Canelli is a small town of approximately 10,000 inhabitants, nestled in the heart of Monferrato. Together with Nizza Monferrato, it is the second most important centre in the province of Asti, both as a productive and cultural hub and in terms of population. In 2014, the town and its traditions surrounding Asti Spumante, of which it is the beating heart, were included on the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognising the area’s extraordinary historical and cultural value and the distinctive landscape surrounding it, shaped by vineyards tended and cultivated by farmers for decades. It was in Canelli, through the production of the Moscato Bianco grape variety, that the history of great Italian sparkling wines began, culminating in the excellence of Asti Spumante. Architectural gems of this fascinating wine-producing world are the famous “Underground Cathedrals”, true masterpieces of winemaking engineering and architecture. Associated with historic, world-renowned brands such as Gancia, Coppo, Contratto and Bosca, these “Cathedrals” are magnificent cellars distinguished by exposed-brick vaulted spaces that branch into the man-made tuff caves beneath the town, where millions of bottles ferment at a constant temperature, acquiring the aromas and flavours typical of sparkling wine produced using the traditional method. Canelli is also a convenient base for exploring the Langhe, Monferrato and Piedmont in general: it is half an hour from Alba and Asti, 15 minutes from Nizza Monferrato, 30 minutes from Acqui Terme and one hour from Turin. Many events are held throughout the year, including Canelli City of Wine, the Spring Festival, Stracanelli, the Regional Truffle Fair and the San Martino Fair, as well as the Palio di Asti, in which Canelli competes against several other towns in the region.