzadra (in front of Cafe della Pesa) on Wednesdays.
If you need any snacks (although we are certain you will be well fed) there is a lovely little bodega with cheeses and salami and everything else you could need at Piazza Mezzadra, 5 (near the post office).
For those of you arriving on Wednesday, we are putting together a dinner, either in the village or nearby. Let us know if you are interested.
Please RSVP by May 1st
May 22 Thursday
Morning activity
A Quad Tour with Monferrato Quad. It starts from the nearby village of Conzano and cruises through the countryside. Let us know if you are interested and if you want to ride solo or double with someone else.
Prices are as follows:
1.5hr tour is 65€ for a solo rider or 45€ for a double per person
2.5hr tour is 95€ for a solo rider or 65€ for a double per person
Please RSVP by May 1st, and the sooner the better, as there are a limited number of Quads and we want to try and organize the tour times to accommodate everyone who wants to participate.
They also have E-Bikes, so if you rather zoom around on an E-Bike instead of offroading an ATV, let us know.
Both tours can happen side by side and would be different courses, as they don’t want the E-Bikes and Quads to collide ;-)
Lunch
We have reserved a table at Il Melograno in the village of Terruggia for lunch. It is about a 15 minute drive from Vignale or 60 minutes by bike (for those that remember the adventure last year).
Please RSVP by May 1st
Afternoon activity
Ater lunch we have arranged a honey tasting at a local apiary in Roncaglia. They have an incredible variety of honeys from specific plants and it is fun to experience the side by side differences. The tasting which includes a gift is 10€.
Please RSVP by May 1st
Dinner
Will be at Il Mongetto in Vignale. This is a family style menu and includes wine and is 50€ per person.
Please RSVP by May 1st
May 23 Friday
Morning activity
Meet at our house at 11 to walk to/from Alta Villa for Lunch. The walk includes some possibly muddy vineyard paths, so wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. There will be some elevation gain and it should take approximately 1hr each way.
Lunch
For those that are driving we will meet at Mister Barbera around noon for a their fabulous tasting menu. Including wine, anticipate 50€ per person.
Please RSVP by May 1st
Afternoon activity
Join us at our house for a little arts and crafts at the “Ugly Portrait Paint n’ Sip”. Art supplies, beverages, and snacks will be provided.
Please RSVP by May 1st
Dinner
We booked a table at Osteria della Luna in the village. This is not a set menu, you can order what you would like off the casual menu, and with drinks we would guess it will be about 35€ a person.
Please RSVP by May 1st
May 24 Saturday
Morning activity
Meet in the village of Olivola in front of wine bar Ca’ Nostra at 11:30am for a walk to lunch (approx 25 minutes)
Lunch
Lunch at the very elegant and fun PIATTOPIANO. Not a set menu and you can order what you would like off of their menu.
Please RSVP by May 1st
Afternoon activity
After lunch you can opt for a longer walk back to Olivola and explore the picturesque village of Moleto along the way (approx 1hr 15 minutes)
Dinner
Dress to impress for the Primavera Prom dinner at Ristorante Universo, the oldest restaurant in Vignale. We will have a set menu including wine at 50€.
(Major Rager After Party at our house!)
Please RSVP by May 1st
May 25 Sunday
Morning Activity
For those still standing, Sunday is the Asti Antiques Market on Piazza Vittorio Alfieri. A wonderful place to find bobbles and delights from another era to take home with you. Bring small change and feel free to bargain.
Lunch
For those that need some sustenance after shopping, we booked a table Osteria Palio on the square. No set menu.
Please RSVP by May 1st (for lunch)
Dinner
For those still in town, we booked a dinner at Ristorante Trattoria Serenelle "Le Tre Lasagne" in Vignale. No set menu. Cost approximately 50€ per person including wine.
Please RSVP by May 1st
Optional Activities
Hot Air Balloon Ride
We have repeatedly been asked about this and we shall deliver. For those of you that have a hot air balloon ride on their bucket list... it can be done... right over Barolo Wine Country. The balloon fun begins in the wee hours of the morning and you'd probably be back in Vignale by lunch time. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Only catch... it costs around 400€ per person... but when in Rome?
(Interested? Please reach out to Sven for Information)
Property visits
Our house hunting "Tour in the Fog" last year was lots of fun and entertaining to say the least. One of you even found a little nest for themselves. While we are not planning on making this an event for the whole group this time... if you are interested in seeing any real estate, let us know and we will try to set something up for those interested in seeing some very affordable treasures out there!
