Vermouth was born in Turin in the late eighteenth century, and the city still treats it as part of its identity. Casa Martini, at Pessione a short drive south-east of the city, is the home of one of the best-known vermouth brands in the world, and it welcomes visitors with a museum, a guided walk through the old cellars and a tasting. The museum tells the story of wine-making and vermouth through ancient vessels, historic bottles and old advertising posters, while the production site shows how botanicals, wine and spirit become the finished drink. The ticket linked here includes entry and a tasting, and a guided version is also sold for those who want the stories explained. It is an easy half-day trip for anyone who enjoys food, drink and industrial history, and it pairs naturally with an aperitivo back in Turin, where vermouth bars still pour the drink the traditional way.
How it works
Pessione is a small town on the railway line south-east of Turin, and the site can be reached by train and a short walk or by car. Visits are timed, and the tasting is part of the experience, so those who plan to drive should think about who takes the wheel. Check the ticket page for the days the site is open, as production sites often close on certain days and for holidays.
What you see
The museum collects objects from the long history of wine and vermouth, with displays on the ingredients, the herbs and spices and the marketing that made the brand famous. The old cellars and the beautifully kept buildings give a sense of scale. The tasting that follows is the highlight for most visitors, and it is a chance to compare vermouth served neat, on ice and as a classic cocktail.
Making the most of it
Allow half a day including the journey, and book a slot in advance for weekends. It suits adults far better than young children, and it is a good rainy-day or off-season plan when the hills are not at their best. If you want to learn how to taste vermouth properly, ask the guide about the botanicals, and then follow up with an aperitivo in one of Turin’s historic cafés.
What to expect
The experience
A timed visit to a museum and historic cellars at Pessione, finishing with a vermouth tasting.
Best time
Any season, though it makes an especially good plan on a wet or cold day.
How long
About half a day including the journey from Turin.
Tips
Book a slot ahead, decide who drives before you taste, and check the site’s weekly closing days on the ticket page.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Food and drink lovers, couples and anyone curious about the invention that made Turin famous at aperitivo hour.
- Families
- Better for teenagers than small children, as the focus is on tasting and history.
- Couples
- A relaxed, grown-up half-day that ends with a glass in hand.
- Pair with
- An aperitivo in a historic Turin café that evening, or a food-focused day in the centre.
- Time needed
- Half a day with travel.
Good questions
What is vermouth?+
Vermouth is a wine flavoured with herbs and spices and usually fortified. The modern version was developed in Turin and is central to the city’s aperitivo culture.
How do I get to Casa Martini from Turin?+
Pessione lies south-east of Turin on the railway line, and the site can be reached by train and a short walk or by car.
Does the ticket include a tasting?+
Yes, the ticket linked here includes entry and a tasting. A guided visit is sold as a separate product.
Is it suitable for children?+
Children can visit, but the experience is built around tasting and history, so it suits teenagers and adults best.
Do I need to book in advance?+
It is wise to book, especially at weekends, because visits are timed and the site closes on certain days.
