Grinzane Cavour – 06/05/2026
At the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour, the launch of the 2026 Santena Asparagus season

“A DIALOGUE BETWEEN ADMINISTRATIONS AND COMMUNITIES”AT GRINZANE CASTLE, THE OFFICIAL PRESENTATION OF THE 93rd ASPARAGUS FESTIVAL: A SHARED PROJECT BETWEEN INSTITUTIONS, PRODUCERS AND TERRITORIES, REMEMBERING CATHOLICS AND SOCIAL SAINTS BETWEEN THE 19th AND 20th CENTURIES IN LANGHE, ROERO AND MONFERRATO”.

GRINZANE CAVOUR, 06/05/2026 – At the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour, within the prestigious setting of the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, the bond that unites the manor once home to Count Camillo and the City of Santena—historic location of the family residence and the place where the statesman is buried—has once again been strengthened.

In recent days, the Castle hosted the presentation of the Santena asparagus campaign and the program of the 93rd Asparagus Festival, scheduled from May 15 to 24.

Over the years, this event has become a key moment not only for the launch of the season, but above all as an opportunity for exchange among territories, institutions and production chains. The initiative, organized by the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour, was promoted by the Association “Friends of the Camillo Cavour Foundation” of Santena, the Camillo Cavour Foundation, the Santena and Pianalto Asparagus Producers Association, the Pro Loco of Santena, the Chieri–Carmagnola Food District, the Cities of Santena and Alba, and the Municipality of Grinzane Cavour.

Enhancing the event, in the presence of the Mayor of Santena, Roberto Ghio, was the conference “Catholics and Social Saints between the 19th and 20th Centuries in Langhe, Roero and Monferrato”, featuring distinguished contributions from Professor Luigi Cabutto and Gino Anchisi, President of the “Friends of the Camillo Cavour Foundation” of Santena. Their speeches intertwined the history of the Risorgimento and the unification of Italy with the role of the territory’s “social saints.”

In a context marked by rural poverty, emigration and profound economic and social transformations, Catholics and the so-called “social saints” responded to the needs of communities through concrete and widespread actions in solidarity, education and assistance, leaving a lasting mark on the territory. Through parishes, charitable works, schools, cooperatives and associations, the Church played a fundamental role in supporting the most vulnerable members of society and strengthening the social fabric of local communities. This commitment has left a lasting legacy, contributing to the creation of a model of social cohesion and attention to the common good that still characterizes these lands today.

The presentation and discussions concluded with “zero-time” asparagus shoots, wines from the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour, “Gran Cavour” rice and the PGI Piedmont Hazelnut from the Langhe, offering a tangible expression of the dialogue between products and territories.

“The historical conference on the Social Saints and the presentation of the Santena asparagus campaign represent an important moment of collaboration between territories that share values, history and vision,” stated Roberto Bodrito, President of the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour. “The Enoteca continues to be a place of meeting and promotion, capable of connecting agricultural excellence and communities, helping to enhance products that are authentic expressions of Piedmont.”

“These initiatives demonstrate how essential it is to work together to promote local excellence and strengthen the bond between communities,” added jointly Alberto Gatto, Mayor of Alba, and Gianfranco Garau, Mayor of Grinzane Cavour, Vice Presidents of the Enoteca. “Santena asparagus, like the products of Langhe and Roero, represents a heritage that must be supported and consistently promoted, also through moments of exchange like this.”

The 2026 season shows positive prospects, supported by favorable climatic conditions and a production chain that continues to invest in quality and innovation. Estimated production stands at approximately 165 tons, confirming the value of a strongly identity-based product, linked to the unique characteristics of the sandy soils of the Pianalto.

From May 15 to 24, Santena will host the 93rd Asparagus Festival, featuring a diverse and structured format that combines tradition with new ways of engaging and involving the public.