Pop the cork and taste Italy’s most seductive sparkle — welcome to Asti, where the sunlit hills of Piedmont transform fragrant Moscato Bianco grapes into elegant, effervescent magic.
Pronounced “Ah-stee,” this enchanting region is the sparkling soul of Piedmont, tucked between the Tanaro River and the Ligurian Apennines. Here, the scent of orange blossom and wild sage lingers in the air, and every glass of Asti Spumante or Moscato d’Asti tastes like a sip of Italian sunshine.
Whether you prefer the fully sparkling Asti DOCG or the lightly fizzy Moscato d’Asti DOCG, each bottle reveals its own texture and personality — two distinct expressions born from the same grape, united by their joyful, aromatic spirit.
🍇 The Landscape That Sparkles Too
Asti lies at the heart of the Langhe-Roero-Monferrato vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site — 51 rolling hills facing south, rising between 200 and 500 meters (650–1,650 ft) above sea level. The limestone-marl soil and cool evening breezes from the sea create the perfect balance for slow-ripening grapes, rich in aromas of peach, orange blossom, and wild herbs.
This is not just wine country — it’s a landscape that feels alive. Terraced vineyards cling to steep slopes, medieval towers watch over hilltop villages, and hazelnut groves stretch towards the horizon. It’s Piedmont at its most poetic — refined, authentic, and quietly breathtaking.
🍾 From Underground Cathedrals to Open Skies
If you love discovering wine at its source, Asti is the perfect destination for your sparkling getaway.
Start in Canelli, the beating heart of Moscato. Beneath the surface lies a secret world — the Underground Cathedrals of Canelli, 20 kilometers of 19th-century brick cellars that hold millions of bottles of Asti at a perfectly steady temperature all year round. Walking through these silent tunnels feels like entering a temple devoted entirely to bubbles and time.
Back above ground, switch the busy aperitivo bars for intimate tastings inside these ancient wine caves. Cycle or e-bike along the ridge trails, refueling with creamy robiola cheese and nocciola gelato. Or lace up your hiking boots and follow the vineyard paths, ending your journey under acacia trees with a chilled glass of Moscato d’Asti in hand.
🥂 Unmissable Experiences in Asti
- Explore Canelli’s Underground Cathedrals: Marvel at 20 km of underground cellars, where millions of bottles age beneath your feet in total silence and perfect humidity.
- Join the Moscato Ultra Trail:Whether you run or walk, every refreshment station greets you with peach focaccia and a splash of frizzante — a truly joyful blend of sport, tradition, and sweetness.
- Fly at Dawn Over the Tanaro River: Soar in a hot air balloon as the morning fog lifts, then land for a breakfast of buttery brioche and Brut Nature Asti.
🍽️ A Taste of Piedmont on Your Plate
In Asti, wine is not just for toasting — it’s a way of life, woven into every meal.
Try Robiola di Roccaverano, a creamy goat cheese that melts beautifully with Dry Asti.
In winter, indulge in bagna cauda — a warm anchovy, garlic, and hazelnut oil dip served with artichokes. Pair it with Brut Nature Asti to balance its savory intensity.
And when the first white truffles appear at local markets, treat yourself to a plate of buttery tajarin pasta with shaved truffle and a glass of chilled, sage-scented Moscato d’Asti — the ultimate sweet-and-salty perfection.
For dessert, the local torrone and baci di Cherasco chocolates highlight the floral sweetness of Dolce Asti. Every pairing feels like a love letter to the region.
🏰 Beyond the Vineyards: Nearby Gems
- Alba (35 minutes): The city of a hundred towers, home to the famous truffle market and a Gothic cathedral that glows at sunset. Stop at Enoteca del Duomo for a tasting flight of local treasures.
- Turin (1 hour): Piedmont’s royal capital, where historic cafés serve vermouth and the world-class Egyptian Museum showcases ancient wonders. End your day at Eataly’s original food market, then sip a bicerin — a decadent mix of espresso, chocolate, and cream invented right here.
💛 The Soul of Asti
Asti is more than a destination — it’s a feeling of lightness, celebration, and connection.
It’s the sound of corks popping under golden skies, the scent of ripe peaches and fresh brioche, and the warmth of people who still live by the rhythm of the land.