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Craft Beer in Piemonte, Italy

The Rise of Microbreweries and 5 Producers to Watch

Piemonte Craft Beer and microbreweries

When most people think of Piemonte, their minds instantly travel to the region’s world-class wines; Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera. Yet, nestled among the rolling vineyards and medieval villages, a quieter but equally passionate revolution is brewing: craft beer.

In recent years, Piemonte has become a vibrant hub for Italy’s craft beer movement, with a growing number of independent microbreweries (birrifici artigianali) offering innovative, small-batch beers that rival the region’s more traditional alcoholic beverages. For beer lovers visiting or living in Piemonte, this blossoming scene offers an exciting new taste of Italian craftsmanship.

The Emergence of Craft Beer Culture in Piemonte

Italy’s love affair with beer is relatively recent when compared to its ancient traditions of wine. Although lagers and mass-produced beers have been consumed in Italy since the 19th century, the craft beer (birra artigianale) movement didn’t truly take off until the late 1990s and early 2000s. Piemonte, with its strong agricultural roots, creative spirit, and commitment to quality, quickly became one of the leaders of this movement.

Several factors fueled Piemonte’s emergence as a craft beer hotspot:

  • Agricultural diversity: The region’s rich grain, hops, and water resources provide brewers with top-quality ingredients.

  • Gastronomic culture: Piemonte’s reputation for slow food and artisanal products naturally extends to beverages, making it an ideal environment for small-batch beer production.

  • Experimental mindset: Piemontese brewers are known for innovation, often blending beer-making techniques with influences from winemaking, such as barrel-aging in former wine casks or fermenting with wild yeasts.

Today, Piemonte boasts dozens of birrifici artigianali, from rustic farmhouse breweries tucked away in the Alps to modern taprooms in bustling cities like Turin.

Five Piemontese Craft Breweries to Watch

Here are five microbreweries from Piemonte that are capturing attention both in Italy and abroad. Each brings a distinct approach to the art of beer-making:

1. Birrificio Baladin (Piozzo, Cuneo)

You can’t talk about craft beer in Italy without mentioning Baladin. Founded by Teo Musso in 1996, Baladin is considered one of the pioneering forces behind Italy’s craft beer revolution. Nestled in the Langhe hills, Baladin produces an extraordinary range of beers, often featuring local ingredients and whimsical branding.
Must-try: Nazionale – Italy’s first 100% Italian-sourced beer, brewed with native hops.
Baladin also runs a vibrant “Open Garden” brewery experience where visitors can taste beers fresh from the source.

2. Birrificio CitaBiunda (Neive, Cuneo)

In the heart of the Langhe, the medieval village of Neive is not just famous for Barbaresco wines, it’s also home to Birrificio CitaBiunda, one of Piemonte’s hidden beer (and pizza) gems. CitaBiunda focuses on creating unfiltered, traditional-style beers with a rustic, local character. They are especially respected for their delicate Blanche (wheat beer) and easy-drinking ales, often served at local festivals and events as well as their backyard style Pizzeria.
Must-try: Alica – a refreshing Belgian-style wheat beer brewed with a soft touch of citrus and spice, perfect for warm summer days.
A visit to CitaBiunda’s cozy taproom in Neive offers a genuine taste of small-town Piemonte craft brewing at its best.

3. Birra Pasturana (Pasturana, Alessandria)

Located near the border of Liguria, Birra Pasturana crafts beers with a strong sense of regional identity. Their lineup includes bold ales, stouts, and a number of creative seasonal releases. Pasturana often collaborates with local winemakers, aging beers in oak barrels used for Barbera or Dolcetto wines.
Must-try: Blonde Ale – light but flavorful, it’s a perfect introduction to Italian craft beer for newcomers.
This birrificio is highly regarded for maintaining artisanal methods without compromising on quality.

4. Birrificio Trunasse (Centallo, Cuneo)

In the heart of rural Piemonte, Trunasse has built a loyal following thanks to their traditional, unfiltered beers brewed with great care. Inspired by German and Belgian traditions but unmistakably Italian in character, their beers range from crisp lagers to rich dubbel-style ales.
Must-try: La Chiara – a golden ale brewed with Piemontese malt and hops, offering refreshing balance and complexity.
Trunasse also participates in many local festivals, promoting the culture of beer as part of Piemonte’s evolving culinary identity.

5. Birrificio Edit (Turin)

Bringing a modern, urban energy to the scene, EDIT is a craft brewery, brewpub, and restaurant all rolled into one stylish space in Turin. EDIT (Eat, Drink, Innovate, Together) specializes in American-style craft beers — IPAs, pale ales, and sours — brewed with precision and a bit of flair.
Must-try: Double IPA – bold, hoppy, and unforgettable, showcasing EDIT’s international inspiration.
Thanks to their lively atmosphere and food pairing focus, EDIT has become a go-to spot for both locals and tourists looking for a full craft beer and dining experience.

Why Piemonte’s Craft Beer is Special

What sets Piemonte’s birrifici apart from the global sea of craft beer? A few key factors:

  • Strong local identity: Breweries often use local grains, mountain spring water, and native herbs or fruits, giving their beers a unique, regional flavor.

  • Innovation meets tradition: Many brewers experiment with hybrid techniques, such as fermenting beer with wine yeasts or barrel-aging in old Nebbiolo barrels.

  • Commitment to quality: In a region already renowned for its gastronomy, there’s no room for mediocre products. Quality is paramount.

  • Community focus: Many microbreweries host open days, beer festivals, and pairing dinners, strengthening the link between local culture and craft beer.

How to Explore Piemonte’s Beer Scene

If you’re planning a visit, keep an eye out for these ways to experience Piemonte’s craft beer culture:

  • Taprooms and brewpubs: Many breweries offer on-site tastings and tours.

  • Local beer festivals: Events like C’è Fermento in Saluzzo celebrate the best of Italian craft brewing.

  • Specialty bars and shops: Venues like Open Baladin Torino or Il Maltese Pub in Turin showcase dozens of local and national craft beers.

  • Farm stays and agriturismi: Some countryside lodgings feature local beers alongside their food and wine offerings.

Conclusion

While Piemonte’s wine legacy will always be the region’s signature, its craft beer culture is carving out an exciting niche. Thanks to passionate brewers, innovative techniques, and a deep respect for quality ingredients, Piemonte is fast becoming one of Italy’s most dynamic destinations for beer lovers.

Whether you’re sipping a hoppy IPA in Turin, tasting a farmhouse ale among the vineyards of Langhe, or enjoying a beer and cheese pairing in the Alps, there’s never been a better time to discover the world of Piemontese craft beer.

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