Gabiano Castle is a perfectly preserved medieval fortress and a prestigious winery in the hills of Monferrato, near Alessandria. The visit includes the historic rock-cut cellars, the eighteenth-century frescoed halls, and guided tastings of local wines. The castle, a private residence of the Cattaneo Adorno family, offers an authentic experience blending history and viticulture.
- Guided tastings of Gabiano Rosso DOC reserve and wines produced exclusively in the cellar.
- Historic cellars carved into the hillside on three levels, with bottles dating back to 1891.
- Century-old vineyards spanning 50 hectares with vines over seventy years old, cultivated using sustainable methods.
- Breathtaking panoramas over the surrounding vineyards, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Guided tour of the medieval castle with tastings of Gabiano Rosso DOC, eighteenth-century frescoed halls, and views over the UNESCO World Heritage hills of Monferrato.
- http://www.castellodigabiano.com
- accoglienza@castellodigabiano.com
- Via San Defendente 2, Alessandria (AL)
- +39 0142 945004
- Open in Google Maps
- View on Google Images Castello di Gabiano a Alessandria
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Introduction
The Castle of Gabiano dominates the hills of Monferrato Alessandrino with a presence that inseparably blends history and winemaking. Approaching from any direction, it can be seen from afar: an imposing medieval structure surrounded by vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014. It’s not just a visitable castle, but a living place where the renowned Gabiano DOC is produced and the authentic Piedmontese atmosphere can be felt. The view from its towers embraces a landscape of gentle slopes cultivated with Barbera and Grignolino grapes, with the Po River flowing peacefully in the distance. Here, history isn’t confined to books but can be touched in the rock-carved cellars and frescoed halls that narrate centuries of noble life.
Historical Overview
The earliest records of the castle date back to the 8th century, when it was built as a Lombard defensive fortress. During the Middle Ages, it passed to the Marquises of Monferrato, who made it a bulwark against invasions. Its peak of splendor came with the Cattaneo family, Genoese nobles who in the 17th century transformed the fortress into a stately residence, enriching it with frescoes and expanding the cellars. During the Napoleonic occupation, the castle was partially dismantled, but subsequent owners—the Dukes of Galliera—initiated its restoration in the late 19th century. Today, it is privately owned but open to the public, with guided tours that reveal these historical chapters through perfectly preserved rooms.
- 8th century: first Lombard fortifications
- 13th century: rule of the Marquises of Monferrato
- 17th century: transformation into a stately residence
- 19th century: restoration by the Dukes of Galliera
The Historic Wine Cellars
Descending into the cellars of Gabiano Castle means entering an underground world where time seems to have stood still. The tunnels, carved directly into the hillside between the 12th and 18th centuries, extend for over a kilometer across three levels, maintaining a constant temperature year-round. Here rest the French oak barrels containing the estate’s wines, with the Gabiano Rosso DOC standing out—produced exclusively from Barbera grapes of the surrounding vineyards. During the visit, you can observe the ancient concrete fermentation tanks still in use and the large barrels where the wine slowly matures. The highlight is the founders’ cellar, where historic bottles dating back to 1891 are preserved, bearing witness to the long winemaking tradition of this place.
The Centuries-Old Vineyards
The castle vineyards stretch across 50 hectares surrounding the main building, with vines that in some cases exceed 70 years of age. The location is strategic: southwest exposure, altitude between 250 and 320 meters, limestone and clay soils ideal for Barbera and Grignolino. Walking between the rows, one immediately notices the traditional planting density, with approximately 5,000 vines per hectare, and the absence of forced irrigation, which forces the vines to develop deep roots. Native grape varieties are cultivated using sustainable methods, as evidenced by the bees near the vineyards for natural pollination. During the harvest, which takes place strictly by hand between September and October, the castle organizes picking experiences for the most passionate visitors.
Why Visit
Three concrete reasons make Gabiano Castle unmissable. First: the guided tastings always include Gabiano Rosso DOC riserva, a wine produced only in exceptional vintages and aged for at least three years. Second: the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the winery that aren’t distributed elsewhere, such as the rare passito from Moscato grapes. Third: the food and wine tours pair the visit with local products like Monferrato’s plin pasta and alpine cheeses, creating a complete Piedmontese experience.
When to Visit
The most enchanting time for a visit is undoubtedly sunset, when the sun setting behind the hills paints the castle towers in shades of red and the vineyards take on golden hues. In autumn, during the grape harvest, the atmosphere is particularly vibrant with activity in the winery and the scents of freshly picked grapes. Spring mornings also offer special moments, with the mist slowly lifting over the vine rows.
In the Surroundings
To complete your experience in the Alessandria Monferrato area, just a few minutes from the castle you’ll find the Abbey of Vezzolano, a Romanesque jewel from the 12th century with a perfectly preserved cloister and medieval frescoes. For wine lovers, it’s worth visiting the Rosignano Winery Cooperative, where the renowned wines of Casalese Monferrato are produced using traditional methods.
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💡 Did You Know…?
Legend has it that the ghost of a white lady is hidden in the castle, said to appear on full moon nights. Historically, during World War II, the cellars were used as an air-raid shelter by the local population. Today, in the underground rooms, you can still see the graffiti left by the refugees, silent testimony to that dramatic period.