Calosso and surroundings: enjoy, visit, experiment
The Rapulé Fair
This event, inspired by the thousand-year-old practice of harvesting late grapes, transforms the quiet village of Calosso into a lively food and wine center during the third weekend of October. Here, you can delight your palate with typical dishes of the local cuisine, accompanied by the fine DOC and DOCG wines of the 25 producers who are part of the Crota 'd Calos Association. The ancient cellars, called crotin, immersed in the tuff and scattered throughout the historic center, offer a unique atmosphere for tastings. Along the streets and squares of the village, you will find street artists, storytellers and a zero-mile market, enriched by products from the short supply chain.
Distance from the house: about 5 minutes on foot.
The Palio of Asti
The Palio of Asti is a traditional Asti festival that has medieval roots, born as part of the patronal celebrations of San Secondo, and culminates with a horse race mounted bareback (without a saddle). The festival for the patron saint has taken place continuously since the 12th century and the first records of the race date back to the 13th century. Asti anticipates the Palio with the emotions of the people in its squares, the propitiatory dinners on Friday and Saturday, the Christmas market, the official registration of the jockeys in the rooms of the Palazzo Civico on Saturday, the children's parade... And then, on Sunday: the solemn mass in the churches in the morning, the blessing of the horses, the costumed figures in the streets, the tension that can be felt, the excited and celebrating villagers, the participating tourists, the museums open. It takes place in September.
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Distance from the house: about 20 minutes by car.
Doujad'or
A real festival dedicated to the wines of Monferrato, which has taken place in Asti annually for more than fifty years. During the event, visitors can taste a wide selection of wines accompanied by various local gastronomic specialties, as well as participate in cultural events and shows.
In Asti the "Douja d'Or" has always been synonymous with a wine festival. The Piedmontese mask Gianduja, Gian d'la Douja, always takes it with him in his cheerful drinks in company.
In the Piedmontese dialect the "Douja" (dùia), in fact, is the ancient terracotta container used to decant, preserve and serve wine.
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Distance from the house: about 20 minutes by car.
The Alba truffle fair
The International Alba White Truffle Fair is one of the main showcases of haute cuisine and Italian excellence: an unmissable event for white truffle lovers. The fair offers the opportunity to taste and purchase this prized mushroom, as well as participate in events such as exhibitions, conferences and guided tours in search of truffles.
On 31 October 2017, Alba was officially proclaimed by UNESCO, "Creative City for Gastronomy".
A recognition that strengthens the international vocation of the city.
Nestled in the splendid natural scenery of the Langhe, of which it is the historical and economic capital, Alba is a city rich in culture, history and traditions.
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Distance from the house: approximately 40 minutes by car.
Nicese Antiques Market
Every third Sunday of the month, for 40 years, the picturesque town of Nizza in the heart of Monferrato has hosted this extraordinary event dedicated to antiques and collectibles. With over 350 exhibitors mainly coming from Italy, the market offers a vast selection of objects that tell our history and our traditions. From rustic peasant tools and objects to sophisticated works from noble and bourgeois homes, here you can find true treasures from the past. From the 1950s to prints, from antique furniture to grandmother's linen, passing through vintage toys and historical advertisements, every corner of the market is a discovery. Whether you are an expert collector or a novice looking for a passion, the Nicese Antiques Market is the ideal place to find unique objects and accessories to enrich your homes with a touch of history and authenticity.
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Distance from the house: about 20 minutes by car.