Perched on a hill amid vineyards, Ottiglio lies in the heart of the Barbera and Grignolino region, as reflected in the town’s banner, which features two clusters of grapes and eight stars representing the eight feudal families that shaped its long history.

The village seems almost clinging to the hill, with houses closely packed together, cascading from the top where the castle stands, along with the church, and spreading downward. The streets and narrow alleys form concentric rings, creating the characteristic medieval ricetto layout.

The castle, destroyed during the recurring wars of the 17th century, now appears as a noble residence and is privately owned. The church, dedicated to San Germano and built in 1761 using much material salvaged from the castle ruins, presents a rather sober and austere façade.

Inside, however, it surprises with rich decorations, adorned with fine paintings, frescoes from the late 16th century, and materials recovered from the previous church on the same site, including sculptures and a large, valuable wooden choir—a true gem of the church. In the lower part of the village, the very ancient Church of Sant’Eusebio stands out, known for its excellent acoustics and used for music and choir performances.

While vineyards clearly dominate the landscape of Ottiglio, the village is not solely defined by wine.

Around 450 high-quality Piedmontese cattle are raised here, representing a nationally recognized excellence. The town has revived an agricultural tradition with the Fiera del Bovino di Ottiglio, a fair dating back to the 19th century that had ceased in the 1970s.

It is a traditional festival, drawing large crowds and providing breeders the opportunity to showcase their best animals and exchange knowledge.

Highlighting the importance of this sector, the mayor has stated:“Livestock farming remains a true local cultural heritage, placing animal welfare and care for their environment at the center. This results in exceptional quality meat, appreciated worldwide. ”.