Cantine Aperte in Ghemme

Cantine Aperte in Ghemme: Celebrating the Nebbiolo of Upper Piedmont

Every year, on the last weekend of May, the town of Ghemme (Province of Novara, Piedmont) participates in Cantine Aperte, the event that pioneered wine tourism in Italy. Promoted by the Movimento Turismo del Vino, the event reached its 34th national edition in 2026, involving hundreds of wineries across the country. In Ghemme, member wineries open their doors to enthusiasts, transforming vineyards and barrel rooms into immersive, hands-on experiences.

Ghemme DOCG, a Great Red from the Novara Hills

Ghemme is a benchmark for Upper Piedmont: here, the Nebbiolo grape—locally known as Spanna—gives life to Ghemme DOCG, a red wine of extreme finesse that is aged for at least 34 months, with a minimum of 18 months in wood. The clayey, silty, and pebbly soils of glacial origin produce wines of great balance. It is no coincidence that as early as the Renaissance, the town supplied wine to the courts of the Visconti and Sforza families. Historic wineries like Ioppa, active since 1852 and now in its seventh generation, tell the story of an unbroken winemaking tradition.

What to do during Cantine Aperte

During the weekend, each winery creates its own bespoke program. In Ghemme and the Upper Piedmont circuit, visitors can enjoy:

• Guided tastings of Ghemme DOCG and other local Nebbiolos (Gattinara, Boca, Bramaterra, Colline Novaresi)
• Winery tours, exploring barrel rooms and vineyards
• Picnics among the vines, traditional afternoon snacks (merende sinoire), and pairings with typical Novara products
• Masterclasses and vertical tastings for connoisseurs
• Sensory paths, e-bike tours, and outdoor activities among the hills

The event is part of the Consorzio Tutela Nebbioli Alto Piemonte circuit and highlights a territory that is part of the UNESCO Sesia Val Grande Geopark.

A Village to Discover

Beyond the wine, Ghemme offers the evocative medieval Ricetto, one of the best-preserved rural fortifications in Piedmont. Visiting the wineries during Cantine Aperte means combining a passion for great Nebbiolo with the discovery of an authentic village in the Province of Novara, away from the most crowded tourist circuits but offering top-tier oenological quality.