Set amongst the green hills and vineyards of the UNESCO region of Monferrato
The vineyard landscape of the Monferrato region is considered "one of the most harmonious and most consistent with the ideal of a 'scenic' rural and vineyard landscape" by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. We couldn’t agree more!
We’re lucky enough that Villa Menaluna is perched on a hillside in this beautiful region, and part of the small village of Rocchetta Palafea with its medieval castle tower instantly recognisable. The house is almost alone on the hillside and with no road nearby for passing traffic, and the house reached via a 700 metre gravelled track, you could be forgiven for feeling at times that you have the whole valley to yourself.
Step away from the tranquility for a time and three of the region’s most important small towns are within easy reach.
Nizza Monferrato
Founded around 1225, Nizza Monferrato is the primary town of our region and well worth a visit. The colonnaded pedestrian streets shield a range of independent business from the hot summer sun and winter snow. You’ll find most things you need here, including many butchers, delis, bakeries, cake shops, traditional sweet shops and wine stores. Shopping for gifts is surprisingly good too, with many old-style gift/clothing stores available to browse (mostly for women but there are some childrens/mens fashions too) as well as at least three high-end opticians.
Restaurants and bars are plentiful, ranging from the traditional Piemontese and Italian cuisine, to Chinese, burgers and steaks and sushi.
The main square hosts the monthly antique market (third Sunday of every month in all weathers) as well as being the starting point for the many wine and food-related festivals held in the town every year.
Distance - approx 12-14 minutes drive
Canelli
With its history traceable to Roman times, Canelli is the centre of the wine trade for the region, housing six of the most notable wine producers and the UNESCO-designated ‘wine cathedral’ deep under the hillside at the rear of the town, on top of which stood the 11th century Castello di Canelli, sadly destroyed in 1617 during the war of Monferrato. In its place is the elegant villa built in 1930 and which stands proudly in the town’s skyline.
A visit to Canelli is a must, if only to visit at least one of the renowned cellars - our favourite being Contratto which was founded in 1867 and is one of the oldest wine producers in Italy. Famed for its sparkling whites using traditional methods, its cellars and tunnels house over two million bottles, sleeping soundly until ready to be labelled and sold to an awaiting public.
From Canelli, you’ll find the main road north towards Asti, which then joins the major roads towards Turin, Alba and Milan.
Distance - approx 10-12 minutes drive
Acqui Terme
Famed for its hot sulphur springs since it was known as the Roman town of Aquae Statiellae, Acqui Terme is a little jewel of a town, with a charming pedestrian shopping area, beautiful central square surrounding the thermal fountain and a wide range of shops and cafes.
The pavilion covering the thermal spring, known as La Bollente, is where you’ll find the waters that bubble up at 75 °C. We’re all waiting for the local thermal spa to reopen following the Covid closures - well worth a visit when they do.
From Acqui Terme, roads lead east and north to Alessandria and Milan or south to Savona or Genova and the Ligurian coast.
Distance - approx 15-17 minutes drive