Cooking Class
at Montalero Cooking School
Another super fun, yet not cheap experience that might interest some of you.
They offer half day or 1 day courses:
Monday - Classic Italian
Tuesday - Vegetarian
Wednesday - Pizza and Focaccia
Thursday - Piemontese
Friday - Modern Italian
The classes begin at 09.30 and end around 13.30 followed by lunch.
The half day rate is €175 per person, including lunch, unlimited wines, beers, tea, coffee and soft drinks. The use of the pool in the afternoon until 18.00 is also included, with towels provided and also continuing access to beverages.
Contact Heidi for more information and she can put you in touch with the school. It is a 35 minute drive from Vignale
"Stroll and Coffee"
in Casale Monferrato
Casale is about a 20 minute drive from Vignale. The closest "city" in our area. Beautiful old buildings, eclectic stores and a regal feel from another era. This historically very important city suits itself for nice strolls, some shopping and enjoying Italian caffe culture. A "not to be missed" for those of you who brought "some extra time" with them.
E-bike ride/rental
The area is fabulous for riding bikes. Especially when you can rely on the e-assist, you can really indulge without breaking a sweat.
There are several rental agencies in the area. Let us know if you need help organizing a bike. For a day, or for the duration of your stay.
Horseback Ride
(find contact info below)
Truffle Hunt
Based out of Castello di Uviglie now, Marcella and Stefano putting on a great outdoor learning experience. Fun, friendly truffle hunting dogs, a nice stroll through the forests... and so far always some truffles found. You will gain lots of knowledge about truffles and all that is involved. It all finishes with a nice Wine Tasting at the Castello.
Hike to Camagna
Only a few kilometers from Vignale, Camagna makes a great destination for a hike or run. Even the main road to there is not too busy, so a walk in nice shoes is doable. For those that really want to dive into nature, there is an unpaved, more rustic route available through the fields and woods. Either route offers great vistas and is worth the trek!
Check back often for more information and more updates.
How to get here
Best airports to fly into
Turin (TRN)
Milan Malpensa (MXP)
Milan Linate (LIN)
Genoa City Airport (GOA)
All airports are about an hour's drive away and serviced by multiple alliances via Amsterdam, Paris, London, Frankfurt, Madrid. At the moment it seems tickets are cheaper into Turin than they are into Malpensa and even cheaper into Linate.
Best (closest) train stations
Alessandria
Asti
The best way to explore the area and really get around, is by rental car.
Prices are pretty low, full coverage is usually included in Europe.
The website happycar.de has great rates. BUT, use the translator in your browser, not the English version of the site, as they immediately raise the prices otherwise for English speakers.
Driving in this zone is very easy. Lots of small roads, but hardly any traffic.
Also, make sure to get an International Drivers license at your local AAA office. They cost about $20. Some rental agencies demand one... so better have it!
Lodging
Come for the afternoon, or stay for a while. There are some wonderful affordable hotels in the area.
These are just a few options. There are so so many beautiful places to eat and stay at in the area! Everything from tiny bed and breakfasts, to farm stays, to swanky wine estates.
Palazzo Motta
https://www.booking.com/hotel/it/la-casa-della-ballerina.html
There are three apartments in this residence. It couldn't be a more central location. 1 2-bedroom apartment and 2 3-bedroom apartments. All fully equipped and to a nice standard.
Locanda degli Ultimi
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yowkcG3dvzf5hFan7?g_st=ic
Wonderful little hotel run by a winemaking family. Just outside of town, maybe a ten or 15 minute walk on a country road.
Locanda il Cortile
https://www.locandailcortile.it/
Small but efficient rooms. The real highlight of this accommodation is Barbara- a consummate host who will continue to take care of you, long after you have departed. Just ask "America."
B&B La gatta
Via Cantamessa 32
15049 Vignale Monferrato (AL)
Tel: +39 0142933537
Cell/Whatsapp: +39 339.7108428
As one famous former guest described it, no frills, but clean and simple and for 50 euros a night it is a great deal.
La Locanda della Rocca di Camagna
https://www.laroccadicamagna.com/la-locanda/
Via Matteotti, 27
15030 Camagna Monferrato ( AL)
Tel/Fax Cell. +39 339 – 17 53 128
E-Mail: info@laroccadicamagna.com
Only a few rooms here, well priced and very typical decor for the area.
