What to do in Oltrepò Pavese: the 10 best activities

Horseback riding among the Langhe vineyards is ideal for those who love hilly views and vineyards. The trip is scheduled to start from San Marzano Oliveto. The excursion crosses the hills of Monferrato and proceeds mostly on dirt trails, beautiful to ride on horseback.

The stable is close (less than an hour's drive) to Asti, Alessandria and is just over an hour from Cuneo and Turin.

Group horseback riding is ideal for friends or even families with children; in fact, from age 8 and up, you can ride the pony. The age of the child should be communicated by phone to the guide once the confirmation of the reservation request has been received.

Walk with aperitif:
From San Marzano Oliveto, in the province of Asti, you will stroll through scenic vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, surrounded by the majestic backdrop of the Alps. There will be a chance to visit an agritourism in the area, where an aperitif will be served with two glasses of wine per person and mixed platters of cured meats and cold cuts.

Recommended attire for horseback riding tours includes closed shoes and long pants.

The horseback ride is suitable for beginners and first-time riders, professional equestrian guides will accompany you on this wonderful adventure.

This experience is not suitable for pregnant women.

If you have any mobility issues, please notify the facility once your booking is confirmed.

The ride lasts about 2 hours and ends with the return to the riding stables.

The tasting and visit to the Infernot wineries in Monferrato takes place in Cella Monte, which joined the Borghi più Belli d’Italia since 2018 and includes: a visit to the historic winery and infernot, followed by a tasting of 4 wines.

For those who like it, you can add a small board with cold cuts, cheeses, bruschettine.

The infernot are underground caves dug by hand, which allowed the Monferrato territory to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Langhe and Roero territories in 2014.

The visit concludes with a tasting of 4 wines produced by the winery accompanied, for those who wish, by a small cutting board of local products and breadsticks (+5€). For the cutting board it is possible to request a vegetarian version.

During the tasting you will taste:

•    Mariulin (Piedmont DOC Chardonnay, Sparkling Brut Martinotti Method)
•    Dedalo (Monferrato DOC White from Arneis grapes)
•    Solista (Grignolino del Monferrato Casalese DOC)
•    Carisa (Piedmont DOC Barbera)

For the visit of the wineries in Monferrato we recommend clothing appropriate for the low temperatures and high humidity; present in the premises.

For minors or non-tasters the rate includes:

•    1 drink
•    1 small cutting board

Vendemmia and snack among the vineyards of Monferrato in Mombaruzzo.

The day begins with registration and distribution of harvest materials, namely scissors and baskets.

Next you will move to the vineyard and here the main concepts for the conduct of the grape harvest will be explained.

You will then begin harvesting, picking grapes from the vines. Once the harvesting is completed, you will be able to begin the crushing with your feet.

At the end of the work, you can enjoy an excellent snack in the vineyard made from local products.

The snack includes:

•    native cold cuts (raw and cooked)
•    .
•    peppers with bagna cauda
•    Russian salad
•    rice fantasy
•    cheese wheel with jams
•    apples
•    amaretti from Mombaruzzo
•    bread, breadsticks, water and a bottle for every two people

For those who wish, in the afternoon è it is possible to make a visit to the winery.

The experience is only available between late August and early October.

The quad bike excursion in the Monferrato hills departing from Conzano will allow you to experience an adventure driving a quad bike in an area considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will be able to choose between two tours:

Quad Tour

The excursion is suitable for everyone and lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Together with an experienced guide, you will drive along a mostly unpaved route through vineyards and forests from which you can admire the area's evocative landscapes. On the way back you will pause at scenic spots to take some nice photo shoots while sitting on the Big Benches (giant benches that characterize these hills).

Quad bike tour and winery visit

Driving a quad bike you will be accompanied to discover the hills of Monferrato, driving along the dirt roads that pass through the vineyards and reveal the most striking landscapes. Along the way you will see where the typical products of Monferrato's wine and farming culture come from, as well as reach the most representative historical and artistic sites, including medieval castles, ancient quarries, country churches and open-air museums.
Halfway through the excursion there will be a stop at an authentic winery where you will be able to exclusively visit an Infernot, a cellar carved by hand into the cantonment stone, considered a Unesco World Heritage Site (You can add on the spot a tasting of typical products accompanied by the winery's wines).

On site you must pay the mandatory membership fee of €5 per person.

The winery tour and tasting in the Piedmont hills of Langhe and Monferrato will allow you to discover the products of the area while visiting a quaint family-run winery.

The winery is located in Calosso, in the province of Asti, and the tour begins with a short walk through the vineyards around the winery while the owner will give you an introduction to the area.

