The village rises among hills covered in vineyards, and wine has been the backbone of its economy for centuries. Most local producers belong to the Tre Secoli winery, though there are also many independent winemakers crafting exceptional wines.

Like most Monferrato villages, Ricaldone has ancient origins. Historians agree on the etymology of its name, which comes from the combination of two words.

Runcus has several meanings, but here it is understood as “uncultivated land” or “thicket.” Aldo, or more precisely Adonis, refers to the name of the Germanic leader Aldo, who led the Lombard people in this area in the 7th century

Together, the words signify “Aldo’s thicket.”

The village’s history mirrors that of the surrounding territory, yet three noble families stand out for having left a lasting mark: the Canelli family, the lords of Ricadono, and the Colombo family, lords of Cuccaro. Over the centuries, numerous other lordships and feudal owners divided and governed the land, up until the late 1700s.

The village’s original parish church was located at the entrance and was dedicated to Saint Michael. In the 16th century, it was replaced by the larger Church of Saints Simon and Jude Thaddeus, featuring four naves. Inside, visitors can admire marble altars with stucco decorations and 17th-century paintings.
In July 2022, the village hosted L’isola in collina, a long-standing festival organized by the Luigi Tenco Association to honor the singer-songwriter born in Cassine, who spent part of his childhood in Ricaldone and has been buried in the local cemetery since 1967. The festival is one of Italy’s main events dedicated to original songwriting.

Ricaldone is also home to a museum dedicated to the artist and the permanent Luigi Tenco Documentation Center, preserving his legacy for locals and visitors alike.