The beautiful village of Camagna is only a few miles from Vignale.
La Bordona - Il Gioiello del Monferrato
https://goo.gl/maps/TLG2UhamTperNb5y7?coh=178572&entry=tt
Str. Bordona, 20
Tel: +39 331-9442881
e-mail: velentini.verusca@gmail.com
Il Mongetto
Romantic accommodations in an old villa with hand-painted ceilings in the village run by Carlo, a bearded winemaker. A year ago he acquired a new pup, Buba Jr. (pronounced Boo-buh), that Mara aptly described as "a hurricane on wheels."
This accommodation is now only recommended for those that are DOG friendly and not sensitive to noise, as Buba Jr. and the evil neighbor dog are known for their duets.
Doubles around 90€ and includes breakfast.
La Roca Vineyards
2 large accommodations that sleep 4 or 7 if you are a group 100€.
Ca Dell'ebbro
Modern hotel with a pool on the grounds of a winery just outside of town. Will require driving to events.
clienti@cantina-hicetnunc.it
+39 0142 670165
Intersegna agritourismo
For a stay on an upscale organic farm with a pool at the foot of the village.
I Castagnoni
https://www.icastagnoni.it/en/resort-rooms-monferrato/
Romantic Spa hotel with beautiful gardens a 15 minute drive from Vignale.
Ariotto Village
https://www.ariotto.it/ENG/index.php
A larger property that allows pets. It is about a 15 minute drive from Vignale and has a variety of different room configurations to suit any size group.
B&B Antico Borgo
Located within a short walk of restaurants, the pharmacy, small bodega, and the coffee bar in the village of Vignale
Villa Morneto
Located amidst the vines with a pool only a few minute drive to Vignale.
Tenuta Montemagno
A wine estate a 10 minute drive from Vignale and near the village of Montemagno which has a beautiful castle.
Hotel Victoria Torino
http://hotelvictoria-torino.com
This is an hour drive from Vignale, so not exactly local, but if you are flying in and out of Turin (“Torino” in Italian) or you want to explore the area more, please stay here. This hotel is AMAZING. In a great location to see all the sites on foot. AND THE SPA. Torino is an incredible city.
What to do
If you want to stay for awhile (and we think you should) there is so much to do!
Favorite restaurants
Osteria della Luna
+39 339 809 9809
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QnfbNW2Pz1w67oEB7?g_st=ic
On the edge of the village, in a giant vaulted brick structure, you will find this lovely little Osteria. They offer a great selection of beer, somewhat unusual for the area, as well as burgers and really amazing seasonal pasta and bruschetta.
Trattoria Vineria Serenella Le Tre Lasagne
+39 0142 933412
https://maps.app.goo.gl/e6vkmSAeJkbhVzrA9?g_st=ic
This is in the heart of the village just off the main piazza. The wine list here is other worldly. If you like steak, do not hesitate. Be brave and order it sangue, and slather it in the course salt and olive oil they bring. Next door there is a fabulous little shop to pick up some loot.
La Rocca di Camagna
+39 0142 925138
https://maps.app.goo.gl/47FzVDMAQMjLWxHA6?g_st=ic
A magical restaurant just around the corner from one of the most outrageously adorned churches in the area. Amazing authentic regional cuisine at a great price.
PIATTOPIANO
+39 392 223 4000
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5EdDgqi3btvNHNkE9?g_st=ic
Ultimate hospitality from a husband and wife team who offer a refined take on Piemontese cuisine in a beautiful garden. Amazing wine list. Go here and feel beautiful and well taken care of.
Ristorante Mister Barbera di Altavilla
+39 0142 926179
https://maps.app.goo.gl/YDJV9FBbEzPRa2et9?g_st=ic
Simple heartfelt lunches from a daily menu written on a chalkboard that will make your soul sing.
Academia Ristorante
+39 0142 452269
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1YEreGHriXWfRRu5A?g_st=ic
One of the most striking entrances to a restaurants we have seen!
Wineries
If you imbibe, wine tasting in this region is a must. Bigger cantinas will sometimes offer tours in English, but don’t let a lack of italian stop you from going wine tasting. Some experiences will be very swanky and sleek and others will be in a dusty cantina just off the production facility. Some places will offer snacks when you reserve to go along with the wine tasting, say yes! Most villages have what are called a Cantina Sociale, which can be a great opportunity to find ultra regional delights. Barbera, Dolcetto, Grignolino, Ruché and Bonarda are the common reds from the area and their most common whites will be Cortese, Chardonnay and Asti Spumante.
