Ape a Pé — Food and Wine Walk
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Wine Local produce

Ape a Pé — Food and Wine Walk

A food and wine walk around the castle of Montemale, in Valle Grana

Montemale di Cuneo — Cuneo (004) Since 2021
Dates 14 Jun — 14 Jun 2026
Location Montemale di Cuneo (004)
Prices
Status Finished

About Ape a Pé

Ape a Pé is the annual food and wine walk that transforms the village of Montemale di Cuneo, in Valle Grana, into a journey of taste and nature. Along the loop trail around the castle, participants enjoy three gourmet stops: each featuring an alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitif paired with appetizers, before arriving at the Trattoria del Castello for a plate of gnocchi and dessert. It is a slow-paced experience suitable for adults and children, set against the stunning backdrop of the Cuneo Alps.

A gourmet walk 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 trail around the castle

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.

Three gourmet stops and the grand finale

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.

A reservation-only event with staggered departures

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.

A renewing tradition

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.

Why participate

  • A scenic route around the Castle of Montemale, in the heart of Valle Grana.
  • Three stops with aperitifs and appetizers, plus gnocchi and dessert at the finish line.
  • A family-friendly experience, suitable even for the little ones.
  • Staggered departures every half hour in small groups, by reservation only.

Ape a Pé — edition 2026

The fifth edition of Ape a Pé took place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, in Montemale di Cuneo, moved forward from the traditional Ferragosto date. Along the loop trail around the castle, three food and wine stops were planned, with alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitifs and appetizers, ending at the Trattoria del Castello with gnocchi and dessert. Limited spots, mandatory booking, and departures every 30 minutes.

Ape a Pé 2026 — the fifth edition

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.

The route and the stops

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.

Programme Ape a Pé 2026

Program

  • Meeting point and staggered departures every 30 minutes from the Trattoria del Castello.
  • Loop trail around the Castle of Montemale, approximate duration of one and a half hours including stops.
  • Three food and wine stops with alcoholic or non-alcoholic aperitifs and appetizers.
  • Final stop at the Trattoria del Castello with gnocchi and dessert.

Highlights Ape a Pé 2026

  • Fifth edition, moved forward from the traditional Ferragosto date.
  • Scenic route around the castle, suitable for adults and children.
  • Three aperitifs along the way and a finale with gnocchi and dessert.

Prices Ape a Pé 2026

<p>Indicative participation fee: 25 euros for adults, 12 euros for children aged 4 to 10, free for children up to 3 years old. Limited spots, mandatory booking.</p>

Practical information — Ape a Pé

Where

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.

How to get there

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.

Booking and rates

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.

Tips

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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Where does it take place — Ape a Pé

Trattoria del Castello

Ape a Pé in brief

Gastronomy Wine Local produce Hiking Mountain Folk traditions Folklore Family Outdoor Participatory Cuneo

History of Ape a Pé