The first settlers in this area were Ligurian people, followed by the Romans. Castelnuovo was colonised by the Romans, but only partly so, as it was relatively far from the main Roman roads. It began playing an important role in the local area at a later date: in 1100 the castle was built. This originally belonged to the Rivalba family and then in the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods was fought over by the Marquises of Monferrato and the Dukes of Savoy.

Castelnuovo Don Bosco, “Wine Country”, is renowned for its Malvasia, a dessert wine which can be either still or sparkling, and Freisa d’Asti. The economy is predominantly based on agriculture: from producers, first and foremost the Cantina del Freisa, which is a cooperative numbering 300 growers supplying grapes from Chieri, Airali and Castelnuovo, and estates like Cascina Gilli. Building is another important part of the local economy.

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Known as the “Land of Saints and Wines”, in the nineteenth century this village was the birthplace of many saints: S. Giuseppe Cafasso, S. Giovanni Bosco, Giuseppe Allamano, and Giovanni Cagliero; and many also stayed here during their lives: S. Domenico Savio, S. Maria Mazzarello, S. Benedetto Cottolengo, Guglielmo Massaia, Luigi Orione and Margherita Occhiena.