🚵‍♀️ A Scenic Ride from Il Ritiro: Exploring Vignale Monferrato on Two Wheels

Ciao from Il Ritiro! 🌿
One of our favorite ways to enjoy the Monferrato hills (aside from sipping Barbera on the terrace, of course 😉) is to hop on a bike and explore the countryside that stretches right beyond our gates.

Today's ride is another gem — a beautiful, easygoing loop starting right here in Vignale Monferrato, perfect for a morning spin or an afternoon adventure. It's a trail that blends quiet country roads, vineyard paths, and panoramic views — ideal for mountain bikes and anyone ready to soak up some Piedmont sunshine! ☀️

🚴 The Route at a Glance

This ride is a mix of asphalt, dirt tracks, and nature trails, offering just enough variety to keep things interesting — but nothing too challenging. Here's what you'll roll over:

• 🛣️ Asphalt: 2.4 km

• 🌾 Dirt road: 943 m

• 🌿 Nature trail: 5.6 km

• 🚶 Path: 261 m

• 🏘️ Street: 429 m

So yes — a bit of everything, but mostly smooth sailing through the countryside!

🌳 From Palazzo Callori to the Vineyards

Start from the public gardens just below Palazzo Callori, home to the Regional Wine Shop of Monferrato (a great place to stop after the ride for a tasting, just saying 🍷).

Pedal down Via Massimo d'Azeglio, take a left at the end, then another left at the fork. Continue a short way on Via Besso, then turn onto Via IV Novembre — locally known as l'Articiuchera, or "Artichoke Street." It's lined with sunny vegetable gardens that feel straight out of a postcard.

Once you reach Piazza della Peisa, follow Via Rossi toward San Lorenzo, then take a right onto a downhill dirt road wrapped in greenery. Keep straight at the fork and enjoy the open views — the town stretches beautifully across the landscape here.

🍇 Into the Valley and Up Again

You'll pass by the Merli and Interzenga farmhouses before descending toward the valley floor, heading toward Altavilla station. When you reach the provincial road, don't cross it — instead, turn left onto the dirt road that runs alongside it.

From here, the path winds gently through meadows and tree-lined stretches. When you spot a house, turn left and begin your climb through the vineyards toward Cascine Coste, a group of farmhouses perched in a panoramic spot that's well worth a quick pause (and photo op 📸).

Continue right onto a country road, then left and right again to reach Valle di San Pietro. You'll pass a shimmering pond on your right, then follow the trail past tall white poplars toward Cascina Boschetto and Cascine San Siro.

The path meanders through vineyards before bringing you back toward San Lorenzo, and finally the main provincial road near the Missionary Cross. Turn right here, then left past Cascina Pomera, following a lovely descending path through the valley.

🌾 The Home Stretch

The final stretch is a relaxed two-kilometer ride along a straight, peaceful road surrounded by fields and greenery — pure Monferrato magic. As the road begins to climb again, you'll spot Vignale coming into view, its terracotta rooftops glowing in the sun.

From here, you can either retrace your route back to Palazzo Callori — or just coast straight home to Il Ritiro, where a cool drink (and maybe a dip in the pool) awaits. 🏡✨

📍 Waypoints of Interest

Here are a few lovely stops along the way — some for sightseeing, some for snapping photos, and some just for the joy of the name:

• Callori Palace, Vignale — 0 km

• Alberta Farmhouse — 0.1 km

• "The Cat" (yes, really!) — 0.1 km

• The Ancient Village — 0.4 km

• The Courtyard Inn — 0.4 km

• Cascina Intersenga Uno — 1.7 km

• The Apple — 5.9 km

• "Mountains" viewpoint — 9.2 km

• Callori Palace, Vignale — 9.7 km

💬 From Our Saddle to Yours

What we love most about this route is how it captures the essence of Monferrato — the rolling hills, the quiet farmhouses, the smell of earth and vines, and that golden light that makes everything look like a painting.

Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just up for a leisurely ride with plenty of photo stops, this is a wonderful way to spend a few hours exploring the beauty right around Il Ritiro.

So grab your helmet, fill your water bottle, and let's ride! 🚴‍♂️🍇

See you on the trail — and back at Il Ritiro for a well-earned glass of wine!
— The Il Ritiro Team 🍷