Festival weekend planner
Il Gavi — a 3-day weekend in Piedmont
18–20 September. Gavi, Italy. 70 min from the airport.
The weekend, day by day
- Day 1
Arrive in Gavi
Land at Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (GOA), settle in and walk the old town in the afternoon. Light dinner near your accommodation — save your appetite for the festival day.
- Day 2
Il Gavi
Festival day — arrive early to avoid the lunchtime crowd. Pace yourself across the tastings and break for a long lunch mid-afternoon.
- Day 3
Wine country day in Piedmont
Use the third day for a single winery visit (booked ahead) and a long lunch before heading home.
Where to stay
- Hotels in Gavi
Live availability around the festival dates. Festival hotels book out 6+ months ahead, so check early.
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One winery worth a detour
Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio
WTG pickOne of Barolo's last true traditionalists, producing monopole wines in a garage-sized cellar with zero marketing.
- Address
- Via Borgonuovo 108, 12060 Castiglione Falletto, Piedmont, Italy
- Appointment
- required
- Tasting price
- Free tasting by appointment
- Website
- Visit
Where to eat
Osteria dell'Arco
€€Alba institution for traditional Piemontese dishes, excellent truffle season menu
Must try: Tajarin al tartufo
More dining picks in Piedmont →Practical
- Nearest airport
- Genoa Cristoforo Colombo (GOA)
- Festival site
- Visit official site
Insider tip
Gavi pairs exceptionally with Ligurian seafood — the town sits at the gateway between Piedmont and the Ligurian coast. The Forte di Gavi fortress is one of the finest Baroque military structures in northern Italy.
Want a longer trip than the festival weekend?
The milestone-trip planner builds a 3–10 day Piedmont itinerary with accommodation, tours, and pacing options.
Plan a Piedmont trip →