Monferrato captivates with its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and deep-rooted food and wine traditions. It’s no coincidence that in 2014, the Vineyard Landscapes of Piemonte, Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As spring arrives in this exceptional location, a picnic among the vineyards becomes an experience that blends the beauty of this enchanting region with the simple pleasure of sharing a meal in good company.
A Picnic Among the Vineyards: A Sensory Experience
A vineyard picnic in Monferrato is more than just an outdoor meal; it’s a true sensory journey. It allows you to savour not only the exquisite flavours of local food and wine but also the breathtaking views of rolling hills and the peaceful silence of the countryside.
A picnic among the vineyards is the perfect way to slow down, disconnect from the daily rush, and immerse yourself in the relaxed rhythms of Piemonte’s countryside.
A Vineyard Picnic in Monferrato, in one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages
Perched on one of the highest hills of Monferrato Astigiano, Cocconato is recognized as one of Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages. Thanks to its particularly mild climate, it is also known as the “Riviera of Monferrato”, perfect for enjoying the arrival of spring outdoors.
This unique characteristic makes Cocconato an ideal destination for a picnic or a day of relaxation. There are several locations where you can lay out your picnic blanket:
- Parco dell’Alberone: a green oasis just a few steps from Cantina Bava, this park offers a peaceful retreat for those looking to unwind, making it an excellent spot for a picnic with family or friends.
- Giardino Oreste Milanesio: a small park in the heart of Cocconato, equipped with picnic tables and barbecue areas, shaded by trees.
However, for a truly authentic Monferrato experience, nothing compares to enjoying a picnic among the vineyards. At Bava’s vineyards, you can do just that. Here are two locations to consider:
- Vigna della Pieve: a vineyard at the entrance of Cocconato, surrounding the Romanesque church of Madonna della Neve. This picturesque setting offers the perfect spot to relax under the warm spring sun and a glass of Bava wine for an even deeper connection with the land.
- Vigna di Tuffo: a historic vineyard of the Bava family located in Tuffo, a small hamlet of Cocconato. Here, rows of Nebbiolo vines flourish, giving birth to Serre di San Pietro, our Monferrato DOC Nebbiolo.
Easter Monday Picnic in Monferrato: A Timeless Tradition
In Italy, Easter Monday, or Pasquetta, is traditionally a day for outdoor trips and picnics, a beloved custom all ages enjoy.
For your next Easter Monday, why not plan a vineyard picnic in Cocconato, surrounded by the natural beauty of Bava’s vineyards?
It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday: a special day immersed in the stunning landscapes of Monferrato’s rolling hills, savouring excellent local wines, and embracing the convivial and relaxed spirit that defines this cherished tradition.
What to Bring for the Perfect Picnic
Planning a picnic in Monferrato means preparing a basket that celebrates the region’s authentic flavours. Some must-have essentials include local cured meats & cheeses, such as Prosciutto Crudo di Cocconato (a kind of raw ham) and Robiola di Cocconato (a fresh cheese), freshly baked bread and seasonal fruit.
Of course, no picnic is complete without a good bottle of wine!
Visit the Bava Wine Shop to choose the perfect pairing for your picnic. For over a century, Bava has carefully cultivated the hills of Cocconato and some other areas of Monferrato, transforming their fruits into exceptional wines.
From red wines, like Barbera and Nebbiolo, to the white ones, like Sauvignon and Chardonnay, and even sweet aromatic wines, like the unmistakable Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco, you’ll find the perfect match for your picnic spread.
The Bava Wine Shop is open on Saturdays and holidays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.