Corsa delle Botti & Monferrato in Tavola
Teams race wine barrels through the historic centre, and alongside runs 'Monferrato in Tavola' — the local Pro Loco's open-air food-and-wine fair of Monferrato specialities.
Why it's special
Teams shove a ~100 kg wine barrel — the 'bonsa' — through the streets, keeping an old coopers' tradition alive, while Monferrato in Tavola puts out tajarin with truffle, agnolotti and risotto al Barbera, with local wines, music and dance.
Programme · 2026
12–14 June 2026
Monferrato in Tavola in Piazza Garibaldi, with Pro Loco from across the province (among them Masio e Abazia, Bazzana, Agliano Terme, Castelnuovo Calcea, Carentino, Bergamasco, Castagnole Lanze, Calamandrana, Canelli, Cassinasco, Incisa Scapaccino, Mombercelli, San Marzano Oliveto and Nizza) serving Monferrato dishes with local wines.
Fri 12 June, 19:00–24:00
Monferrato in Tavola opens, with Radio Vega Live and a Kinder Police show in the evening
Sat 13 June
barrel parade, weighing and marking, then the Corsa delle Botti qualifying heats; the Comitato Palio flag-wavers, a parade dedicated to Francesco Cirio by the Pro Loco, and the Corsa delle Botti Junior
Sun 14 June
tastings and music through the centre; in the afternoon the semifinals and final decide the 2026 title, with the town band and children's activities by La Soffitta dei Bambini
A tip
- Piazza Garibaldi is where it all happens — food stands and race both.
- Heats run Saturday evening, with the semifinal and final Sunday afternoon (~16:00).
- Come hungry Friday, when Monferrato in Tavola opens.
Past editions
| Year | Dates | Programme |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 12–14 June 2026 | Monferrato in Tavola in Piazza Garibaldi, with Pro Loco from across the province (among them Masio e Abazia, Bazzana, Agliano Terme, Castelnuovo Calcea, Carentino, Bergamasco, Castagnole Lanze, Calamandrana, Canelli, Cassinasco, Incisa Scapaccino, Mombercelli, San Marzano Oliveto and Nizza) serving Monferrato dishes with local wines. Fri 12 June, 19:00–24:00 – Monferrato in Tavola opens, with Radio Vega Live and a Kinder Police show in the evening Sat 13 June – barrel parade, weighing and marking, then the Corsa delle Botti qualifying heats; the Comitato Palio flag-wavers, a parade dedicated to Francesco Cirio by the Pro Loco, and the Corsa delle Botti Junior Sun 14 June – tastings and music through the centre; in the afternoon the semifinals and final decide the 2026 title, with the town band and children's activities by La Soffitta dei Bambini |
| 2025 | 6-8 June 2025 | Fri 6 June: Monferrato in Tavola opens from 19:00 in Piazza Garibaldi with Pro Loco dishes, local wines and dance. Sat evening: barrel-race qualifying heats. Sun 8 June: food and music return; the Corsa delle Botti climaxes with the semifinal at 16:00 and the final. |