Bacchetti: Vineyards, Trails and Rural Character

Bacchetti in the hills of Silvano d'Orba

Bacchetti is one of the rural settlements of ancient origin lining the hilly area of Silvano d'Orba. The area can be explored on a journey through the landscape primarily through two themes: the wine tradition of Dolcetto d'Ovada and the trails connecting Bacchetti with Silvano d'Orba and other places. This makes Bacchetti a destination for visitors who wish to experience the character of the countryside together with regional trails and local food culture.

Dolcetto and vineyards

Bacchetti is regarded as a historic area for the production of Dolcetto d'Ovada. The vineyards of Cantine Gandino are located in various areas of Silvano d'Orba, predominantly in the hamlet of Bacchetti. This creates a clear local focus: the name of the place represents not only a rural settlement, but also a wine-growing tradition associated with Dolcetto. The culinary side extends beyond wine, as the Sagra del dolcetto originated with wine, bread with salami and sweet focaccia—combined with the idea of holding a festival.

Walking and cycling routes

Various routes lead from Silvano d'Orba to the hamlet of Bacchetti on foot or by bicycle. The route “Passeggiando fra Castelli, Pievi e Vigneti” included the hamlet of Bacchetti. From Bacchetti, it continues via Ravino to Castelletto d'Orba. Another route connection runs from Silvano d'Orba via Pieve, Bacchetti and Setteventi to the strada costiera. If you would like to compare different stage lengths, the sixth stage, Silvano d'Orba–Castelletto d'Orba, provides a clear reference point at 7 kilometres.

Route and surface

The sixth stage, Silvano d'Orba–Castelletto d'Orba, includes the junction with the Strada comunale dei Bacchetti at kilometre 2; this section is unpaved. At kilometre 3, the hamlet of Bacchetti is connected to this stage, while the remainder of the route is paved. For your planning, this means that the unpaved section at kilometre 2 and the paved section that follows should be considered separately.

Culture between hiking and festivals

During the FAI Autumn Days on 14 and 15 October 2023, the walk “Passeggiata tra Castelli, Pievi e Vigneti” was organised from Silvano to the Pieve along the strada della Costa. On 8 July 2023, the book “La sagra del Dolcetto dei Bacchetti” by Giampiero Pesce was presented at the Corte di Padre Dionisio. The Festa del Dolcetto was held in Bacchetti until the early 2000s and attracted many lovers of good food and wine. These highlights show Bacchetti as a place where wine, rural trails and local culture come together in different forms.

Other places: Frassinello Monferrato, Ciglione, Pozzolo Formigaro, Cereseto, Montecapraro, Casale Monferrato, Morano Sul Po, Borgo San Martino

For the broader travel overview: Alessandria.