Canelli is a town of approximately 10,000 inhabitants, nestled in the heart of Monferrato. Together with Nizza Monferrato, it is the second most important center in the province of Asti, both in terms of its productive and cultural significance and its population. In 2014, the town and its tradition linked to Asti Spumante, of which it is the beating heart, were included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognizing the territory’s extraordinary historical and cultural value, together with the distinctive landscape surrounding it, shaped by expanses of vineyards tended and cultivated over the decades by local farmers. It was precisely in Canelli, through the processing of the Moscato Bianco grape, that the history of Italy’s great sparkling wines began, reaching excellence with Asti Spumante. Architectural jewels of this fascinating wine-producing world are the famous “Underground Cathedrals,” true masterpieces of oenological engineering and architecture. Associated with historic brands known throughout the world, such as Gancia, Coppo, Contratto and Bosca, these “cathedrals” are magnificent cellars featuring rooms with exposed, unplastered brick vaults that extend into the tuff caves excavated by humans beneath the town. Here, millions of bottles are left to ferment at a constant temperature, acquiring the aromas and flavors typical of the traditional-method sparkling wine. Canelli is also a convenient starting point for exploring the Langhe, Monferrato and Piedmont in general: it is half an hour from Alba and Asti, 15 minutes from Nizza Monferrato and 30 minutes from Acqui Terme. It is conveniently located for access to the airports of Turin, Milan and Genoa; in an hour and a half, one can reach the Ligurian coast as well as Piedmont’s ski resorts. Numerous events are held throughout the year, including Canelli, City of Wine, the Spring Festival, Stracanelli, the Regional Truffle Fair and the San Martin Fair, as well as the Palio of Asti, in which Canelli competes alongside several other towns in the area.