Belveglio Bagna Cauda Festival

An autumn classic of the Asti Monferrato

The Bagna Cauda Festival in Belveglio is one of the most beloved gastronomic events of the Piedmontese autumn. In the small town of Belveglio, in the Province of Asti, at the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage wine-growing region of Monferrato, the Pro Loco Belveglio & Friends has been organizing a festival entirely dedicated to Piedmont's most iconic dish for nearly forty years. The 2025 edition marked the 38th year, a testament to a deeply rooted tradition cherished by the local community.

Bagna cauda: rustic cuisine, intense flavor

Bagna cauda is a warm sauce made from garlic, anchovies, and extra virgin olive oil, slow-cooked until creamy. In Belveglio, it is served steaming in traditional fujot—small terracotta pots placed over a tea light to keep the sauce warm throughout the meal. In the best tradition of peasant cooking, bagna cauda is enjoyed by dipping raw and cooked seasonal vegetables; the absolute star is the Nizza Monferrato cardoon, a local specialty, alongside peppers, Jerusalem artichokes, and other vegetables. A more delicate, garlic-free version is also available for those who prefer it.

The traditional menu

The menu offered during the festival is a classic Piedmontese village feast, designed to complement the bagna cauda:

• A trio of rustic local appetizers
• Bagna cauda served in a fujot with Nizza Monferrato cardoons and seasonal vegetables (garlic-free version available)
• Cappelletti in broth
• Homemade dessert

The meal is paired with the great red wines of the Asti Monferrato, available by the glass. A dedicated menu with an appetizer, main course, and dessert is provided for children. You can also purchase the traditional terracotta pot as a souvenir of the festival.

More than just gastronomy

The Bagna Cauda Festival is not just about taste. Over the years, the event has been enriched with cultural highlights, such as the "Bagna cauda, art on the table" painting competition, which pairs works by local artists with Piedmont's signature dish, and moments of conviviality that bring the entire village of Belveglio to life. The event is sponsored by the Piedmont Region, the Province of Asti, the Municipality of Belveglio, and the Langhe Monferrato Roero association, confirming its value in promoting the territory.

A community celebration

The beating heart of the event is the Pro Loco Belveglio & Friends, whose volunteers keep a tradition alive that unites generations around the table. Reservations are required to attend the meals, given the limited seating in the Salone di Via XX Settembre. The Belveglio Bagna Cauda Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover the authentic hospitality of the Monferrato and to enjoy one of the region's most beloved dishes during the time-honored season.