A day in Nizza Monferrato
A relaxed first-timer's day in the capital of Barbera country: the arcaded old town and its market, a cellar tasting, a long Piedmontese lunch, and an easy afternoon among the vines.
Nizza Monferrato is the market-and-wine town at the heart of the Nizza DOCG hills — compact, unhurried and best explored on foot. Here's a day that moves with the town's own rhythm.
Morning — the old town and the market
Start with an espresso taken standing at the bar, the local way, at Caffè San Carlo or Caffetteria Carlo Alberto. Then wander into Piazza Garibaldi, the arcaded heart of Nizza. On market mornings the streets around the square fill with stalls. A short stroll away, 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, sink into what Nizza does best. Book the Bersano cellar tour & Nizza DOCG tasting at one of the town's historic houses, Bersano, or keep it 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 made for matching plates to local reds, or at Ristobottega Da Necco.
Afternoon — into the hills, then gelato
Walk it off in the vineyards on a guided e-bike tour with Mon Bike Tour, or take the self-guided Vespa tour of the wine hills. Back in town, wind down with an ice cream at Gelateria Chicca, and if there's light left, look in on the Chiesa della Madonna della Neve.