Piedmont is famous for its excellent wines and for the rice fields which are such a prominent feature of the landscape. The mid-Novara area between the Sesia and Ticino rivers and bordering on the province of Vercelli is a gourmet’s paradise, where the traditions of good food and wine are still genuine and jealously guarded.

The gentle Novara hills are characterised by neat rows of vines, sparkling waters and great rice fields, which provide a fascinating natural environment with the added value of the heritage of food and wine it produces. The land is particularly favourable for growing grapes, so it is not surprising that the DOC and DOCG wines produced here have a prestige and a reputation that go back to Roman times.

The villages of the Novara hinterland conserve their essentially rural character, and are rightly proud of their status as “wine villages”, with traditions handed down through the centuries.

West of Novara is the picturesque hamlet of Gionzana, where you can visit the Oratory of the Madonna del Latte (“Virgin of the Milk”) and the Cascina Canta farm which sill grows top quality organic produce. Continue via Casalbeltrame to San Nazzaro Sesia with its beautiful 12th century Romanesque abbey. The area to the north, towards Casaleggio, is occupied by a succession of rice fields and farms where you can try the superb local gorgonzola and the traditional goose salami. And farther on is the area of production of the world-famous wines of Fara, Sizzano, Ghemme and Gattinara.

If you are in the Ghemme area in September, don’t miss the “In Vino Qualitas” event, with guided tours of local vineyards, wine fests, conferences, and opportunities to try local wines and food specialities.