Local Events

Each year, beginning in mid-June, Vignale comes alive with rhythm, energy, and creativity for the Vignale in Danza Festival — a celebration that fills the summer months with dance, culture, and artistic passion.

What began as a local initiative has grown into a vibrant international artistic and social project, deeply rooted in the Monferrato region. The festival beautifully connects local heritage with international dance culture, offering a platform for emerging talents while uniting the community in a shared love of the performing arts.

Throughout the season, visitors can enjoy a rich program of choreographic performances, masterclasses, conferences, and art exhibitions — all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Monferrato's rolling vineyards and hilltop towns.

The heart of the festival beats within the gardens and terraces of Palazzo Callori, Vignale's magnificent historic landmark. From this enchanting setting, performances radiate across the Gran Monferrato region, bringing the magic of dance to nearby towns such as Alessandria, Montecastello, Mirabello Monferrato, and Tonco.

Watching the dancers perform as the sun sets over the vineyards feels almost otherworldly — a moment where art and nature intertwine in perfect harmony.

If you're staying at Il Ritiro during the summer, a night at Vignale in Danza is truly unmissable. Lose yourself in the music, the movement, and the atmosphere — it's not just a performance, it's a dreamlike experience in the heart of Monferrato.

One of our favourite things to do of a weekend is the local Antique and bric-a-brac markets in the Vignale area, these are some of the best ones.

• Alessandria: On the first Sunday of each month in the main Piazza. One of the largest markets in the region and about a 20 minute drive from il Ritiro.
• Moncalvo: On the first Sunday of the month, this market in Piazza Carlo Alberto and Piazza Garibaldi showcases art, handmade goods, glass, leather, and fabrics, alongside traditional antiques.
• Casale Monferrato: Held on the second Sunday of the month, this is one of Piedmont's largest markets, with over 300 exhibitors offering antique furniture, porcelain, glassware, vintage items, books, and industrial furniture.
• Nizza Monferrato: The Mercatino Nicese on the third Sunday of each month features vintage furniture, linens, toys, and more

• Asti: The fourth Sunday of the month brings a historic market with antique furniture, ceramics, rare books, and design objects.

• When: Generally early November (autumn dates) for this event.
• Where: Around the Asti / Monferrato area.
• What: A focus on the Barbera grape, wine tastings in the season of harvest & truffle.
• Tip: Combine with lunch or dinner in a village nearby or in the Asti Piazza.

One of the most significant events for the city of Casale Monferrato—and the entire region. With over a century of history, the festival celebrates Monferrato's wines and gastronomy but offers much beyond that. The heart of the festival is the at the Castle of Casale Monferrato, where, for all six days, 30+ Pro Loco associations will showcase their culinary specialities, and 25+ wine producers will present their best labels. However, the experiences available stretch far beyond food and wine. From outdoor activities to cultural and artistic events. You can expect 5,000 + celebrating nightly at the main event that has fireworks. 

• When: Various dates through the year. Some upcoming: 16 November, 23 November 2025.
• Where: Various villages/hillsides in Monferrato.
• What: Outdoor walking/hiking events, exploring the landscape, villages and vineyards.
• Tip: Bring good walking shoes, dress in layers (autumn can be cool). Good for a more active guests.

During Nizza è Barbera, the town of Nizza Monferrato becomes a big wine capital, where wine lovers, can taste NIZZA D.O.C.G. and all the other Barbera D.O.C.G. and D.O.C. wines from Piedmont, face to face with the people who produce them!

Moncalvo is only a 20 minute drive from il Ritiro. The Moncalvo National Truffle Fair is on in october with hundreds of exhibitors, plenty of opportunities to taste local dishes, and numerous side activities such as excursions, experiences, tours, and tastings. It will liven up the second half of October, creating attractions for everyone!

The 10 best local cycling routes suggested are in the menu tab headed Cycling. There are also a couple of blogs in the blog tab.

When: Sunday 12 October 2025 in Vignale Monferrato.

• What: Focus on local wines, food stands, tasting opportunities and explore the village in autumn.

• Tip: Great for autumn visit.

The Vignale Monferrato UNESCO Club has created a new trail around the town. Follow the poles with the UNESCO logo and colors and immerse yourself in the colors of Monferrato!

Length: approximately 10 km Difficulty: E Travel time: 2.5 hours.

• When: Saturday 14 June 2025, from 18:00 to 20:00.
• What: An itinerant theatre performance through parts of Vignale (infernot, church, etc) tied to the local UNESCO heritage landscape.
• Tip: Good for culture/history lovers. Would pair well with a stroll at dusk in the village and a relaxed dinner afterward.

Hic et Nunc has always stood out for its propensity to develop the wine experience with a creative and original approach. Every year they plan and develop a full calendar of events. Activities are designed to embrace an extremely varied audience, offering diverse initiatives and content that will appeal to couples, families, groups and enthusiasts as a way to discover their innovative and original approach to enhancing the region and their wines through multiple interpretations.

This is the table of events for 2025, contact the winery direct for current offerings. A 5 minute drive from il Ritiro.

• Saturday 27 April: "Oysters and Monferrato"
• Saturday 18 May: "Cabaret with Wine Tasting"
• Sunday 16 June: "Treasure Hunt in The Vineyard"
• Saturday 13 July: "Roots"
• Saturday 10 August: "Night of Stars"
• Sunday 1 September: "Grape Harvest for Children"
• Saturday 2 November: "Wine Tasting with Crime"
• Sunday 17 November: "Truffle Hunting with Wine Tasting"

• When: Summer.
• Where: Various locations in the Monferrato hills.
• What: Jazz & live music events in scenic rural settings, often combined with food/wine and outdoor venue.
• Tip: Check for specific concerts you can attend. 

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Mid December every year there will be a Christmas market in Piazza del Popolo (Vignale Monferrato) with artisan stalls, street food, arrival of Santa Claus (Babbo Natale), zampognari (traditional bagpipe/folk musicians), roasted chestnuts, and children's activities.