When you leave the expressway or train station at Asti, you enter Astesana, an ancient land with scores of castles, evidence of many small capitals and illustrious houses.

Monferrato is north of the Tanaro, or to the east (in the province of Alessandria); Roero is to the west, and the Langhe begin to the southwest.

Astesana is the most fertile area of the province of Asti, with over 50 closely-located towns and cities (an average of 3 to 5 km. apart): an invitation to stroll. This area alone produces a third of Piemonte's wine, including outstanding Barbera and aromatic Moscato and Brachetto. It's also the birthplace of Italian spumante (sparkling wine). Here you find extraordinary grappas and the only Italian DOP goat's milk cheese, incredible vegetables and Piemonte's most aromatic truffles.

The Wine Road has taken the old name of Astesana and used it to protect eight routes, all running along peaceful secondary roads, with magnificent panoramas from hilltops called "the hills of quality". There are over 300 wineries (most private, some cooperative) available for visits, tastings, purchases.

In these towns, always featuring a castle or a tower, churches at turns imposing or meekly set at the intersection of country roads, the visitor's biggest surprise is food, especially in restaurants, but also in shops. There are over one hundred Asti dishes based on centuries of tradition, a range without equal in other regions. You'll never be bored in this region, with over 20 thousand table settings available at restaurants and farm holiday facilities.
An exceptional welcome awaits the gourmet tourist, with dozens of festive events every month and countless accomodations, from quality farm holidays to small, gracious hotels.