Wine Tasting in the Heart of Monferrato – Premium offers a beautifully balanced glimpse into Piedmont’s celebrated wine culture for just $34. Located in the UNESCO-listed Monferrato region, this experience combines a tour of a contemporary winery with a walk through ancient cellars, known locally as Infernot, dug into the hills more than 200 years ago. Led by friendly guides, this roughly 1.5-hour excursion promises a taste of history, scenery, and some of Piedmont’s finest wines.
What we loved about this experience is the chance to visit both a modern winery and the historic Infernot — a rare combo that provides context both from a production perspective and a historical one. Second, the setting in the peaceful Monferrato countryside, with its rolling hills and quiet charm, makes for a relaxing and authentic tasting experience. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, sip well-crafted wines, and learn about the region’s traditions.
A minor consideration is the weather — if it’s pouring, your experience moves indoors to a cozy tasting room, which still maintains a warm, inviting atmosphere. But if you’re visiting during good weather, the garden setting adds a lovely, natural backdrop. This tour is best suited for curious wine enthusiasts, history lovers, or travelers seeking a laid-back, authentic taste of Piedmont that’s accessible and reasonably priced.
Key Points
- Authentic Historic Insight: The Infernot cellars are over 200 years old, offering a rare peek into Monferrato’s past.
- Beautiful Setting: Located in the UNESCO World Heritage site, the countryside scenery enhances the experience.
- Well-Balanced Tour: Combines modern wine production stories with historical cellar exploration.
- Flexible Indoor Option: Rain won’t spoil your visit thanks to a cozy indoor tasting room.
- Affordable Quality: For just $34, you get a comprehensive, enjoyable experience.
- Additional Tastings: Four wines are sampled, with optional food pairings like breadsticks or a cheese and cold cut platter.
A Closer Look at the Experience
Starting with the modern winery tour, you’ll get to meet the winemaker or guide (name not specified but likely friendly and knowledgeable) who’ll share how grapes are grown, harvested, and turned into wine. This part of the experience helps you understand the craftsmanship behind Piedmont wines, especially since the region is renowned for varieties like Barbera and Grignolino.
The highlight for many is the visit to the historic Infernot — a network of underground cellars carved into the hills, used traditionally for aging and storing wine and food. As you walk through these cool, stone-lined chambers, you’ll feel like stepping back in time. The guides often emphasize the importance of these cellars to local culture and demonstrate how they kept wine cool and preserved in the days before refrigeration. Several reviews mention how atmospheric and memorable the Infernot visit is, often citing it as a “hidden gem” of Monferrato.
The final part of your tour is the wine tasting outdoors in the garden or inside a cozy tasting room, depending on weather. You’ll sample four different wines: Piemonte Riesling Doc, Piemonte Grignolino Doc, Red Wine (not specified), and Barbera Superiore d’Asti DOCG. The wines are accompanied by breadsticks, making for a simple but authentic pairing. If you wish, you can upgrade your tasting with a cheese and cold cuts platter, adding some savoriness to your sip.
The tasting offers a nice balance of flavors—crisp Riesling, tangy Grignolino, full-bodied Red, and the more robust Barbera. The €34 price includes the entire experience, making it an excellent value. It’s also flexible — you can reserve now and pay later, or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Keen to taste more of Ponzano Monferrato? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences
Practical Details and Why They Matter
The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it suitable for most schedules. The group size is likely small to medium, enhancing the chance for personalized attention and questions. The tours are offered in English, Italian, and Spanish, accommodating a range of travelers.
Since the experience is straightforward — a winery visit, a cellar tour, and tastings — it’s perfect for those who want a low-pressure, educational, and enjoyable activity. The price point is quite reasonable considering the depth of experience and the opportunity to taste four different wines with no hidden costs. The flexible booking and full refund policy also make it easier to plan without worries.
Why This Tour Excels
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of history and modern winemaking, set against the stunning backdrop of Monferrato’s rolling hills. It’s not a rushed, touristy stop but an authentic taste of local tradition. The guides are described as enthusiastic and welcoming, making the visit more personable. The peaceful countryside atmosphere allows you to genuinely relax and enjoy the wines.
The Infernot visit is particularly special; few wine tours include this kind of historical underground cellar exploration. It’s a chance to connect with the region’s past in a tangible way, which many find more meaningful than just tasting wine in a modern tasting room.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is suited best for wine lovers eager to learn about Piedmont’s distinctive varieties like Grignolino and Barbera. It’s also great for those interested in local history and discovering hidden gems like the Infernot. The relaxed pace and affordability make it ideal for travelers who want an authentic, manageable introduction to Monferrato’s wine scene without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re visiting the Piedmont region and want a deliberately local, warm, and educational experience in a beautiful setting, this tour hits the mark.
More Great Tours NearbyFAQ
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing.
What wines are sampled during the tasting?
You’ll taste four wines: Piemonte Riesling Doc, Piemonte Grignolino Doc, a Red Wine (unspecified), and Barbera Superiore d’Asti DOCG.
Is there an indoor option if the weather is bad?
Yes, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tasting can be moved inside the cozy tasting room, so your experience remains comfortable.
Can I add food to my tasting?
Yes, breadsticks are included, and you can opt to add a platter of cold cuts and cheeses separately, which enhances the tasting experience.
What languages are available for the tour?
Guides speak English, Italian, and Spanish, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers.
Is the booking process flexible?
Absolutely. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
What makes the Infernot cellar visit special?
It’s a chance to walk through underground chambers dug into the hills over 200 years ago — an atmospheric peek into the region’s traditional wine storage methods.
Who is this experience best suited for?
Travelers interested in wine, history, and authentic experiences in a peaceful setting will find this tour especially rewarding.
Is the tour suitable for children or non-drinkers?
While the focus is on wine tasting, the tour is primarily about learning and enjoying the scenery — non-drinkers can still appreciate the historic and scenic elements.
In short, this wine tasting tour in Monferrato offers a thoughtful blend of history, landscape, and quality wine at a very reasonable price. Whether you’re a dedicated wine enthusiast or simply curious about Piedmont’s famed wines, the chance to explore both a modern winery and ancient cellars makes it a valuable experience. It’s relaxed, educational, and perfect for those who prefer authentic, less commercialized activities.
You can check availability for your dates here: