The origins of Vinadio date back to the end of the 11th century. Vinadio is the Italian translation of the Occitan name Vinai, “Vin aigre” sour wine, formerly produced in the Municipality. The toponym, however, could also derive from the ancient population of the Veneni Gauls who lived in the area.

Those who arrive in the village are struck by the majesty of Forte Albertino, a masterpiece of nineteenth-century military engineering and architecture that today hosts the multimedia itinerary “ Montagna in Movimento ” with exhibitions, virtual reality stations and itineraries for families and children. The Fort is also a meeting place, thanks to the artificial lake created at the bottom, which is freely accessible to visitors. At the gates of the fortress, two imposing figures by Scottish artist David Mach guard the area (an allusion to the Ugo brothers who also performed with the Barnum circus).

From Vinadio, the valley of Sant'Anna opens out, leading to Colle della Lombarda, on the border between France and Italy. The Santuario di Sant’Anna is located  at 2,035 meters above sea level. An ancient alpine shelter built to welcome pilgrims from nearby Provence, it boasts the primacy of the highest sanctuary in Europe accessible by car, and is still a pilgrimage destination today.

For outdoor lovers, the Stura Valley offers a wide variety of activities. At 1,700 meters above sea level, in the San Bernolfo area, there is a red and white Giant Bench. In addition to numerous hiking trails, in Festiona and Gaiola visitors can go fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting. Lovers of cycle tourism can try their hand at the hard climb that leads to the Santuario di Sant'Anna, Colle della Lombarda or Colle della Maddalena. Near the top there is a stele in honour of Fausto Coppi:  here the champion began the famous escape from the group that led him to triumph in the Cuneo-Pinerolo stage of the 1949 Giro d'Italia. In winter, the area offers Nordic skiing in Festiona, alpine skiing in Argentera or sport climbing on the natural ice waterfall in Strepeis.

Sambucane sheep are a symbol of this valley, renowned for their tasty meat. The Ecomuseo della Pastorizia, in the Pontebernardo district, is dedicated to these docile creatures, and to the migration stories of the past . The typical local delicacies of the valley include crusets, fresh handmade egg pasta.