Castello di Montalero — Attraction in Cerrina Monferrato

While you can find a cooking class in most corners of Italy, you’d be hard pressed to find one that compares to the Montalero experience. What truly makes Castello di Montalero stand out is its gracious hosts - the Watkins family. I admittedly booked the trip a bit on impulse and did not quite grasp the extent to which we’d be hosted by the Watkins family, who make you feel both like the most doted upon guest and an old friend of the family casually staying in their castello home. Days were expertly planned by Charlie (ever cheerful, knowledgeable and accommodating), and included the perfect mix of winery visits, excursions to nearby towns, downtime to enjoy the castello and of course cooking.

For my visit, we were a group of 6 women who arrived independently and left fast friends, bonding over a week of fantastic cooking classes, delicious food, delectable wines (of which there was no short supply), and the breathtaking surroundings of the Monferrato region.

Thank you Chris, Kaarina, Charlie, Edward (& Tinky!) for the most...

Truly an exceptional experience. We spent 5 days at the Castello and our experience was definitely 5 star in all ways. Chris and his family provide a very warm welcome and are a wealth of knowledge and information on this region. The food and service was outstanding and we very much appreciated the abundance of local food and wine. Our cooking classes were not only delicious, they were fun and I will definitely it let be reproducing many of the menus here at home. The castello is beautiful, authentic and relaxing. I cannot recommend a cooking experience this castello enough. If I am lucky. I will be back another...

This is my third time visiting the Castello where you will only find the best of hospitality, a wonderful cookery experience and very nice excursions. This most recent time I came with 7 female friends whose only complaint was "how can we eat all of this wonderful food?"! From the welcoming and gracious proprietors to the lovely staff to the idealic grounds and historic castle you will enjoy your experience here. Book early because they tend to...