a couple of years ago we had a very pleasant time in the Monferrato area at an agriturismo called Acino d'Oro http://www.agriturismoacinodoro.it/index.htm (only in Italian, sorry) The rooms were newly restored and the half-board was excellent, mixing local flavours with Sicilian specialties brought up north by the cook. Very good local wine, homemade jellies and cookies, and a convenient location not far from Asti. You can try and e-mail them as I remember they spoke a bit of English. Bye

Paolo Trieste, Italy