Tenuta La Tenaglia Srl
+39 0142 940252
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6W9v5QA9PQ45KRf7A?g_st=ic
Beautiful tasting room. Quite likely there will be English (and maybe even German) speaking staff here.
Ferraris Agricola
+39 0141 292202
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6dAWAUvDVWuqwWp19?g_st=ic
Azienda Agricola Gatto Pierfrancesco
+39 0141 292149
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RMF3v1RyC6KVDBEW8?g_st=ic
A very rustic and heartfelt tasting experience. They made a wine for Bonny Doon back in the day!
Azienda vitivinicola Pastorello Mario
+39 333 463 4060
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HkGf4bf3UsJD1m7G6?g_st=ic
Accornero Vineyards
One of the oldest and most respected wineries in the region. Tastings available Monday through Saturday and can be booked online
Mazzetti D'Altavilla
+39 0142 926147
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MgNs4zRVPSU4TWQ89?g_st=ic
In the the neighboring village of Altavilla there is a distillery, should you desire a slightly stronger tipple. They offer tastings and tours and they also have a restaurant that offers pairings with each course.
Barolo is an hour drive. The tiny village is like a Disneyland for wine. The drive is stunning and the area is fun to see, but definitely has a more commercial feel than the rest of the area.
We have often shipped wine back to California and it’s usually no problem. Grappa and his higher grade friends can’t be shipped, but a bottle or two can usually be tucked safely in a suitcase.
Optional Activities
Infernòts are a unique and amazing curiosity of this area. They are wine cellars dug by hand out of the soft stone by farmers during the winters. A museum dedicated to the craft is here:
Truffle Hunting:
https://tartufaioperungiorno.com/en/program-and-regulation/
Ecomuseum of Stone County
+39 0142 488161
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ps46PerQmQse3y2QA?g_st=ic
Airbnb Experiences
There are a number of activities with locals that you can book through Airbnb. Everything from Pasta making, to hiking, to wine tasting.
Quad tours & E-bike rentals
Piemonte Quad Avventura
+39 348 646 6515
https://maps.app.goo.gl/bwmzxuJyjfZnY2H48?g_st=ic
Hiking & cycling
There are numerous parks and trails in the area. You can do strolls from village to village or do some serious treks. Cycling in Italy is serious business, so if spandex is your thing, you have found your paradise.
Special Reserve of Sacro Monte di Crea
+39 0141 927120
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zaRsJbkgzLpk65YJ9?g_st=ic
If you are feeling spiritual or are simply just a fan of beautiful old churches, the Sacred Mount of Crea might be of interest. “The Sacred Mountains” were created in the late 1400’s as a safer alternative for the pilgrims that wanted to travel to the Holy Land. The series of mounts are a unique ensemble of chapels and votive altars representing Jesus’ Life and Passion that people can travel between in a meditative journey, or simply to admire the incredible art and experience this UNESCO site.
Golf
Golf Club Margara
+39 0131 778555
Things to know about Monferrato
Restaurants
Italians LOVE for you to make reservations. They often buy food and staff for the number of people they have on the books, so it is a good idea to book in advance. Even if you call a few minutes prior to when you want to go, they appreciate it. This area is somewhat rural, so it is a good idea to think about your meals ahead of time. Your hotel is also a great resource for making reservations for you or recommending places. You can also reach out to Heidi if you need help with booking something. Google maps is great for hunting around for restaurants, but we have found that the reviews are generally very off. We have had much better luck ignoring ratings and instead looking at the pictures. Your eyes know what is delicious. The food quality and wine in this region is very good, we have thrown a dart in the dark many times and left full and completely dazzled.
Breakfast: is not a thing in Italy, they tend to have a croissant (called a “brioche” in much of northern Italy) or a cookie and a cappuccino. Milk in coffee = breakfast. Italians believe it is not good for your health to have milk in your coffee after 11am. But a cig with an espresso is LIVING. Most villages have a little coffee bar. Vignale has two, Cafe della Pesa and the Caffetteria.
Lunch: seatings start at noon and go until 2pm. Restaurants are closed between 3 and 7pm. Most shops are as well. Some bars are still open and serve coffee, drinks, and sometimes a bag of chips, but really pickings are SLIM during this witching hour.
