Grignolino: The Noble Rebel
Three days of tastings and masterclasses dedicated to the most indomitable grape variety of Monferrato
About Grignolino: The Noble Rebel
Grignolino takes center stage in Grazzano Badoglio
In the hillside village of Grazzano Badoglio, in the province of Asti, Grignolino: The Noble Rebel comes to life every spring, marking one of the most anticipated events for lovers of authentic Piedmontese wine. The festival is entirely dedicated to Grignolino, an indigenous grape variety with an indomitable character: low but firm tannins, a pale color, and an unmistakable aromatic profile. A "rebel" wine because it is difficult to tame in the cellar, yet precisely for this reason, it is capable of stirring emotions in those who appreciate its finesse.
An event signed by AIS Piedmont
The event is promoted by AIS Piedmont through the Asti and Casale Monferrato delegations, under the patronage of the Municipality of Grazzano Badoglio. Over the years, as trade press has noted, the festival has evolved from a bold bet into a consolidated appointment in the regional wine landscape. The heart of the event consists of tasting stations set up in the historic town center, where over one hundred producers present more than one hundred and forty labels, accompanied and explained by sommeliers from the Italian Sommelier Association.
Masterclasses, workshops, and wine culture
Alongside open tastings, the program offers thematic masterclasses led by prominent speakers at the Tenuta Santa Caterina, providing deep insights into Grignolino winemaking styles: from steel to wood, and even late-harvest versions. A highly appreciated novelty is the free Grignolino Pairing workshops, dedicated to food and wine matching, which compare the audience's perceptions and tastes. Each edition also hosts a "guest" grape variety—such as Freisa—to engage in dialogue and comparison with the host.
Among vineyards, cuisine, and territory
The festival is not just about tasting: the gastronomic offering, entrusted to local restaurants like the Ristorante Centrale in Moncalvo, accompanies the tastings with themed dishes, while walks through the vineyards and visits to the famous panoramic "Big Benches" allow visitors to discover the Monferrato wine landscape, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. Grazzano Badoglio, a small town in the Asti area, thus becomes the capital of a proudly unconventional wine for a weekend.
Grignolino: The Noble Rebel — edition 2026
The fifth edition of Grignolino: The Noble Rebel confirmed the village of Grazzano Badoglio as the spring capital of the Piedmontese grape variety. Three days of tasting stations on Via IV Novembre, with over 100 producers and 140 labels described by AIS sommeliers. Among the most appreciated novelties were the free Grignolino Pairing workshops, while the inaugural masterclass "Anarchist and Gentleman" offered a historical vertical tasting culminating in a 1988 Grignolino d'Asti, demonstrating the great aging potential of this wine. The edition featured Freisa as the guest grape variety.
Programme Grignolino: The Noble Rebel 2026
Wednesday, March 25
- 9:00 pm — "Anarchist and Gentleman" masterclass at Tenuta Santa Caterina, with a historical vertical tasting of Grignolino dating back to the 1988 vintage. Led by Mauro Carosso (President of AIS Piedmont) and AIS speakers.
Friday, March 27
- 8:00 pm — Dinner with non-traditional pairings at Il Bagatto restaurant, organized by the "Barbera e Barbere" association.
Saturday, March 28
- 9:15 am — "From Aleramo to Grignolino" walk through the vineyards, with a visit to the panoramic "Big Benches".
- 11:00 am - 7:00 pm — Opening of tasting stations with over 100 producers and 140 labels, guided by AIS sommeliers.
Sunday, March 29
- 11:00 am - 7:00 pm — Tasting stations and free Grignolino Pairing sessions dedicated to food and wine matching.
Monday, March 30
- 10:00 am - 5:00 pm — Final day of tastings. Gastronomic offering by the Ristorante Centrale of Moncalvo.
Highlights Grignolino: The Noble Rebel 2026
- Fifth edition with over 100 producers and 140 Grignolino labels
- "Anarchist and Gentleman" masterclass with a historical vertical tasting and 1988 Grignolino d'Asti
- New feature: free Grignolino Pairing workshops for food and wine matching
- Guest grape variety: Freisa, an indigenous Piedmontese variety
- "From Aleramo to Grignolino" vineyard walk with a visit to the Big Benches
Prices Grignolino: The Noble Rebel 2026
Practical information — Grignolino: The Noble Rebel
How to get there
Grazzano Badoglio is located in the Asti Monferrato and can be reached by car from Asti and Casale Monferrato in about 30 minutes. The main venue for the event is at Via IV Novembre 15, in the historic town center.
Opening hours
Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm; Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Masterclasses and side events take place on the preceding days in the evening.
Admission and tastings
Free entry without reservation. To access the tasting stations, a contribution of €15 is required (€10 for AIS members), which includes a wine glass and a glass holder. Ho.Re.Ca. professionals can request free accreditation by writing to [email protected].
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Where does it take place — Grignolino: The Noble Rebel
Centro storico di Grazzano Badoglio
Via IV Novembre 15, 14035 Grazzano Badoglio