Everything you need to know about a tradition that returns every year — where the playful spirit of village rivalry meets a deep-rooted celebration of local wine culture.
Nizza Monferrato and Castelnuovo Don Bosco share an unusual tradition. Each year, both towns hold their own Corsa delle Botti — a barrel race that speaks volumes about how deeply wine is woven into the identity of this part of Piedmont.
This tradition resonates with us in a special way. The hills of Castelnuovo Don Bosco are home to our Rosetta Malvasia di Castelnuovo Don Bosco DOC. Made from Malvasia di Schierano and Malvasia Nera Lunga grapes, these wines develop a distinct deep red hue and intense aromatics unique to this area. The same vineyards also yield our Malvasia Rosé.
The region surrounding Nizza Monferrato, on the other hand, is where our Pianoalto Nizza DOCG is cultivated. This Barbera grows in vineyards encircling a farmhouse on the hill above Agliano, overlooking the valley and thermal springs below.
The barrel race takes this viticultural pride and gives it a competitive, festive edge. Teams push heavy wooden barrels — some tipping the scales at over a hundred kilograms — through the streets of the town centre, racing to complete the course in the shortest time possible. It’s a contest of strength, coordination and sheer determination, wrapped in an atmosphere of village celebration.
The Barrel Race of Nizza Monferrato
In 2026, the Nizza Monferrato race takes place over Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 June. Alongside it runs “Monferrato in tavola,” a food festival from Friday night through to Sunday dinner. Local Pro Loco associations serve traditional dishes, creating a lively weekend that showcases Monferrato’s food and wine culture.
Programme — 2026 edition
Festivities begin Friday, 12 June, with “Monferrato in tavola”—local Pro Loco groups serve Monferrato cuisine in Piazza Garibaldi. The festival continues Saturday evening and runs Sunday from noon until 10:00 pm, featuring regional dishes prepared on site.
The race begins Saturday, 13 June at 9:00 pm with the official weighing and branding of each barrel, which must comply with strict size and weight standards. Qualifying heats then take place along the historic centre’s winding streets.
On Sunday, the semi-finals begin at 4:00 pm, launching the main competition. The final race follows, determining the victor.
The history of the barrel race
The Corsa delle Botti dates to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when Nizza Monferrato’s economy relied on craftsmen and farmers, and it was known for barrel-making.
Learning the trade was no easy feat. Apprentices spent years watching and assisting, as masters guarded their demanding craft. Knowledge is often passed from father to son.
Young apprentices, called ghersonèt, delivered finished barrels by rolling them through town, racing each other to finish first.
From that everyday habit, a tradition was born. The Corsa delle Botti of Nizza Monferrato has been held every year since 1978.
The Barrel Race of Castelnuovo Don Bosco
In Castelnuovo Don Bosco, on 5 July 2026, ten neighbourhood teams compete as they race barrels through town streets. The event is known for its vibrant local participation and friendly rivalry.
The competition has three categories: men’s, women’s, and children’s.
After the races, a festive parade features team floats, music, colored smoke, and water fights, turning the event into a spirited community celebration.
A weekend with wine at its heart
The barrel races of Nizza Monferrato and Castelnuovo Don Bosco offer a window into the lighter, more playful side of Monferrato — two events that carry a genuine slice of local history and winemaking tradition, and that sit naturally at the centre of a wider weekend in the area.
Just a 15-minute drive from Castelnuovo Don Bosco, Cantina Bava offers guided visits through centuries of winemaking history—from vintage tools and memorabilia to today’s production techniques. Each tour concludes, as it should, with a tasting: a series of themed journeys through wines that capture the identity of this land, each one a conversation between place and glass.