Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sights
The tiny hamlet of
Moncalvo
(population 3320), 15km north of Asti along the S457, makes
a perfect photo stop, with a lookout above its
castle
, where you'll also find an
information
office
(Piazza Antico Castello; Sat & Sun, hours vary)
and wine tasting.
Many producers conduct cellar tours; the
Consorzio Operatori Turistici Asti e Monferrato
(
www.terredasti.it
;
Piazza Alfieri 29)
in Asti has a detailed list of tours and can provide direc-
tions.
Sleeping & Eating
Tenuta del Barone
( 0141 91 01 61;
www.tenutadelbarone.com
;
Via Barone 18, Penango; s/d €50/75; )
This
family farm dating from 1550 has been converted into a cheery B&B, where you can
sleep in the old stables and feast on huge amounts of homemade food (dinner excluding
wine €25). Medieval-cooking courses and wine tasting are often available. Penango, 2km
from Moncalvo, is signposted from Moncalvo's southern end.
AGRITURISMO
€
Tenuta Castello
di Razzano
(
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
€€
0141 92 21 24;
www.castellodirazzano.it
;
Frazione Casarello 2, Alfiano Natta; r €115-150;
)
You can visit this rambling castle just to tour its working winery and take part in a
personal, seated wine tasting (from €6 for five wines and food snacks). But to soak up the
antiques-filled castle's atmosphere, you'll want to stay in one of its rooms (the size of
small apartments), roam its historic halls or curl up in its book-lined reading room.
The
Museo Artevino Razzano
(admission €10)
bills itself as a museum of art and wine. En-
trance is by appointment only. Alfiano Natta is 6km west of Moncalvo.
Locanda del
Sant'Uffizio
( 0141 91 62 92;
www.relaissantuffizio.com
; Strada Sant'Uffizio 1; d/ste €130/220, restaurant lunch/
dinner menus €23/55; )
This knockout, restored 17th-century convent (and sleek
wellness centre) is set in 4 hectares of vineyards. Many of the convent's rooms - some
with original frescoes - reflect the colour of the flowers after which they are named. Bike
rental is free, and a pick-up service from Asti can be arranged.
LUXURY HOTEL
€€
