A food and wine walk around the castle of Montemale, in Valle Grana
Ape a Pé — Food and Wine Walk is one of the most anticipated events of the season in Montemale di Cuneo, a small town in the Province of Cuneo, Piedmont, perched at nearly 1,000 meters above sea level at the entrance to Valle Grana. The format combines two simple, authentic pleasures: walking immersed in nature and stopping to savor the local flavors, one stop at a time.
The heart of the event is a loop trail that winds around the historic Castle of Montemale, the village's landmark and a prime vantage point over the Cuneo Alps. The route is designed to be accessible and pleasant, suitable for both adults and children, meant to be walked at a leisurely pace while enjoying every stop. The entire circuit, including the gourmet breaks, takes about an hour and a half.
Along the path, three food and wine stops are set up: at each, participants can choose an alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitif accompanied by appetizers for a taste of local products. The walk concludes in front of the Trattoria del Castello, where the experience ends in a convivial atmosphere with a plate of gnocchi and a dessert.
To ensure the quality of the experience, spots are limited and booking is mandatory. Groups depart every 30 minutes from in front of the Trattoria del Castello, distributing walkers along the trail and avoiding crowds at the stops. It is a smart way to enjoy the event at your own pace, in small groups, while soaking in the landscape and gastronomy.
Historically linked to the Ferragosto period, the event has also been held earlier in the summer, just after the end of the school year, to offer a festive day during the first Sundays of the warm season. Now in its fifth edition, Ape a Pé confirms the bond between Montemale, its community, and a tradition of hospitality that turns good food and outdoor walking into a gathering occasion for families, hikers, and curious visitors.
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, Montemale di Cuneo hosted the fifth edition of Ape a Pé, the food and wine walk around the castle. The event, traditionally linked to the Ferragosto period, was moved to the beginning of the summer, on the first available Sunday after the end of the school year.
Participants walked the loop trail around the castle with three food and wine stops: at each, an aperitif, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, accompanied by appetizers. The conclusion, in front of the Trattoria del Castello, featured a plate of gnocchi and dessert. Departures took place in groups every 30 minutes, with limited spots and mandatory booking.
Montemale di Cuneo (Postal Code 12025), Province of Cuneo, Piedmont. Start and finish in front of the Trattoria del Castello, along the loop trail around the castle.
By car: Montemale can be reached from Cuneo (about 14 km) heading up towards Valle Grana, or from Dronero and Caraglio. By train: the reference station is Cuneo, with onward travel by car or bus towards the valley.
Limited spots and mandatory booking. Departures are staggered every 30 minutes from the Trattoria del Castello. Indicative participation fee: 25 euros for adults, 12 euros for children aged 4 to 10, free for children up to 3 years old. It is recommended to check times and availability by contacting the organizers directly.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for a country trail and bring water. The route is designed for children, but it is advisable to assess the pace of the little ones.
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Trattoria del Castello