Underground Cave Visit with Food and Wine Tasting near Asti
Discover the ancient infernot caves of Cella Monte paired with regional wines and local flavors
This underground cave wine tasting in Monferrato invites you into one of Piedmont's most distinctive wine cultures, set within the historic enoteca and carved stone passages of Cella Monte. You will taste four carefully selected local wines alongside a generous platter of regional cured meats and cheeses, guided by knowledgeable hosts who share the stories behind each pour.
The so-called infernot are ancient underground chambers hand-carved from a soft local sandstone called pietra da cantoni, historically used to store wine at a naturally stable temperature. Cella Monte and its surrounding villages form part of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, recognized for the cultural and architectural significance of these remarkable cellars. Stepping into them offers a sense of the deep agricultural heritage that has shaped this corner of Piedmont for centuries.
The wine selection spans the breadth of local production: one sparkling wine, one white, and two reds, each reflecting the variety of grape varieties cultivated across the Monferrato hills. The accompanying food platter is sourced from producers in the region, ensuring that every element of the tasting connects to the local terroir. Families traveling with children are welcome, as younger guests receive a dedicated snack platter and a craft fruit juice.
Highlights
Visit the historic infernot caves of Cella Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its unique underground stone architecture.
Taste four distinctive Monferrato wines, including a sparkling wine, a white, and two reds selected to represent the breadth of local production.
Enjoy a generous platter of regionally sourced cured meats and cheeses, thoughtfully paired with the wine selection.
Hear fascinating stories about Cella Monte, its neighbors, and the generations of winemakers who shaped the area's identity.
Experience the tasting in an authentic local enoteca whose enchanting underground spaces provide an atmospheric and memorable setting.
Children are warmly accommodated with a dedicated local snack platter and a refreshing craft fruit juice, making this a true family experience.
Itinerary
Meet your host at the enoteca in Cella Monte, where you will receive a brief introduction to the Monferrato wine region and the history of the village. The setting itself, with its stone walls and cellar atmosphere, immediately conveys the character of the area.
Follow your guide into the underground passages carved from pietra da cantoni sandstone, known locally as the infernot. These hand-hewn chambers, recognized by UNESCO, were designed to keep wines at a constant cool temperature throughout the seasons.
Your host shares accounts of how the community built and maintained these caves over generations, and explains the broader network of UNESCO-listed wine landscapes across the Monferrato hills. The narrative connects the underground architecture to the living agricultural traditions still practiced today.
Return to the tasting area for a guided experience featuring four wines: a sparkling wine, a white, and two reds, each introduced with context about grape variety, production method, and local significance. The food platter of regional cured meats and cheeses arrives alongside, allowing you to explore complementary flavors at your own pace.
Younger guests receive a dedicated platter of local snacks paired with a craft fruit juice, ensuring they feel included in the experience. The session closes with time for questions, conversation, and the opportunity to learn more about where to find these products locally.
What Is Included
Included
- Guided visit of the historic infernot underground caves
- Tasting of four local wines (one sparkling, one white, two red)
- Platter of regional cured meats and cheeses
- Children's snack platter with craft fruit juice
- Expert commentary on Monferrato wines and UNESCO heritage
Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Additional food or drink beyond the tasting platter
- Gratuities for the host
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Spot
Secure your place on this underground cave and wine tasting experience in Cella Monte and discover the authentic flavors and heritage of the Monferrato hills.
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