This is a path suitable for families, where some of the corners of the Mendrisiotto which are most linked to the vine growing and wine producing world can be discovered, in particular the wine cellars, the commune of Castel San Pietro and the Agricultural Institute of Mezzana.

The thread running through this itinerary is the relation between man and the vine. The themes contained in the 11 panels along the path put the accent on how vine-growing has gradually occupied a more and more important in the region’s economy, from its beginnings as an agricultural activity.

Though it is inserted in an area which is man-made to a large extent and has been changed a lot by the great building boom, this itinerary, which starts in the centre of the town of Mendrisio, turns out to be especially intriguing in that it takes the visitor not only on the discovery of gentle hilly panoramas, but also of important cultural aspects of the area.

Among the places of greatest interest along the way we can point out: the mediaeval Burgh of Mendrisio; the ancient wine cellars of Mendrisio and Salorino; Castel San Pietro, the commune with the largest number of vineyards in the Canton, with its churches; the Cantonal Agricultural Institute of Mezzana; the Collina degli Ulivi, the corner with the best viewpoint in the area.

Places   Arrival / return travel 

Length12 km

Hiking timeMendrisio–Mendrisio: 3 h 45 min
Mendrisio–Mendrisio: 3 h 45 min

 Height differenceMendrisio–Mendrisio: 345 m
Mendrisio–Mendrisio: 345 m

 RequirementsGrade: easy
Conditions: easy

 SignalizationLeave from the town of Mendrisio, from the parking area at the Art Museum in via Carlo Pasta, and go towards the Wine Cellars (le Cantine) of Mendrisio then in the direction of Salorino, Obino and Castel San Pietro. Walk down towards the Agricultural Institute of Mezzana, past Vigino, Toganano and Villa di Coldrerio. After the stage at Mezzana continue towards Mendrisio by returning to Villa and going towards Corteglia, Villa Foresta and La Torre. Cross Piazza del Ponte and go along via Stella to the starting point.