In Grazzano Badoglio, in the Asti region of Monferrato, Tenuta Santa Caterina welcomes guests to a historic estate with six rooms overlooking the countryside. Recognized for “wine tourism” in The Essential Guide 2027, the relais combines the pleasure of a stay with winery tours and tastings. In the fall, a truffle-themed experience is added to the lineup.
Wine is a constant companion throughout your stay, starting with your choice of room: Setecàpita, Salidoro, Navlè, Silente, Vignalina, and Arlandino are not only the names of wines from the Tenuta Santa Caterina estate but also the names of the six accommodations at its relais. In Grazzano Badoglio, in the Astigian Monferrato, hospitality is an integral part of the estate’s way of life. It has been awarded the “Passion for Wine Tourism” prize in The Essential Guide to Italian Wine 2027 by DoctorWine.
The property, which was already registered as a farmstead as early as 1737, has been revitalized since the 2000s thanks to Guido Carlo Alleva. Who returned to his mother’s ancestral lands to revive the family’s winemaking tradition. Restoration included the mansion, the Italian-style gardens, the stables, and the historic wine cellar, all while preserving the complex’s original character.
A Country Home to Live In
The relais is located the former residence of the estate’s steward and is operated as a bed-and-breakfast. Rooms retain details that tell its story: the restored hardwood floors, the stucco-decorated vaults, and the Baroque fireplace in the central living room. A small library and other cozy sitting areas offer intimate spaces for reading or relaxing after a day in the hills.
The rooms vary in size and character, featuring antique furniture and colonial-style accents. Setecàpita, at 48 square meters, is the largest. Salidoro spans two levels and also features a separate entrance. Vignalina overlooks the vineyards, while Arlandino is a cozier room. Breakfast highlights local products and is served in a dining room with large windows overlooking the vineyards and the garden terrace. The experience is rounded out by an outdoor pool and a small kitchen for light lunches.
From the vineyards to the historic winery
The wine experiences offer a chance to explore the area surrounding the relais. The tour winds through the courtyard and gardens, showcases the vineyards, and leads to the historic cellar, featuring the ancient water collection well and the “infernòt.” Latter, dug to a depth of 17 meters, is one of the most evocative reminders of the estate’s history.
The wine tastings, held in the restored stables, offer different levels of depth. “Wines of Monferrato” includes three tastings: the Barbera d’Asti Superiore Vignalina, the Grignolino d’Asti Arlandino, and the Monferrato Nebbiolo Superiore Illegale. “The Reserves,” on the other hand, focuses on SorìdiGiul, Monferace, and Setecàpita, comparing Freisa, Grignolino, and Barbera. For enthusiasts who wish to delve deeper into the technical aspects, there is a tour with winemaker Luciana Biondo, followed by a tasting of four wines and a platter of local cold cuts and cheeses.
Fall: Truffles and Walks
A special menu dedicated to the fall season has been created in collaboration with the Vallerana restaurant, owned by Alice Bel Colle, in the Alessandria area. The experience includes a simulated truffle hunt, followed by a themed tasting menu featuring two appetizers, a first course, a main course, and dessert. This is an opportunity to complement your stay and tastings at the winery with another expression of local cuisine; please coordinate with the relais regarding availability and arrangements.
To explore the countryside, you can take walks along the trails on the property, which lead to a small lake, meadows, a walnut grove, and vineyards. E-bike rentals and guided nature tours through vineyards, hazelnut groves, and villages built with local stone. The Sacro Monte di Crea, about a quarter of an hour away by car, adds a stop focused on art and scenery to your stay.