You will continue by visiting the winery with its winemaking area and the rooms where the wine is aged in barrels.

At the end you will be taken to the panoramic terrace or to the tasting room (in winter) to taste 6 wines including their Chardonnay, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Gamba di Pernice to end with Moscato d'Asti.

Everyone can participate in the tour and tasting. Minors can participate free of charge by not drinking.

Horseback riding in the Monferrato hills will take you to discover the typical fauna and flora of the Piedmont hills.

The 1-hour walk is suitable for everyone, even those who are getting on a horse for the first time.

The minimum age is 6 years old. Children ages 6 to 14 will be accompanied by a guide who will walk with them the whole way.

At the end of both walks you will have the opportunity to enjoy a typical local lunch (if selected), consisting of 3 appetizers, first course, second course and dessert. Extra courses and drinks are excluded.

A visit to the winery will introduce you to the history of wine production of one of the most historic wineries in the Langhe and immerse you in the picturesque Piedmontese territory near Alba and Barolo.

Following the tour of the winery and the estate vineyards, you can choose from 2 menu lunch offered by the winery.

The experience lasts from 2 to 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. Minors are not allowed to taste. .

Greedy menu (2 hours 30 minutes)

The menuù includes an assortment of cold and hot appetizers from our country tradition, a homemade first course of your choice, and a delicious dessert to end the experience.

This menu includes a tasting of 3 wines.

Delicious menu (3 hours)

This menu includes cold and hot traditional country hors d'oeuvres, followed by a homemade first course of your choice, a second course and dessert to end the experience.

The delicious menu includes a tasting of 5 wines.

For children there is a menu which includes pasta, schnitzel and potatoes and a final dessert, so they too can enjoy this fun experience.

A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery tour.

Lunch in the vineyard with winery visit in the Langhe allows you to enjoy a relaxing experience in a picturesque setting.

You will visit a Piedmontese winery where you will meet the owner Roberto who will personally welcome you. Here you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the passion that drives the work at this winery.

This will be followed by an aperitif filled with appetizers and accompanied by a tasting of 5 fine wines.

The experience will conclude with a traditional lunch that includes:

•    3 typical Langhe appetizers
•    2 first courses
•    1 second course
•    1 dessert
•    water
•    wine
•    coffee

In addition, there is also an alternative menu for toddlers (children ages 3 to 12) and minors or adults who do not taste, to be selected at the time of booking.

In case of bad weather, you can choose to move the date of your reservation within the limits of the cancellation policy or attend anyway, as lunch is still guaranteed. Tables will be set up inside the winery so you can eat among the barrels.

In case of food allergies and intolerances, it is possible to contact the facility following the reservation.

Visit a family winery in Roero, learn firsthand about the traditions of this farm, and enjoy a delicious lunch near Cuneo.

The experience begins with a tour of the winery and follows with lunch (if selected) and wine tasting.

You can, in addition, choose to accompany the winery visit with a fixed menu lunch includes a welcome from the kitchen, two appetizers, a first course, second course with side dish, dessert, water, coffee, bitter and cover charge.

This experience will allow you to discover the territory of Roero, in the province of Cuneo, through its wineries, wines and local dishes.

The quad bike ride and wine tasting in the Langhe from Alba is a delightful and fascinating experience that combines the quad bike ride with a fantastic wine tasting.

This quad bike excursion in the Langhe can be developed in two fantastic ways:

Tour in the Langhe and wine tasting

During the quad bike excursion in the Langhe you will discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Unesco World Heritage territories by driving your quad bike. You will have the opportunity to admire up close vineyards, hazelnut groves and the particularities of this territory.

When you return from the quad bike experience, you will be offered a tasting of 6 100% organic wines in a certified winery just a short walk from Grinzane Cavour Castle.

Aperitour in the vineyard and wine tasting

During this half-day tour you will have the opportunity to ride an ATV as a couple, with friends or with family on scenic routes through the heart of the Langhe and Barolo hills.

The route includes a stop among the vineyards, during which you can enjoy an aperitif with traditional Piedmont flavors. On the way back, a delicious tasting of Arneis, Orange Wine, Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Barolo will await you, directly from a certified producer of 100% organic wines.

For each quad bike, a maximum of two participants, one driver and one passenger, can board. 

In case of allergies or dietary needs è you must contact the facility directly.

Horseback rides through the countryside in Canavese, above Turin, departing from Rivarossa.

The rides are for adults (18 years and older). There is a beautiful ride through nature, with opportunities to see wild boar and fawns. The area is hilly, with rivers, woods and grasslands.