Aperitivo: The Italian happy hour. Generally between 5-7pm people have a glass of wine, a campari and soda,or a beer and some small nibbles. These can range from robust and outrageous snacks you could mistake as a meal, to just potato chips and peanuts. People often think of tomato as being the quintessential taste of italy, but I think it might more accurately be the salty lays potato chip. Befriend him.
Dinner: seatings are between 7.30-9:30pm. Do not be surprised if the server encourages you to have the last bite of something on the plate. Food is a precious resource and they are also very invested in you enjoying your food and will worry that you didn’t like what they made. Do not be shy about having the last bite of anything!
Everywhere in Europe they use the 24hr system, so be prepared when they ask you for confirmation of a desired time and say thirteen or twenty, rather than the 1pm or 8pm you requested.
Water is not included! You either order acqua gasata (sparkling) or naturale (still.) Costs anywhere from 1.50 to 3.50 EUR per bottle.
The tap water (acqua di rubinetto) in Vignale is absolutely fine to drink, as it is almost everywhere in Italy, but it isn’t customary to drink it and often not served. Initial question in any restaurant, is usually, if you want still or sparkling for the table, as soon as you sit down.
This is a rural and relaxed setting. Many people dress well for a meal out because it is a pleasure, but you don’t need to feel pressured anywhere you go here to dress a certain way. It will be harvest season and you will see many vineyard workers with purple paws and jeans mixed into the crowd.
Mastercard and Visa are taken most places, Amex is less popular. Whenever possible, especially in smaller family owned establishments, it is very appreciated to pay in cash. Always expect to pay in cash for small things like coffee or at farmers markets.
Groceries
There is a big grocery store called Gulliver’s between Vignale and Alta Villa. They are open from 9am-8pm continuously. EXCEPT on Sunday- when they close at 1pm. If you are arriving on a sunday: buy snacks ahead of time. Each village also usually has a small bodega (these will also not be open on Sunday afternoons.). Vignale has two, one is attached to Caffetteria and the other is at Piazza Mezzadra, 5.
ATMs
Intesa Sanpaolo is a bank on the Piazza del Popolo in Vignale that has an ATM. Most post offices (Poste Italiane) also have ATMs. Unicredit is another bank name to look for, when trying to find an ATM. It is generally advised to decline the offered conversion at ATM’s when you withdraw euros as the quoted rate is higher.
Pharmacy
There is a small pharmacy in Vignale at Via Roma, 8. It is open most days from 8:30am-12:30 and from 3:30-7:30pm. It is closed on Sundays and Thursday afternoons.
Be advised that even the most simple things like an Asprin or band aids are NOT sold anywhere else BUT at a pharmacy in Italy. Supermarkets do not sell medications. Be aware that a “Para Farmacia” specializes in alternative and often highly overpriced medications. Only a regular Farmacia sells most brand names you are familiar with.
Taxi/Uber/Transportation
Non esiste! as the Italians would say. This area is extremely rural and there are no car share services or taxis. While there is a bus that goes to Vignale, it runs on a schedule more suited for getting people to and from work. Fortunately, all the locations we have on our schedule are close by, a brisk 45 minute walk at worst, and since there are so many of you beautiful people all in one place, we think it will all work out. Rental cars at the airports are inexpensive and we do recommend having one. Driving in this part of Italy is easy, especially with Google maps. If there is anybody without transportation, there are "black car" type "driver services", but they are by arrangement only and not inexpensive. Transfers from the train stations in Asti and Alessandria run about 100 EUR, the airports more in the 200-300 EUR range.
About the weather...
The climate in Vignale is probably very comparable to Napa Valley... hence the fabulous wine.
While we are no experts (yet), lets say this:
In May we expect the bloom of all flowers, mostly sunshine but some showers, or even thunderstorms. Temps will be in the 70s (20s in Celsius) during the day and still pretty cool at night. (under 50, repsecitively the low 10s in Celsius)
Prepare for a mixed bag. Bring layers. Something that is rain proof... and a good attitude. Weather shall not annoy us.
For our bike tour last year, we almost got rained out, but then, after the skies opened up, we had a picture perfect day... so let's just hope again for amazingness throughout this year.
Anybody wanting more weather details, they can be found here... https://www.wunderground.com/history/monthly/it/san-maurizio-canavese/LIMF/date/2023-5