Visiting our wine cellar in Cocconato is the best way to get to know our wines, their history, the vineyards where they are grown, but not only! In addition, many places of great beauty characterize our territory, Monferrato.
A visit with wine tasting is a perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a weekend in the Monferrato hills: here are our recommendations for some unmissable destinations, just a few kilometres from our wine cellar.
Visit Cocconato, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
Only a short country lane separates the winery from the historic centre of Cocconato. This medieval village, which has been included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy, maintains splendid traces of its past.
Its medieval formation is immediately recognizable: long, narrow streets lead to the top of the hill, dominated by the imposing parish church.
From there, you can enjoy wonderful views of the surrounding area. To better appreciate them, it is also possible to walk along the tree-lined avenue built at the end of the 19th century, with access from Corso Pinin Giachino.
During the year, the village hosts various events:
• The Palio degli Asini, a race that has been repeated every year since 1970, is usually scheduled for 4th Sunday of September
• The San Marco fair, dedicated to local food and wine products, on the 25th April
• Cocco Wine – an event dedicated to typical local wines, scheduled for every September.
An interesting fact: Cocconato is also known as the “Riviera del Monferrato.” Thanks to its geographical position, it enjoys an exceptionally mild climate that favours the growth of plants typical of lower altitudes, such as palm and olive trees.
Albugnano and the Vezzolano Abbey
A few kilometres from Cocconato, we highly recommend stopping off at Vezzolano Abbey in the Municipality of Albugnano.
Wholly immersed in greenery, the Abbey welcomes the visitor with two palm trees planted at the front of the building: As we have learnt, this is not such a rare occurrence in this area.
But it is the interior of the building that amazes visitors for its character and charm.
It is one of the most important and best-preserved examples of Gothic–Romanesque architecture in Piedmont, with many particularities, including a strong link with astronomy… To find out more, we highly recommend a visit!
A stop off in Moncalvo, the smallest city in Italy
We also recommend stopping off at Moncalvo during your two-day tour in Monferrato, the smallest village to retain the title of “City.”
The hilltop position offers many breathtaking panoramic views. In particular, it is possible to look out over the ancient rampart walkways – the only preserved elements of the castle from the Middle Ages – to enjoy a truly magnificent view.
There are many monuments and places of interest:
• The only European Synagogue built on a main square: Piazza Carlo Alberto
• The historic theatre, which overlooks Piazza Garibaldi, is still in use today
• Throughout the village, as you wander the streets, you will come across several historic buildings of particular interest, such as Palazzo Testa Fochi and Casa Lanfrancone
• Buildings of religious interest, such as the church of Madonna delle Grazie, the church of Sant’Antonio Abate, and the church of San Francesco
• the civic museum, rich in works by local artists and with a few gems by internationally renowned authors.
A weekend in Monferrato: where to sleep
How about sleeping in a suite built inside a historic country house, in the heart of the medieval village of Cocconato surrounded by greenery? What better place to spend a night or two in Monferrato?
Casa Brina is a historic building dating back to the 18th century: welcoming apartments await you here, in either a traditional or modern style, with views of the rolling Piedmont hills.
