Canelli City of Wine – “Sparkling Canelli – Bubbles in Canelli”

Canelli City of Wine – Sparkling Canelli – Bubbles in Canelli: Two days to celebrate the city of Muscat and Underground Cathedrals

There is a place, in the heart of the UNESCO heritage hills, where wine comes to life among ancient stones, the voices of tradition and the gentle breath of summer. It is Canelli, city of Muscat and Underground Cathedrals, which for two days becomes the capital of taste and conviviality with the 2025 edition of Canelli City of Wine entitled “Sparkling Canelli – Bubbles in Canelli.”

A widespread event, an open-air festival, an invitation to get lost – and find oneself – among glasses of wine, picturesque views, meetings, music, stories and flavors.

Friday, July 11

With the “White Night of Libraries,” words, readings and music meet under the stars for a special evening dedicated to culture and imagination. The “Monticone” Civic Library will be the protagonist in Piazza Cavour, amid summer atmospheres and moments to share, accompanied by the musical performance of Mila Ogliastro, whose voice will make the experience even more evocative.

Saturday, July 12

The lights slowly turn on on the squares and cobbled streets of Canelli. At 6 p.m., with the official opening, the tastings begin: the first toast is the prelude to a journey through the most beloved wines-Canelli DOCG, Asti Spumante DOCG, Alta Langa DOCG-accompanied by street food dishes offered by the Pro Loco and local restaurateurs.

The Sternia, Canelli’s historic street, is transformed into a stroll among faces, wines and stories: during the event, local producers will find space here, with their stations overlooking evocative views and breathtaking panoramas. Piazza Cavour and Via G.B. Giuliani host the large tasting stands, while the Church of San Rocco, the Enoteca Regionale and other characteristic courtyards open their doors to the Consortia of Asti Spumante DOCG,Alta Langa DOCG, Canelli DOCG and Vermouth, which offer guided tastings paired with sweets from local pastry shops and artisanal ice cream.

In Piazza Aosta, “La piazzetta degli artisti” will come to life with painting and sculpture exhibitions, en plein air performances-even with wine as the color-and creative workshops for children. In the evening, the little train through the village of Villanuova offers a romantic interlude among the vineyards and hills, and at 7 p.m. a living chess game in Zoppa Square transforms the game into a spectacle: figures in stage clothes move on the board like real pawns, bringing to life a challenge of intelligence and theatricality that enchants young and old alike.

Music wafts to every corner: DJ sets and signature songs accompany the bubbles under the stars for a night of excitement.

Sunday, July 13

It’s a slow awakening day, with the opening of craft exhibits. Back to life is the “Piazzetta degli Artisti,” which on Sunday will once again animate the center with exhibitions, performances and workshops, giving adults and children new moments of creativity and participation. Also active again are the food points in the squares and along the streets, while in the afternoon the wineries open their doors for visits, stories and tastings immersed in the beauty of the area.

The Enoteca Courtyard becomes a stage for popular meetings: mini lectures on Metodo Classico and Martinotti, led by experts, accompany the public in a reasoned and curious tasting. In the afternoon, shuttles take you on scenic routes and to the “El Valet” truffle farm, for those who want to discover the most authentic and hidden side of local production: the itinerary winds through the vineyards that embroider the hills, passing in front of the historic wine cellars, until it reaches symbolic places such as the Contini Tower, from which the gaze embraces all the beauty of the wine-growing landscape.

The itinerary also continues in the sign of the truffle, with in-depth moments dedicated to the prized Black Summer Truffle, in addition to a guided tour of the “El Valet” truffle farm: a popular talk on Sunday at 6 p.m. in Piazza Cavour entitled “Black Truffle: Natural Opportunities,” with guest Isabella Gianicolo of the National Center for Truffle Studies in Alba. The weekend’s food and wine proposal is also enriched with dishes celebrating it, paired with local bubbles, for an intense encounter between land and wine.

Exhibitions open to the public

Throughout the weekend, art and photography enrich the Canelli City of Wine experience with two exhibitions open to the public:

• Sala delle Stelle – “The UNESCO Wonder of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato”
  From July 4 to August 31, a story in images through the shots of Enzo Massa, Carlo Avataneo and Enzo Isaia: a tribute to the landscape that surrounds us, among hills, vineyards and villages suspended in time.
• Palazzo Irreale – “Giuseppe Gabellone ” Exhibition
  From May 18 to Sept. 28, the halls of Palazzo Irreale will host the poetic and visual universe of one of the most interesting contemporary artists on the Italian scene.

The majestic Underground Cathedrals will also be visited with guided tours and by reservation:

An unmissable opportunity to descend into the tuff hearts where the great sparkling wines rest, in one of the most iconic UNESCO heritage sites. During the weekend it will also be possible to participate in guided tours in Italian and English to discover the historic center of Canelli, including history, architecture and curiosities related to the wine tradition. The “Classic Tour,” dedicated to the historic center and history of Canelli, is scheduled for Saturday. On Sunday morning the “Classic Tour” will be repeated, while in the afternoon there will be the “Canelli Segreta” tour, a special itinerary among the ancient underground cellars, discovering the extraordinary underground spaces dug into the tuff. Tours will leave from the Infopoint and will be bookable on site. In addition to the Underground Cathedrals, the Gancia Gardens will also be exceptionally open on Sunday, July 13, and can be visited by reservation: an elegant oasis rich in history, overlooking the hills, where nature and memory intertwine in perfect harmony.

For younger children, the play area curated by Maramao Farm offers workshops and moments of nature and creativity.

An accessible and widespread event

Tastings, tours, lectures, music-each experience is designed to welcome visitors in a simple and engaging way. Maps, info points and shuttles will make it easy to find your way around the various areas.

For those who wish to experience the landscape in an active and original way, Canelli City of Wine offers several excursion possibilities:

• The scenic train, operating Saturday, July 12, from 6:30 p.m. to midnight, connects the center to the village of Villanuova, providing striking views and convenient travel between the center and the hamlet.
• Vespa tours accompanied by the Vespa Club Canelli: Sunday, July 13, departing from Piazza Cavour every hour from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a scenic stop among the surrounding hills. For those who like to discover the area with a vintage touch, at a slow pace but with their eyes always open.
• E-bike rental, for cycling in the historic center but also among vineyards and hills, with routes suitable for all levels. Guided tours and tours by reservation are also available, to experience the area in an active and sustainable way.

A different way of experiencing Canelli, with the landscape flowing alongside, among rows of vines, courtyards and timeless views.

For more information: www.visitlmr.it and the official event page