The Monferrato region lies to the east of Turin and is one of Italy's most important wine-producing areas by virtue of its terroir and climate. The principal wines produced here are Barbera d'Asti, Barbera del Monferrato, and Freisa d'Asti. The wine route winds through the hills to the south of the River Tanaro and leads to such notable centres for wine and tourism as Asti, Nizza Monferrato and San Martino Alfieri.