Monferrato, with its rolling hills, picturesque villages, and endless vineyards, feels like a scene straight out of a painting. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers not only breathtaking landscapes but also authentic experiences for those seeking to immerse themselves in its rural and sustainable essence. Monferrato is the perfect destination for a regenerating, slow, and green escape, from hiking and cycling trails to workshops and wine tastings. For a sustainable stay, Cascina Rural is the ideal starting point.
Walking and Cycling Routes Through Hills and Villages
Exploring Monferrato on foot or by bike is one of the best ways to appreciate its genuine beauty. The trails cater to both hiking enthusiasts and cycle tourists, winding through vineyards, forests, and historic villages. Among the most captivating routes is the Malvasia Trail. It’s a panoramic path connecting the hills of Casorzo and Grana, offering unique views of Malvasia vineyards. Cycling enthusiasts can follow the Wine Road, linking renowned wine villages like Nizza Monferrato and Canelli, famous for their historic wineries. For a unique perspective, horseback riding across the gentle hillsides offers a serene and unforgettable experience.
A Bond With the Land: The Garden and Beekeeping Workshop
For a hands-on connection with nature, visitors can participate in unique activities often overlooked in daily urban life, such as tending the garden or joining a beekeeping workshop. Learning to cultivate seasonal vegetables or discovering the secrets of bees is a way to reconnect with the rhythms of the earth and appreciate the importance of biodiversity. These experiences not only enrich knowledge but provide moments of genuine serenity and fulfillment, helping participants rediscover a deeper balance with nature.
Wine Tasting: A Journey Through Monferrato’s Flavors
Monferrato is renowned for its wines, including Barbera, Grignolino, and Moscato. No visit is complete without a wine tasting at one of the many local wineries. Wine tours reveal the history and production methods of exquisite wines, complemented by tastings of artisanal cheeses and cured meats. Some wineries even offer aperitifs right among the vineyards, where you can sip a glass of wine surrounded by dreamlike views, creating an unforgettable moment of relaxation. Each glass tells the story of the land, inviting you to savor its unique flavors.
Charming Villages and Castles to Discover
Monferrato is dotted with historic villages and castles that tell stories of a rich and fascinating past. Must-visit locations include Grazzano Badoglio, with its peaceful monastery and tranquil atmosphere perfect for a stroll. Another unmissable village is Moncalvo, considered one of Italy’s smallest cities, with a captivating historic center. The Castle of Camino is also a highlight, an imposing fortress overlooking the surrounding hills, offering spectacular views. For a truly evocative experience, visit the Sacro Monte di Crea, a UNESCO Heritage site. Perched on a hill, it boasts frescoed chapels and a sanctuary for quiet reflection, surrounded by peaceful walking paths.
Eco-Sustainable Stay at Cascina Rural
For those seeking an authentic and eco-friendly experience, Cascina Rural is the perfect choice. This farmhouse reinterprets traditional rural life in a modern, sustainable, and welcoming way, offering a unique rural tourism experience. Nestled in the hills of Monferrato, between Turin and Asti, Cascina Rural is a sustainable farm where organic agriculture thrives. Bio-intensive gardens and a food forest provide seasonal vegetables, aromatic herbs, and fruit, while farm-to-table dishes celebrate the best of Piedmont, paired with their own organic wines. This haven of peace and beauty blends nature’s tranquility with sustainable innovations, including solar panels, electric car charging stations, and retro-style cement tile floors in charmingly designed rooms.
A Journey That Nourishes the Soul
Monferrato is more than a tourist destination: it is a place to rediscover a deep connection with nature and traditions. Between panoramic trails, hands-on activities, and unforgettable tastings, every moment spent here enriches the heart and soul. Thanks to places like Cascina Rural, visitors can experience the land authentically and sustainably, contributing to its preservation for future generations.
If you want to uncover Monferrato’s rural soul, pack your bags and let its landscapes, flavors, and traditions guide you: a land that will never cease to amaze.
