A day in Nizza Monferrato
A first-timer's day in the capital of Barbera country — the arcaded old town on a market morning, a cellar tasting, a long Piedmontese lunch, and an easy afternoon out among the vines.
Nizza Monferrato is the market-and-wine town at the heart of the Nizza DOCG hills. It's compact and unhurried, and you'll see it best on foot. Here's a day that moves at the town's pace, not yours.
Morning — the old town and the market
Order an espresso and drink it standing at the bar, the way everyone here does, at Caffè San Carlo or Caffetteria Carlo Alberto. Then walk into Piazza Garibaldi, the arcaded heart of Nizza. On market mornings the streets around the square fill with stalls. A short walk off the square, the grand 19th-century market hall Foro Boario Pio Corsi is worth a look, and the elegant Palazzo Crova anchors the centre.
Late morning — a cellar tasting
Before lunch, do what Nizza does best. Book the Bersano cellar tour & Nizza DOCG tasting at Bersano, one of the town's historic houses, or stay central with a tasting at the Enoteca Regionale di Nizza inside Palazzo Crova.
Lunch — a long Piedmontese table
Take your time over lunch at La Signora In Rosso, an osteria-vineria built for matching plates to local reds, or at Ristobottega Da Necco.
Afternoon — into the hills, then gelato
Walk lunch off among the vines on a guided e-bike tour with Mon Bike Tour, or take the self-guided Vespa tour of the wine hills. Back in town, slow down with an ice cream at Gelateria Chicca, and if there's light left, look in on the Chiesa della Madonna della Neve.