The ranch from which you start, nestled in the unspoiled nature of the Canavese and Lanzo valleys, offers the opportunity to set out on long walks or participate in horseback trekking activities.

Wine tasting in Monforte d'Alba, in the Langhe region, allows you to have a relaxing experience immersed in the Piedmont countryside.

You can immerse yourself in the daily reality of the Langhe, learning firsthand about the cornerstones of this area's wine-making tradition.

When booking, you can choose from several options.

Classic Tasting

After a brief introduction about the land and vineyards, you will visit the Luigi Arnulfo Historical Museum and the production winery.

Following this, you will taste 5 wines produced on site:

•    Langhe DOC Chardonnay
•    Barbera d'Alba DOC 
•    Langhe Nebbiolo DOC "Arcapla"
•    Barolo DOCG Cru Bussia
•    Barolo DOCG Cru Bussia "Vigna Campo dei Buoi"

Cru experience tasting

You can discover and explore all the secrets that characterize the vineyards surrounding the estate, capable of giving wines with different shades of colors, scents and tastes. 

This experience includes an in-depth tour of the historic vineyards "Campo del Gatto" and "Campo dei Buoi" concluding with the "Bricco" vantage point overlooking La Morra.

Following this, a tasting of 4 wines is scheduled:

•    Barbera d'Alba DOC "Vigna Campo del Gatto"
•    Barolo DOCG Bussia "Classico"
•    Barolo DOCG Bussia "Campo dei Buoi"
•    Barolo DOCG Bussia "Riserva"

During the tasting you will receive the Tasting Book.

Wine and Chocolate Tasting

Through this experience you will try the best local wines paired with the sweetness of Piedmontese chocolate.

By visiting the vineyards, museum and winery you will also learn about the history and production process of the proposed wines. 

You will be offered a tasting of 5 wines:

•    Langhe DOC Chardonnay 
•    Barbera d'Alba DOC "Vigna Campo del Gatto"
•    Barolo DOCG Bussia
•    Barolo DOCG Bussia "Luigi Arnulfo"
•    Barolo Chinato

Each wine will be paired with a different chocolate, which will be presented at the time of the tasting.

The winery visit in Santa Maria della Versa will allow you to discover the wines that characterize the Oltrepò Pavese area. You will have a choice of two different experiences.

Tour with tasting

The activity starts with a walk through the vineyard, then you will continue with a guided tour of the winemaking cellar and the Metodo Classico aging room where they will explain details about the products.

To conclude the experience, you will have the opportunity to have a tasting of 4 wines represented by the winery (including organic) accompanied by small samples (vegetable flan, cheese and tart).

Tour with brunch

For a more complete gastronomic experience, at the end of the winery tour it is possible to have the tasting of the 4 wines accompanied by a brunch consisting of:

•    Mixed appetizers.
•    Risotto.
•    Dessert.

Allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs should be communicated to the facility in advance.

During the Oltrepò Pavese winery tour and wine tasting, you will have the choice of three different experiences.

The first tour of the vineyards and vines lasts 1h30 and includes the tasting of 4 glasses.

The second option lasts 2h, and is recommended for lovers of the Pinot Noir grape variety.

The last type of experience you can choose instead includes a tour of both the vineyards and the winery, and ends with wine tasting.

During this horseback ride in the Emilian Stirone Park you will be able to fully enjoy the beauty of the Apennines.

The horseback rides will take place on trails of low and medium-low difficulty suitable for all levels of experience, but also for those who have never been on horseback before.

You will be provided with all equipment for the excursion, including helmet (mandatory). Recommended clothing includes long pants and closed-toe shoes.

The picnic in the vineyard with tasting in the Oltrepò Pavese is a unique opportunity to have lunch with friends in the hills of Lombardy and to learn about the history of the production of the best-known local wines.

The activity begins with a guided tour of the farm, overlooking the hills, and its wineries and then proceeds to its vineyards where the picnic will begin. The picnic includes:

•    Sandwich with roast beef, grana cheese and salad
•    Sandwich with goat cheese, sun-dried tomatoes and arugula
•    Tart with fruit jam
•    Water

The picnic is accompanied by a tasting of 4 local wines, including a Provincia di Pavia IGT Pinot Noir "Columban".

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is suitable for everyone. It is a fun and romantic experience to enjoy with friends in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Dinner in the Vineyard with a guided tour will immerse you in the winemaking tradition of Oltrepò Pavese and its vineyards.

The experience begins with a guided tour of the farm where owner Patrizio will introduce you to the cultivation and production techniques of their Lombard wines. Afterwards, you will be taken to the vineyard where dinner under the stars will begin, based on several courses paired with a tasting of local wines.

