Canneto Pavese – Wine Routes, History and Local Specialties

Landscape between the Versa and Scuropasso

The landscape around Canneto Pavese forms a mosaic of cultivated areas, woodlands and natural paths. Canneto Pavese is located at one of the most panoramic points in the area. Small villages are scattered across the crests of the gently rounded hills between the left bank of the Versa stream and the ridge of the slopes above the right bank of the Scuropasso stream. The landscape also includes the Parco locale di interesse sovracomunale, or Plis, delle Valli di Recoaro, which extends across Broni and Canneto Pavese.

Paths through vineyards and valleys

The VALLA’ e POZZI path begins at the Parco Comunale and ends at the square by the Fonti di Recoaro. From there, the VALLE SCURA path climbs up to the hamlet of Montuè in Canneto. The Valli Fontana e Solinga path begins in the town center, in an area with a centuries-old winemaking tradition. The Via di San Colombano also runs as a panoramic route through the vineyards.

History at the Pozzo di Sant'Antonio Abate

The medieval Pozzo di Sant'Antonio Abate served as a resting place for pilgrims and travelers. It preserves original bas-reliefs featuring the coats of arms of the Arrigoni and Visconti families, as well as depictions of Saint Anthony the Abbot and Saint Roch. The oldest manuscript found to date in which Canneto is mentioned is a property sale deed dated February 9, 1198; in it, the place is referred to as “Caneto.” Montù de Gabbi was officially renamed Canneto Pavese on January 1, 1886.

Specialties from Canneto Pavese

I Bata Lavar is a traditional oversized agnolotto from Canneto Pavese. Its name refers to the fact that, because of its size, it is difficult to eat in a single bite and strikes the lip while doing so. Another local specialty is Spalla cotta di Canneto Pavese, which is prepared with a brine made from water, salt and spices. The Casa del Buttafuoco stands on the site where the ancient castle of Vigalone in Canneto Pavese once stood. In the cellar adjoining the Casa, visitors can taste Grande Rosso and Grappa del Buttafuoco.

Buttafuoco Storico: Tasting and Guided Tour

The Casa del Buttafuoco is the tourist information point of the Unione Prima Collina. Buttafuoco Storico tastings are available from Tuesday to Saturday by reservation. On Sundays, tastings are available by reservation only for groups of more than 20 people. During the “Alla scoperta del Buttafuoco Storico” guided tour, three wines from historic vineyards are tasted in the club's cellar.

Getting to Canneto Pavese

From Milano Centrale or Pavia, you can take a regional train to Voghera or Stradella. From there, it is possible to continue by taxi or, if available, by bus to Canneto Pavese. Bus services from the stations in Stradella or Voghera connect to the surrounding towns, including Canneto Pavese; services are not very frequent.

For further regional orientation, you can also select Cervesina, Casorate Primo, Bressana, Cilavegna, Montesegale, Arena Po, Vidigulfo and Sala.

For the higher-level travel overview: Pavia.