- Nel cuore del territorio Lambrusco Grasparossa a Castelvetro di Modena
In the heart of Emilia, on the hills above Modena, Castelvetro is a charming tourist destination full of surprises. Named “Città del Vino” since 1994 and a Touring Club “Orange Flag” (Bandiera Arancione) since 2003, it was also included among “Borghi più belli d’Italia” in 2025.
What makes our small town so special? Some attribute it to its magnificent medieval structures. Others attribute it to its special connection with some of the region’s finest food and wine, primarily Lambrusco Grasparossa.
Still others emphasize how over the years, Castelvetro has managed to shake off its “static postcard” image, combining historic charm with contemporary hospitality, thus becoming a dynamic wine tourism destination.
Perhaps the right answer is a combination of all of these, but one thing is certain: to fully understand the beauty of Castelvetro di Modena, you need to come and experience it in all its nuances.
An easy and evocative itinerary to immediately enter the heart of Castelvetro begins in Piazza Roma, the village’s balcony.
On March 21, 2026, the first day of spring, the “new chessboard” was inaugurated, one of the most iconic features of the Modena area. A major restoration project involved not only the two-tone marble and stone paving but the entire layout of the square, including the historic stairways that connect the center to the streets below.
Walking between the Clock Tower and the Prison Tower, with a view that sweeps toward Modena hills: is an exercise in balancing the Middle Ages and modernity. Here, the chessboard is more than just decoration: every two years—the next event is in September 2026—it becomes the battlefield of the Living Checkers, a historical reenactment that transforms the village into a Renaissance setting.
A visit to the Acetaia Comunale, located inside the town hall, is an opportunity offered to visitors one Sunday a month. The smell of cooked must aging in wood is the essence of Modena, a dive into the ancient tradition that has made this region famous worldwide. As soon as you step through the door, you’re greeted by the aroma of vinegar fermenting and maturing in the “vasselli.” In two sets of seven barrels each, the slow passage of time forms the basis of Traditional Balsamic Vinegar of Modena, a treasure recognized with the DOP label.
While the village offers several restaurants within walking distance for lunch or dinner, for a taste of Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro DOP, accompanied by local delicacies, we look forward to welcoming you to the Fattoria Moretto wine shop at Via Cialdini 24.
Remaining in the village, Rosso Graspa Museum, dedicated to the history and culture of the area, and Palazzo Rangoni, the ancient headquarters of the city’s lords, are worth a visit. A few kilometers away, the most interesting destinations are the Levizzano Rangone Castle with its Matilda Tower and the bishops’ chambers, the Sanctuary of Puianello, and the churches of Solignano.
Imagine a vast natural canvas, where the leaves take on the colors of the earth, turning yellow, orange, red, and finally brown. If you happen to be in Castelvetro in autumn, there’s a spectacle you won’t have to pay for, and despite its annual recurrence, it remains unmissable: the foliage.
It doesn’t just involve the woods and forests, but also the vineyards, with explosions of color created by the Lambrusco Grasparossa vines. After bearing juicy bunches of grapes, the vines turn fiery red, a unique wonder that also gives our beloved grape its name.