The experience has a total duration of about 3 hours and is held in the summer. The menu may be subject to change based on winery availability.

The vineyard dinner is ideal for families, groups of friends or couples who want to experience a romantic moment in the Oltrepò Pavese.

Languages spoken: Italian and English. A sweatshirt is recommended for the winery visit.

Wine tasting with a visit to the vineyards and winery in the Oltrepò Pavese is an authentic experience that will allow you to immerse yourself in the wine culture and traditions of the area.

Accompanied by expert guides, you will have the opportunity to explore the vineyards and winery, discovering secrets, curiosities and anecdotes related to the art of local winemaking.

Following this, you will experience a fine tasting of 4 selected wines, all produced locally:

•    Dosaggio Zero (Classic Method sparkling wine from pinot noir grapes)
•    Riesling Filare 52 (still white wine from Rhine Riesling grapes)
•    Bonarda Ăchillius (sparkling red)
•    Sangue di Giuda Il Traditore (sweet sparkling red)

In case of food allergies or intolerances, you can contact the facility after booking for any specific needs.

With this horseback ride in the Ticino Nature Park you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the horses, brush them and prepare the necessary equipment for an enjoyable ride.

The experience begins with a short introductory lesson that will help you learn how to tame your horse.

During the horseback ride, which will have an effective duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will ride through the forest and spring areas, rich in waterways and vegetation. If lucky, you may see storks, herons and other migratory species.

There is also an opportunity to picnic on horseback.

Horseback riding along the Adda River, lasting one to two hours, through the surrounding woods is an experience not to be missed.

The horseback rides are also suitable for beginners, as they consist of comfortable and wide paths located within the Adda Park.

Thanks to this ride you will have the opportunity to explore the nature that characterizes these places, and to let the horses water within the river.

During the horseback ride, departing from Rivolta d'Adda, you will be accompanied by two equestrian guides, who will lead you for the duration of the excursion.

The winery visit in Santa Maria della Versa will allow you to discover the wines that characterize the Oltrepò Pavese area. You will have a choice of two different experiences.

Tour with tasting

The activity starts with a walk through the vineyard, then you will continue with a guided tour of the winemaking cellar and the Metodo Classico aging room where they will explain details about the products.

To conclude the experience, you will have the opportunity to have a tasting of 4 wines represented by the winery (including organic) accompanied by small samples (vegetable flan, cheese and tart).

Tour with brunch

For a more complete gastronomic experience, at the end of the winery tour it is possible to have the tasting of the 4 wines accompanied by a brunch consisting of:

•    Mixed appetizers.
•    Risotto.
•    Dessert.

Allergies, intolerances or special dietary needs should be communicated to the facility in advance.

The Casa Garello farmhouse in Salice Terme, in Oltrepò Pavese, offers a picnic with wine tasting and winery tour in a picturesque hillside setting. Casa Garello is located in an area traditionally devoted to wine growing. Everything tasted is derived from raw materials from the garden and vineyards. A space will be set up with cloth and pillows and glassware.

Picnic menu:

•    Three wines for tasting
•    Local cured meats and cheeses
•    Rustic focaccia
•    Apricot jam tart
•    Water

Any food allergies or intolerances can be communicated to the facility following booking.

The duration of the experience indicated above is to be considered approximate.

During the Oltrepò Pavese winery tour and wine tasting, you will have the choice of three different experiences.

The first tour of the vineyards and vines lasts 1h30 and includes the tasting of 4 glasses.

The second option lasts 2h, and is recommended for lovers of the Pinot Noir grape variety.

The last type of experience you can choose instead includes a tour of both the vineyards and the winery, and ends with wine tasting.

The Casa Garello farmhouse in Salice Terme, in the Oltrepò Pavese, offers a lunch with wine tasting and tour of the cellars in a picturesque hillside setting. Casa Garello is located in an area traditionally devoted to wine growing. Everything brought to the table is derived from raw materials from the garden and vineyards.

The full-lunch tasting menu includes:

•    4 wines for tasting
•    Charcuterie and cheese platter and two hot appetizers
•    Traditional Oltrepò agnolotti pasta
•    Pinot roast with baked potatoes
•    House dessert
•    Water
•    Coffee

A children's menu is also available, which includes:

•    homemade cured meats
•    short pasta with red or white sauce
•    schnitzel with baked potato chips
•    dessert of your choice
•    1 soft drink

Any food allergies or intolerances can be communicated to the facility following the reservation.

The duration of the above experience is to be considered approximate.