Douja d'Or: Pico

Wine at the center, discovering the excellence of the Asti area.

The Douja d’Or is one of the three flagship events of Asti’s September, alongside the Palio and the Festival of Festivals.

Asti, capital of wine, also renowned for its exquisite gastronomy, reveals itself over ten days through tastings, performances, and cultural itineraries against the backdrop of one of the most prestigious national wine competitions.

The heart of the event will be Piazza San Secondo, transformed into the “Wine Salon”: a place of encounter between local excellence and international guests.

Tastings, showcooking, masterclasses, and events throughout the city will make the Douja an immersive experience accessible to all.

Pico: the wine landscape between lava and ocean

Masterclass curated by the Association for the Heritage of the Wine Landscapes of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato

4:00 PM → 6:00 PM

Between volcanic rock, wind and ocean, the island of Pico, in the Azores, holds a wine landscape unique in the world.

Here, small rectangular plots, the currais, are enclosed by thousands of stone walls built to protect the vines from the wind and salt spray of the Atlantic.

An extraordinary work of human adaptation to the environment, born together with viticulture on the island starting in the 15th century.

Vineyards, cellars, dwellings, churches and ports compose a landscape of exceptional beauty, testimony to an agricultural practice once far more widespread.

The UNESCO recognition Landscape of the Wine Culture of Pico Island tells of a viticulture born from the challenge with nature and become part of the island’s identity.

The masterclass will be a journey through the wines of Pico, to discover the character of a territory shaped by fire, ocean and human ingenuity.

Max 25 participants.

Barbera and Parmigiano. Let’s age together

Masterclass curated by Coldiretti

19:00 → 22:00

A masterclass-tasting dedicated to the encounter between Barbera d’Asti and Parmigiano Reggiano, to explore how time and aging can transform aromas, textures and taste balances.

Stars of the appointment will be four Barbera d’Asti, offered in guided tasting paired with four different ages of Parmigiano Reggiano.

Guest of the event will be Azienda Agricola Sangonelli Antonio Delbono Gabriella, with “SolodiBruna” milk.

Leading the tasting will be Alice Sattanino, Master Taster ONAF, who will accompany the audience in discovering the characteristics of the cheeses and the possible harmonies with the different expressions of Barbera d’Asti.

Max 20 participants.

Two sessions are scheduled: 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM.

The Colors of Asti DOCG

Masterclass curated by Consorzio per la Tutela dell’Asti

7:00 PM → 8:15 PM

“The Colors of Asti DOCG”: a unique journey by Consorzio Tutela dell’Asti.

From straw yellow to golden, to Rosè hues: discover the richness of a great denomination through 4 wines for tasting, one color at a time.

Pairings of sweet and savory pastries.

Max 25 participants.

La Douja

Pronounced dùia, in Piedmontese dialect it is the ancient earthenware vessel used for decanting, storing and serving wine.

The Piedmontese mask Gianduja, Gian d’la Douja, uses it instead of a glass for his merry drinking.

In Asti , the Douja d’Or is synonymous with the wine festival, now a must-see event in Piedmont.

Food, culture and Monferrato become the co-protagonists of a festival that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the traditions of the Asti area, which has always had a vocation for great food and wine.

Tastings of the great wines of Asti are accompanied by cultural, artistic, and gastronomic initiatives throughout the Monferrato astigiano.

Tourism lovers in Piedmont discover here ancient villages and hills shaped by vineyards in breathtaking landscapes recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.