Quàttr pass e… Na bela mangioda

A delicious stroll through the vineyards of Cremolino

Quàttr pass e… Na bela mangioda — which translates from the Piedmontese dialect to "a few steps and a great meal" — is the non-competitive food and wine walking tour that brings Cremolino to life every spring. This small village in the Alto Monferrato, located in the province of Alessandria, Piedmont, hosts the event organized by the Pro Loco Cremolino, inviting participants to walk about 15 kilometers through vineyards, forest trails, and scenic viewpoints across the Alessandria hills, perfectly balancing the pleasure of hiking with the joys of the table.

The concept: walk, eat, and drink

The idea that made this event famous is as simple as it is irresistible: you walk through art, history, and the Dolcetto di Ovada vineyards, stopping at various intervals to sample local cuisine. Each participant receives a glass to hang around their neck and a "passport" to be stamped at every stop, while tables and chairs are provided to enjoy the courses at a leisurely pace. Departures are staggered from the historic center to prevent congestion at rest areas and maintain the relaxed, convivial rhythm that defines the day.

The gastronomic stops

The route winds from farmhouse to farmhouse, visiting local agricultural estates. Among the most popular food and wine stops in past editions are:

• Start: savory focaccia with pancetta, coffee, and cappuccino;
• bread, fava beans, and salami near the Santuario della Bruceta;
• panino with anchovies and bagnetto verde (parsley sauce);
• tasting of Dolcetto di Ovada D.O.C.;
• tagliatelle with meat ragù paired with local wine;
• grilled sausage with French fries;
• rabbit prepared in the Cremolino style;
• finish: hazelnut cake and bunet, the classic Piedmontese chocolate pudding.

All dishes are accompanied by local D.O.C. wines, particularly Dolcetto, the signature wine of the Ovada area.

Art, history, and landscape

Beyond the food, the walk is an opportunity to discover the heritage of Cremolino: the village, dominated by its castle and the Santuario della Madonna della Bruceta, overlooks a hilly landscape of vineyards and woods that tells the story of the Alto Monferrato's winemaking vocation. The route crosses vine rows, farmhouses, and nature trails, offering a delightful outdoor experience for families, groups of friends, and food lovers.

A community event

Meticulously managed by the volunteers of the Pro Loco, the event is appreciated for its warm hospitality and efficient organization. It is an event that combines the promotion of local products, the enhancement of the Cremolino area, and the festive spirit that has always accompanied traditional Piedmontese festivals. Booking is mandatory, given the organized nature of the stops along the route.