Vines as a treatment option in hospitals: the “Rivìtere” therapeutic vineyard inaugurated in Orbassano
Bringing part of the treatment outside the traditional clinic spaces, into an environment where patients can engage with actions, stimuli, and relationships that are more reminiscent of real life, and where they can practice movement, balance, coordination, manual dexterity, orientation, and independence through practical activities, in a safe and accessible natural setting: the vineyard. This is
The goal is to complement the hospital's existing programs with activities conducted in a natural environment, closely aligned with everyday experiences. International scientific literature highlights how rehabilitation activities, in the broadest sense of the term, conducted outdoors and in contact with nature can promote functional recovery, psychological well-being, and quality of life, also contributing to greater patient participation in the treatment process. From this perspective, patients will be able to access the vineyard and participate, according to their condition and treatment goals, in activities related to the care and rhythms of the vine, transforming the green space into an additional rehabilitation environment.
"Innovating in healthcare also means imagining new ways of caring for people. 'Rivìtere' brings an environment into the hospital where simple, everyday gestures like moving, taking care of something, and being with others become part of the care journey," said the joint message from Piedmont Region President Alberto Cirio, Vice President Maurizio Marrone, and Health Councilor Federico Riboldi. "It's an innovation that puts people and their quality of life at the center, with the goal of guiding them toward a more independent and enriching daily life. In this case, it does so through the vineyard, one of our region's agricultural excellences, symbolizing its value and heritage."
"Rivìtere" comprises six high-tech vineyard areas and a sensory area featuring aromatic varieties and vegetation, designed to support therapeutic activities and bring patients, caregivers, and healthcare staff together. This initiative is part of a process already underway at San Luigi Hospital to integrate green spaces into healthcare services, with the inauguration of the Rehabilitation Garden in May 2026. This evolution of the historic "open-air gym," it is designed as a true clinical setting for motor recovery, balance, coordination, independence, and psychological well-being.
"With the therapeutic vineyard, we're continuing along a specific path: using the hospital's outdoor spaces as places where treatment can be concretely continued," explained Davide Minniti, CEO of the Hospital Trust.
The space is also designed to foster encounters and socialization among caregivers and family members, helping reduce isolation among the most vulnerable by integrating the care process into an open and shared environment. "San Luigi offers us the opportunity to bring the Citiculture model to a context where the value of the individual is central," concludes Luca Balbiano, founder and CEO of Citiculture. "The vine has always been a symbol of rebirth and resilience, and the new therapeutic vineyard was created precisely to put nature at the service of well-being, creating a space that accompanies care processes and fosters encounters, inclusion, and quality of life. It is the result of a collaboration between diverse expertise and organizations that have chosen to share a common vision: to build places capable of generating value for individuals and the community."