Things to do
CULTURE
Costigliole D’Asti’s imposing yellow-stone castle crowns its charming streets, made for mornings pottering and caffè-sipping with views over the vineyards. In neighbouring Asti, spot some of its fabled one hundred towers, some standing since the Middle Ages, before beelining to the cathedral – a vision of Gothic grandeur. To get a glimpse of the region’s rural culture today, head there in September for the Festival delle Sagre, to see a parade of colourful, authentically dressed characters celebrating country life and traditions.
FOOD & DRINK
Sweet and effervescent, Asti is made from the region’s Moscato Bianco grape. Taste it at any number of the vineyards that dot the hillsides. Prefer red? Medium bodied, smooth and celebrated Barbera d’Asti is a heavy-hitter on the international wine scene. Feast on agnolotti – tiny pasta parcels of meaty deliciousness – swoon-worthy cheeses, white truffles and hazelnuts. Finish with the region’s famous Piedmontese pudding, custardy bunet – paired with a glass of Asti of course.
NATURE
Get your bearings from Costigliole D’Asti’s castle, with its sweeping views over the vineyards and valleys. Then follow one of the many trails meandering down into the lush countryside, through rows of vines and frozen-in-time hamlets. Soak up the peace far from the crowds, stopping at one wine village after another to refresh and indulge.