An ancient tradition is returning to prominence on the hills of Monferrato: olive growing and olive oil production.
This practice, once widespread, gradually began to be abandoned in favour of vine cultivation from the 18th century onwards and, even more dramatically, after a small ice age around 1850, which decimated the area’s olive trees.
Today, helped in part by climate change—which is once again favouring olive cultivation and the production of high-quality oil—several farms are successfully investing in olive growing again, for a product that has already proven itself worthy of the food-and-wine excellences that have helped make Monferrato famous around the world.
Tasting Monferrato olive oil and taking an e-bike tour to discover Piedmont’s first Città dell’Olio
Leading this green revival is the small village of Olivola, which officially joined the Città dell’Olio network in 2024—currently the only municipality in Piedmont to hold this recognition.
Alongside the beauty of the village, with its Pietra da Cantone stone houses and panoramic views over the surrounding hills, comes the appeal of a food-and-wine tradition that is attracting growing interest.
Exploring the beauty of Olivola and its surroundings can go hand in hand with discovering the aromas and flavours of Monferrato olive oil, on a route that combines an e-bike adventure with a tasting and sensory workshop, thanks to the “La via dell’Olio” experience.
The itinerary introduces you to the families who have brought this thousand-year-old cultivation back alongside the vineyards in the area between Olivola, Ottiglio, Ponzano Monferrato, Sala Monferrato, Moncalvo, Grana and Alfiano Natta.
The experience includes a tasting at one of the wineries on the Strada del Grignolino and the exclusive LaboratOLIO: you’ll smell unexpected aromas, identify colours and textures, and taste flavour combinations that will surprise your senses.
Discover more and book the experience
Monferrato olive oil takes centre stage at Golosaria 2026
As part of Golosaria, the event celebrating Monferrato’s food-and-wine excellences and the beauty of its villages, olive oil will be at the heart of a series of events connected to the De.Co. recognition for the olive groves of Murisengo Monferrato.
The event will take place on Saturday 16 May, from 17:00 to 19:00, and includes a nature walk through the olive groves, guided by Anna Bruno, to discover wild and medicinal plants.
Afterwards, in Piazza Boario, there will be a musical aperitif with local products: cured meats, goat’s blue cheese, bruschetta, focaccine and extra virgin olive oil, accompanied by wine and cocktails.
Discover all Golosaria 2026 events
A weekend in Olivola: relaxation and wellbeing at Olivola Apartments
If you want to enjoy a weekend in Olivola and its surroundings at an unhurried, relaxing pace, Olivola Apartments are the perfect place to stay. Set in the heart of the village’s medieval centre, these charming apartments welcome guests into the refined atmosphere of a historic residence.
Every space has its own story to tell: frescoed ceilings meet contemporary artworks in interiors where character and elegance go hand in hand. Generous rooms, bright spaces designed for relaxation, and carefully chosen details turn every stay into something far more memorable than a simple overnight stop.
All around, the setting is just as special: a panoramic terrace opening onto the Monferrato hills, a courtyard enhanced by a swimming pool and a flower-filled garden, and a wellness area with gym and sauna—ideal for recharging after days spent exploring vineyards, castles and the landscapes of the area.
